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Mitchell Highway upgrade to deliver safer trips east of Dubbo

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver safer roads for regional communities, with $24.4 million worth of safety upgrades being funded through the Towards Zero program on a 6.2-kilometre section of the Mitchell Highway at Deep Creek, between Wongarbon and Geurie. The major upgrade will deliver smoother, safer journeys for all road users along a well-known crash hot spot in western NSW.

The extensive upgrade work at Deep Creek is scheduled to start on Monday 10 November and will take up to two years to complete.

Key work includes:

Widening highway shoulders to reduce the risk of drivers losing control if they leave the road pavement.
Installing wider centre lines to increase the distance between oncoming traffic and reduce the risk of head on collisions.
Upgrading gutters and kerbing to improve road durability and drainage
Improving stormwater drainage to reduce the risk of flooding
Installing new safety barriers to protect motorists and prevent run off road crashes.

Crash statistics for this section of the Mitchell Highway paint a sobering picture for all road users.

In a five-year period between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023, there were five recorded crashes on the section of Mitchell Highway stretching from 1.72 kilometres east of Deep Creek Road to 4.48 kilometres west of Deep Creek Road, Geurie and, sadly, three people lost their lives.

Transport for NSW will advise the community of start dates and any impacts to traffic once all details have been confirmed.

More information on Towards Zero is available on the Transport for NSW website.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“As Minister for roads, safety is my number one priority. These upgrades to the Mitchell Highway are a vital investment to deliver safer, smoother journeys on this key regional route.

“The Mitchell Highway carries thousands of locals, tourists and freight operators every day, often travelling long distances at a time through the west of the state.

“The Towards Zero program delivers important road infrastructure on the key routes used most regularly by motorists across the state.”

Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

This upgrade will make a real difference for the Dubbo community and everyone who travels along the Mitchell Highway.”

“We know the 6.2- kilometre section has recorded multiple off road and head on crashes in recent years, highlighting the need for this investment.

“By improving safety and reducing crash risks, we’re helping ensure motorists can get home to their families safely.”

“The NSW Government is investing in safer, more reliable roads to better connect our regions and support local communities.

Better roads for NSW new design unveiled for $200 million fix for one of Sydney’s busiest intersections

The Minns and Albanese Labor governments are one step closer to upgrading one of Sydney’s busiest intersections, with a new design unveiled for the $200 million Homebush Bay Drive and Australia Avenue intersection upgrade.

The new design replaces the existing roundabout with an easy to follow, signalised intersection, complete with additional lanes to ease congestion and keep traffic moving, particularly during peak periods and major events at nearby Sydney Olympic Park.

Following comprehensive traffic and environmental investigations, a layout has been developed that minimises impacts on Bressington and Bicentennial parks while delivering a safer, more efficient connection for everyone who walks, rides or drives through the precinct.

Community consultation on the previously proposed Diverging Diamond Interchange solution was supported by only 25 per cent of respondents due to concerns about the complexity, unfamiliarity and safety of this design.

The Australian and NSW Governments are each investing $100 million in this $200 million upgrade.

Work has now been completed on the project’s Review of Environmental Factors (REF), which evaluates the environmental and community impacts of the revised design.

The community is being invited to provide feedback on the REF and the revised proposal, which has now been progressed to concept design, between 2 December and Sunday 18 January 2026.

The upgrade is set to benefit tens of thousands of people who use this intersection every year, with 5,000 vehicles traveling through the roundabout per hour during peak periods.

The upgrade comes after interim safety improvement work which was completed at the roundabout and Homebush Bay Drive on ramps in December 2024.

This work has led to improved short-term traffic flow and road safety, especially during peak periods and special events.

Work included installing new traffic loop detectors, 12 new roundabout operating signs and advanced warning signs at the roundabout and Homebush Bay Drive off ramps.

A pedestrian crossing was also relocated to a new, safer location on Australia Avenue and upgraded with a pedestrian fence.

This interim investment was delivered to improve safety at this key location while the major upgrade solution is developed, which will also address future growth in the area.

Construction of the major project is expected to start in 2027 and take about two years to complete.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King:

“The Australian Government welcomes this step forward in easing congestion, increasing safety and improving travel times and connectivity to Sydney Olympic Park and Homebush.

