$3.8 million to fast-track more than 68,000 new homes across regional NSW

The Minns Labor Government is accelerating the delivery of more than 68,000 new homes across regional communities, with a $3.8 million investment to help councils unlock housing supply sooner.

Twenty regional councils across NSW will share in the latest funding from the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund (RHSPF), which will support critical planning work needed to enable thousands of more homes.

This funding will fast-track work which is critical to support sustainable growth that aligns with both demand and infrastructure needs.

This investment is supporting councils right across NSW from Newcastle to the Central West, Riverina, Murray, Northern Rivers and more so they will be better equipped to deliver more diverse, well-located and affordable homes.

The funding will be used to deliver technical studies and policy frameworks needed to guide future growth, such as local housing strategies, infrastructure servicing plans, contributions plans, and development control plans.

Councils have co-contributed $1.1 million, bringing total investment in this round to $4.9 million.

Since its launch, the RHSPF program has funded 80 strategic planning projects worth $20.3 million. Councils have completed 36 projects under rounds 1 to 3, helping to advance an estimated 62,000 dwellings along the housing supply pipeline.

This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about the RHSPF, visit: Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re backing regional communities with the planning they need to deliver more homes, sooner.

“This investment is about making sure councils have the tools to unlock land, coordinate infrastructure and support growing communities.”

New podcast shines light on the strength and leadership of NSW regional and rural women

The Minns Labor Government is celebrating the achievements and lives of regional and rural women in New South Wales with the launch of a new podcast today.

Called ‘Wise, Wild and Woven’, the podcast tells the stories of 13 women, over 40, from across the state from as far south as Deniliquin right up to Tweed Heads in the north.

The 13-espisode series offers an impressive lineup of women including Regional Woman of the Year recipients, AgriFutures Rural Women’s award finalists and winners, Hidden Treasures Honour Roll nominees, business founders and volunteers.

Developed by the NSW Rural Women’s Network and hosted by Dimity Brassil, Program Producer of A Lasting Tale and the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award NSW/ACT State Finalist, the podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations that explore living and working in regional and remote New South Wales.

It also aims to challenge negative stereotypes about gender and ageing, and illustrate the breadth of achievement, leadership and resilience across the state.

Four episodes are available to stream now on all major podcast platforms:

  • Mary Hollingworth, based in Glen Innes, is a long‑time community contributor and Country Women’s Association member, recognised as both a Hidden Treasures and Women of the Year nominee. Her story reflects the quiet, consistent leadership that keeps regional communities strong
  • Dr Saba Nabi, based in Wagga Wagga, is a health professional, advocate and board member of Multicultural NSW. Her reflections speak to identity, wellbeing and the importance of inclusive voices in regional leadership
  • Kirsty Evans, from Orange, is the 2025 NSW Regional Woman of the Year. A lawyer and community advocate, she’s known for her calm leadership and commitment to supporting regional communities through challenges and change
  • Jane Harris, from the Southern Riverina, is a community builder and leader whose work spans education, collaboration and local wellbeing. Her story is one of connection, service and creating spaces where communities can thrive.

Remaining episodes will be released monthly throughout 2026.

The Minns Government is working to build a better New South Wales for women and girls, focusing on boosting women’s empowerment, economic opportunity and advancement and health and wellbeing. Funding for this podcast aligns with our priorities to support and uplift women across the state, providing regional women with a platform to connect and share their stories.

For more information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/women-nsw/rural-womens-network/wise-wild-woven.

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“This new podcast shines a light on women across regional and rural New South Wales whose voices are often underrepresented.

“These remarkable women come from all walks of life and represent the diverse breadth of achievement and experience in New South Wales – from high-profile achievements to quietly powerful contributions in their local communities.

“The podcast provides a platform for their authentic stories that I know will resonate with so many women across the state, fostering empowerment and connection within communities.”