“The community has waited for years for a solution to the traffic issues that have plagued this intersection since it first opened more than a quarter of a century ago.

“We have listened to the community and are moving forward with a more traditional and familiar design and the delivery of a much-needed upgrade at this intersection.

“We will continue to work with the NSW Government to deliver significant infrastructure projects that the people of NSW need and deserve.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are fixing the infrastructure that communities across NSW have waited too long for.

“For the thousands of drivers stuck at this intersection every day, this upgrade means less time in traffic and more time with your family.

“I want to thank Donna Davis and Sally Sitou for their persistent advocacy to push this project forward. Their close connection to community has supported the feedback that has led to this new design.”

Federal Member for Reid, Sally Sitou:

“This is a major win for our community. The upgrade will ease congestion, make it safer for families and improve access to Sydney Olympic Park for events and everyday travel alike.

“I’m proud to see the Albanese Government working hand-in-hand with the NSW Government to deliver the infrastructure that locals in Reid have been calling for. This intersection has been a headache for years, and this project will finally fix it.

“As our local population grows, so too must our infrastructure. This upgrade will future-proof one of our busiest intersections, supporting new homes, local businesses and the thousands of people who visit Sydney Olympic Park each week.”

NSW Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“The population of Homebush has almost doubled in the past decade, placing increased pressure on Sydney’s worst roundabout.

“With additional residential and commercial growth in Wentworth Point, Carter Street precinct and Sydney Olympic Park, along with the influx of traffic to major events and the DFO, a solution needs to be implemented as soon as possible.”

Culturally significant harbour swim spot re-opens for summer

Barangaroo’s much loved swim spot, Marrinawi Cove, has officially re-opened just in time for summer, after an upgrade undertaken by the Minns Labor Government has taken the popular bay spot to another level delivering a larger swimming area and increased amenities.

A special summer holiday activation will help celebrate the swim spots return with free live music and pop-up shops selling gelato and barista made coffee for people to enjoy alongside their harbour dip in the heart of the city every weekend from Saturday 6 December until March.*

This follows a successful free pop-up music experience last summer which entertained more than 6000 people over the season.

Recently completed upgrade works at Marrinawi Cove include:

A larger swimming area with up to 150sqm of additional swimming space and a swim length now up to 45 metres
A new non-slip platform, integrated sandstone stairs, handrails and a ladder for easier access in and out of the water
A new double outdoor shower
Increased leisure space for picnics by the water.

These safety and accessibility improvements were made at Marrinawi Cove over the last few months following community feedback.

The upgrade is part of a broader NSW Government initiative to boost accessibility of Sydney’s harbourside precincts so everyone can relax and enjoy our famous harbor and was fully funded by developer contributions.

Marrinawi Cove is a culturally significant spot, as the area was historically used by the Gadigal people for swimming, bathing, canoeing, and fishing for thousands of years.

It is distinct with sculpted and some repurposed sandstone and native flora surrounding the swim spot, creating a serene, natural environment.

For more information visit: https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/events/summer-at-marrinawi-cove

Marrinawi Cove is just one of the many spaces and free activations people can enjoy in our harbourside precincts this summer.

With free concerts at Darling Harbour, a festival at Tumbalong Park and Christmas markets across The Rocks, Barangaroo and White Bay Power Station.

All of our public spaces are sparkling with decorations transforming into a Christmas wonderland for the holiday season.

This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment offering free entertainment in our harbourside precincts and delivering a more festive season packed with more free family fun than ever before.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Summer is officially here and thanks to the Minns Labor Government Sydney has more options than ever for people to cool off with a quick dip. The reopened Marrinawi Cove, joining the newly opened Bedlam Bay and soon to re-open Penrith Beach to give more people places to swim close to home.

“At Marrinawi Cove free live music and pop-up gelato and barista made coffee activations will further add to the atmosphere of this incredible harbourside space where Sydneysiders and visitors can enjoy a refreshing saltwater dip right in the heart of the city.

“Beyond swimming there will be free festive fun including concerts and Christmas markets in all our harbourside precincts from The Rocks to Barangaroo and Darling Harbour to deliver a vibrant and cheerful season for visitors and locals alike.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Marrinawi Cove has reopened better than ever and just in time for summer.

“The new larger, safer and more accessible harbourside swimming experience is now open and ready for the community.

“We are focused on building better, more connected communities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this iconic location.

“Marrinawi Cove is set to be a standout destination this summer.”

Hospital parking fees soar under the Minns Labor Government

New figures released from the NSW Health Financial Statements^ show patients and their loved ones are paying more for hospital parking fees under the Minns Labor Government, rising from $51.7 million dollars in 2024 to almost $87* million dollars in 2025.

That is an increase of $35.2 million dollars or 68 per cent in just one year.

Western Sydney has been hit hardest, paying an extra $6.5 million dollars which is a rise of almost 59 per cent.

South Western Sydney rose by 49 per cent and Nepean Blue Mountains by more than 60 per cent.

Sydney and Northern Sydney saw increases of 185 per cent and 130 per cent, respectively.

Leader of the Opposition Kellie Sloane said the Minns Labor Government is making life harder at the worst possible moments.

“We already knew patients were waiting longer under Chris Minns, and now we know they are paying more as well. People should not be worrying about parking fees when they are walking into an emergency department or sitting with someone they love.”

“I want a hospital parking system that is fair, consistent and compassionate, with proper protections for long stay patients, carers and our front-line workers. Patients, their loved ones and staff should feel supported in our hospitals, not squeezed at the door.”

“This is blatant hypocrisy from a Health Minister who campaigned on parking fees being a ‘cash cow’ and a ‘cash grab’. He said it before the election, hospital parking fees were a ‘sick tax’, yet he is now happy to take even more money from families who are simply trying to look after the people they love,” Ms Sloane said.

The Government needs to explain why parking fee revenue has jumped so sharply and why the biggest increases have fallen on Western Sydney and South Western Sydney. People are already under pressure. The least they deserve is a system that does not punish them for caring.

Reforming Defence capability development and delivery

The Albanese Government is taking the next significant step towards ensuring Defence delivers the capabilities, skills and workforce it needs to meet Australia’s strategic circumstances. These reforms will include the establishment of a dedicated agency designed to strengthen and streamline acquisition and sustainment activities.

Since May 2022, the Government has provided the biggest increase in defence spending in Australia’s peacetime history, with what is now an additional $70 billion over the next decade. This includes record spending on acquisition and sustainment.

With this record funding comes the need to ensure that Defence continues to demonstrate value for money.

Once fully established, the new Defence Delivery Agency will integrate three existing Defence capability delivery groups: Capability Acquisition and Sustainment Group; Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance Group; and Naval Shipbuilding and Sustainment Group. The agency will report directly to Ministers and have control over its budget, enabling coordinated and holistic delivery of defence capability and growing our sovereign defence industrial base.

The Government will appoint a National Armaments Director to lead the new agency, who will be responsible for providing advice to the Government on acquisition strategies and the delivery of acquisition and sustainment projects following Government approval.

In parallel, Defence will also centralise capability development functions to support clearer prioritisation, streamlined decision-making and accountability for new capability proposals to ensure capabilities support an integrated, focused Australian Defence Force.

These reforms will support greater project and budget management, cost estimation and assurance right across the life of a project.

Work to implement these reforms, including work to design and develop the Defence Delivery Agency, will begin immediately and include consultation with relevant stakeholders, including industry.

These reforms build on a series of targeted improvements already delivered by the Albanese Government, to ensure the ADF has the capabilities it needs to safeguard Australia and its interests.

Deputy Prime Minister, Richard Marles:

“As the Albanese Government makes the biggest ever peacetime investment in Defence, it is important that we put in place the structures and systems to ensure Australia’s Defence Force can deliver the capabilities we need at speed and within budget.

“The establishment of the Defence Delivery Agency will elevate the professionalism and strategic focus of Defence capability acquisition and sustainment. It will drive stronger contestability, more accurate cost estimation, and clearer accountability for the delivery of major projects.”

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The increasing complexity of Defence capabilities, systems and platforms requires a systematic rethink of the capability development and delivery system. This is about setting Defence up for success so we can modernise the ADF in line with the National Defence Strategy, while ensuring we spend taxpayers’ money wisely.

“The new agency will help ensure our industrial base is resilient, innovative and aligned with our strategic priorities. It will create more opportunities for Australian businesses and workers to contribute to Australia’s national security.”

Product of Concern Summit for Collins class sustainment

The Australian Government today convened the third Product of Concern Summit in Canberra, reaffirming its commitment to improving the sustainment performance of Australia’s Collins class submarines.

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP led the summit alongside Minister for Finance, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher, and senior representatives from government and industry.

This summit builds on progress made since Collins class sustainment was listed as a Product of Concern in December 2024. Defence and ASC Pty Ltd continue to work collaboratively under the Australian Submarine Enterprise to implement a comprehensive remediation plan.

Key achievements to date include workforce initiatives and productivity enhancements. These efforts are critical to ensuring the Collins class remains among the world’s most capable conventionally powered submarines.

The Product of Concern framework has proven effective in driving accountability and collaboration across government and industry.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy MP:

“These summits bring together government, industry and Defence officials to collaborate and agree on plans to improve the sustainment performance of Collins class submarines.”

“Regular Product of Concern summits ensure that Defence and industry officials are coming together to improve capability delivery for the Australian Defence Force.

“These efforts are critical to ensuring the Collins class remain among the world’s most capable conventionally powered submarines.”

Greens say no new gas, urge LNG export tax to put Australians first

The Australian Greens have said that any government response to the projected east-coast gas shortage that financially supports new gas fields will not have their support, and are calling for a 25 per cent tax on all LNG exports — a measure proposed by the ACTU and backed by experts including The Australia Institute.

The tax would ensure domestic gas supply is prioritised without incentivising new fossil fuel projects, replacing the deeply flawed Petroleum Resource Rent Tax (PRRT), which has failed to collect meaningful revenue from LNG exporters due to massive loopholes.

The announcement comes as the Government prepares to release its strategy to address east-coast gas supply shortage projected from 2028, in response to the joint Gas Market Review.

The volume of uncontracted gas currently being exported is more than enough to meet forecast domestic shortfalls, yet Australian households, who have seen gas prices triple since exports began, have received no compensation for the cost-of-living crisis created by gas corporations.

The money raised should be used to compensate households for the cost impacts caused by gas exporters and help Australia get off gas.

Australian Greens spokesperson for resources Senator Steph Hodgins-May:

“Government and industry lies are quickly unravelling. We don’t have a gas shortage, we have a gas export problem.

“If Labor brings forward an option that incentivises new gas and hands more rewards to the corporations that have been ripping off Australians, they won’t have the support of the Greens.

“Since gas exports began, prices have tripled. Gas corporations created this crisis, and Australian households have paid for it with no compensation.

“We don’t need new gas fields to meet demand. We need to stop our own gas being shipped overseas while Australian families struggle to heat their homes.

“A tax on exports is the best way to redirect existing supply to Australians, raise the revenue needed to compensate households, and help us get off gas quickly and fairly — without opening new climate-wrecking gas projects.

“These companies have pillaged our environment and our resources. Labor needs to cut ties with the gas lobby, tax exports, and commit to a fast and fair transition off gas — one that finally puts households ahead of gas corporations.”

Australian Greens spokesperson for economic justice and treasury, Senator Nick McKim:

“Australian nurses pay more tax than some of the biggest gas corporations in the country. That tells you everything about how broken the system is.”

“The PRRT has become a massive joke at the expense of working Australians.

“It barely raises a cent while companies make eyewatering profits off a resource that belongs to all of us.”

“The PRRT is now beyond repair. The only credible path is to tax exports properly and use the revenue to support households instead of padding corporate balance sheets.”

“Gas giants have had a free ride for far too long. It’s time to finally make them pay their fair share.”

Greens Push Government to Deliver the ACT’s Active Travel Network

The ACT Greens will use this week in Parliament to drive action from the ACT Government to deliver their active travel network, focusing on West Belconnen where paths are either missing entirely or incomplete and unsafe.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said the party has been hearing from people all over Canberra who want to travel by riding, walking and taking public transport, but are facing too many incomplete pathways, missing connections and dangerous conditions.

On Wednesday Ms Clay will call on the ACT Labor Government to consult with the community and conduct a feasibility study into how they will deliver the West Belconnen Active Travel Network and review how they’ll deliver the territory-wide plan.

“People want choice, but the way our city is currently designed we don’t have that. The ACT Government knows this which is why they have an Active Travel Plan—so now we have all these routes planned, but no clarity on how it will be delivered by 2030.

“Canberra is better with bikes. We need wide connected footpaths—not paint lines next to the road—that everyone can use. When done well, paths like this deliver traffic calming measures to make our streets safer for everyone.

“A good path and public transport network keeps people physically and mentally healthier. It makes it easy to walk down to the shops, ride to school or work and spend time outdoors. It also reduces noise and air pollution.

“Weeks ago, the Labor Climate Minister said the ACT will not meet its legislated emissions reduction target and that we’re off track to achieve net zero by 2045. Transport continues to be the ACT’s biggest polluter, making up over 60% of our emissions.

“It’s a no brainer that delivering the paths, connections and infrastructure people need to ride or walk around will reduce our overall emissions. But right now we don’t have that option in West Belconnen for people to ride into work, school or down to the shops.

“West Belconnen is rapidly growing, and our pathways and active travel connections were already poor. We need better public infrastructure in this part of Canberra.

“That’s why the ACT Government must work with the community to identify the priorities in this plan—given Labor’s budget blowout—how they will do it, and when.”

The motion will also call on the ACT Government to transparently record how much funding has been allocated to deliver the Active Travel Plan 2024-30 and how much has been spent per financial year in annual reports.

Canberra By Bike Founder, Paris Lord:

“We’re pleased to support this latest effort to get people in Belconnen the infrastructure that enables more choices in how people get around their neighbourhoods.

“Locals tell us they want to be able to walk or roll to their local shops for groceries or medical appointments, or feel safe to let their children ride with their friends.

“Fusing missing links and calming our streets makes such trips more likely, and boosts our collective quality of life.”

Media statement – Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre dive tower

Following a resolution of the elected Council in December 2024, City of Newcastle has been reviewing the use and operation of the dive tower at Lambton Park War Memorial Swimming Centre.

The dive tower was constructed as part of the original facility, which officially opened to the public in January 1963.

It includes 5m, 7.5m and 10m platforms and is located alongside the 1m and 3m springboards, which are all serviced by a 5m-deep pool.

General public access to the dive tower was restricted seven years ago due to safety concerns. The facilities are currently only able to be accessed by accredited diving organisations.

There are 12 aquatic centres (including Lambton) with heritage dive towers in Australia. However the Lambton tower is one of only two heritage towers (those built before 2000) still in use, with the other remaining facility, at Canberra Olympic Pool. The heritage dive tower at Canberra Olympic Pool is scheduled for permanent closure as part of an upcoming redevelopment project.

Contemporary diving facilities around Australia built since 2000 are also predominantly restricted for use by trained and qualified professionals associated with accredited diving clubs, with public use highly limited.

As part of the review of the dive tower requested by Council, City of Newcastle sought guidance from SafeWork NSW due to the age of the asset and challenges in meeting current safety standards. Following two inspections in November, SafeWork has issued improvement notices that have identified the risks of falls and slips on the tower, 3m springboards and one of the 1m springboards.

The dive tower, 3m boards and southeastern 1m board have been temporarily closed in order to review the SafeWork improvement notices which includes engaging a qualified expert to conduct a risk-based assessment, determine appropriate control measures and associated costs.

City of Newcastle will consult with stakeholders during the review period in line with SafeWork’s direction including the Dive Club and its approximate 70 members.

Sandhills Wetlands reopened as part of almost $26 million Byron Bay flood resilience project

The restoration of a major wetland in the heart of Byron Bay is part of a $26 million project to reduce the impact of flooding in the tourist destination, as well as keeping pollution away from its celebrated beaches.

In a dramatic transformation, three large retention ponds are the new centrepiece of the 5.5ha Sandhills Wetlands, attracting native birds, animals, residents and tourists alike.

The reopening of the wetlands today (Monday 1 December) celebrates the return of a habitat which had been destroyed by sand mining in the 1960s.

A network of paths connects the site to the town centre, Jarjumirr skatepark and up to Walgun Cape Byron Lighthouse, encouraging nature-based recreation for people of all ages and abilities.

The project is stage one of the overall $26 million Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which is receiving $11.8m through the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP).

The NRRRP is a $150 million program delivering 36 flood mitigation and resilience projects across seven local government areas (LGAs) impacted by the 2022 floods, funded by the Albanese Government and administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA).

Byron Shire Council, who are delivering the wetlands and drainage improvement works, also received $6 million from NSW Government Infrastructure Betterment Fund Grant and $3 million from the NSW Government Open Spaces Legacy Grant towards the Sandhills Wetlands project.

The Arakwal Corporation, Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and NSW Crown Lands also provided guidance in co-designing the project.

The Sandhills Wetlands is one part of the overall drainage project, aimed at reducing the impacts and frequency of flooding in Byron Bay. The new wetlands will collect and hold stormwater runoff from surrounding hills, before it’s slowly released towards Belongil Creek.

Work also has started on increasing the capacity of connecting stormwater pipes underneath the CBD, with stormwater concrete culverts, almost double the size of the existing pipes, being installed. Underneath the railway corridor, the largest culverts will be almost seven metres wide to help reduce the current flash-flooding risk to CBD businesses.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:

“The reopening of the Sandhills Wetlands is a great example of the Albanese and Minns Governments working together to deliver long-term practical flood mitigation infrastructure for communities across Byron Bay.

“By restoring this vital wetland and upgrading the town’s drainage system, we are helping safeguard local homes, businesses and iconic natural assets from the increasing impacts of severe weather.

“This project demonstrates what genuine partnership with local government and Traditional Owners can achieve, creating a more resilient Byron Bay while enhancing public spaces that locals and visitors can enjoy for generations.”

Federal Member for Richmond Justine Elliot:

“As your local MP, I’m proud to have delivered $11.8 million in federal funding towards the Byron Bay Drainage Strategy, which includes restoring these beautiful wetlands in the heart of Byron Bay.

“The restoration of the Sandhills Wetlands will have a positive impact on the local environment and wildlife, reduce the impact of flooding on the Byron Bay town centre and improve water quality at Clarkes Beach.

“The improvements also mean locals will also be able to enjoy this space for years to come.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“Restoring the Sandhills Wetlands has helped preserve cultural heritage, bolster resilience and deliver more community space for everyone to enjoy.

“It is a practical demonstration of how we can adapt to deliver both flood mitigation and environmental benefits.

“This is a great result for the local community and visitors which will encourage more people to get out and about and enjoy nature.”

NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building stronger communities, and the Sandhills wetlands restoration project will deliver lasting benefits for Byron Bay.

“It’s fantastic to see Crown land transformed into a new emergency services precinct for NSW Police and Fire and Rescue NSW, new community and recreation space, better roads, and real protection against flooding and pollution for one of our state’s most iconic beaches.

“The Sandhills site is a powerful symbol of renewal, bringing together environmental restoration, cultural respect, and community resilience to show what’s possible when we work together for a better future.”

NSW Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin:

“This wetland stands as a powerful example of what we can achieve when we listen, respect and work together.

“Guided by Aboriginal co-design and supported by all three levels of government, we’ve restored a vital ecosystem, created a place for visitors and locals to enjoy, and strengthened our protection against future flooding.

“This is a project that brings our community closer to Country and prepares us for a more resilient future.”

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye:

“This is an exciting project for Council because it is one of the most significant environmental restoration projects to happen in Byron Bay in recent years.

“Already people are telling me there are more wallabies on and around the site and I am really excited to see the birdlife flourish in this amazing community place which, in the last 18 months, has been completely transformed.

“One of the main objectives of this project was to improve water quality especially around Clarkes Beach and this will have long-lasting benefits for the nearby Cape Byron Marine Park and all the fish, turtles and other marine life.”