Host and Program Producer of A Lasting Tale Dimity Brassil said:

“It’s been a privilege to interview these incredible women, all of whom are powerful and passionate community builders. I’ve loved hearing their stories and discovering what makes them tick.

“They’re doing great things and creating change where needed: raising mental health awareness in shearing sheds, fighting to get insurance for flood victims, running regional theatre awards that rival the Oscars, keeping agricultural shows alive, and putting the twinkle back in farmers’ toes for charity. And that’s just the start!” 

New Wentworth Urgent Care Centre now open

A new Urgent Care Centre is opening its doors to patients in Wentworth today, improving access to timely non-emergency healthcare and helping local communities avoid unnecessary trips to the emergency department.

The Minns Labor Government has been focused on delivering improved access to healthcare in regional NSW by delivering more services.

The Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth Hospital and is open 365 days a year from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week. The Urgent Care Centre is staffed by nurses and supported by medical officers with important diagnostic services on-site including some pathology.

The Urgent Care Centre is equipped to treat a range of illnesses and injuries that are deemed urgent, but not life-threatening. This includes minor cuts, sprains or suspected fractures, minor infections, minor burns, rashes, insect or animal bites, cough, cold or flu, mild asthma attacks, earaches, fevers or chills.

To access the service, patients should call healthdirect on 1800 022 222. A registered nurse will assess the patient’s condition and guide them to the care they need. This may include an appointment at the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre, a specialist virtual care service or escalating their care to other services like NSW Ambulance if required.

Walk-in patients presenting to the Wentworth Urgent Care Centre will also be triaged, treated or transferred to the most appropriate facility to receive the right care, at the right time.

Healthcare provided at Wentworth Urgent Care Centre is bulk-billed.

The Minns Labor Government is working to improve access to care and reduce wait times, through the emergency department relief package which will invest an additional $100 million to fund urgent care services for a further two years, providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients once fully implemented.

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“Families in Wentworth and surrounding areas now have more pathways to access timely care for conditions which can be safely and effectively treated outside of the emergency department.

“This new service is co-located in the new $30 million Wentworth hospital and will improve access to care and reduce wait times.

“The Minns Government is increasing availability of healthcare to communities through urgent care services just like this one, which are aimed at bridging the gap between primary care and emergency care, ensuring patients have fast access to the care they need.”

Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“I welcome access to an urgent care service for the residents of Wentworth.

“The new Urgent Care Centre is a win for the community and is the perfect complement for the brand new $30 million Wentworth Hospital.”

Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva:

“Importantly, the Urgent Care Centre at Wentworth Hospital will operate from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

“This is good news for local families, because illnesses and injuries can happen at any time, any day.”

World class observatory opens in Mallanganee

The Northern Rivers has a new star in its tourism crown with the official opening of the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout. 

Situated on the crest of the Richmond Range, the observatory is set to transform the region into a premier destination for ‘dark sky’ tourism.

Positioned on the precise latitude where the centre of the Milky Way crosses directly overhead daily, the site offers a celestial experience unlike any other on Earth.

Designed by award-winning firm Terrior, the facility features a striking armillary-like sphere of galvanised steel and pre-cast concrete. The design’s global significance was recently recognised when it was shortlisted at the World Architecture Festival.

The $3.33 million project was made possible through a $2.067 million investment from the NSW Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, with Kyogle Council contributing $1.267 million.

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“The Northern Rivers has a new star in its tourism crown with the official opening of the Mallanganee Observatory-Lookout. By investing in unique landmarks like this, the NSW Government is ensuring our regional communities have the world-class infrastructure they need to thrive.

“This project is a prime example of how we are delivering high-impact results for Western and Regional NSW.

“By leveraging Mallanganee’s unique celestial position, we are diversifying the local economy, and giving people a compelling reason to visit and stay in our vibrant regions.

“Whether you are a local or a visitor, standing beneath the centre of the Milky Way at this award-winning facility is a powerful reminder of the innovation and beauty found in our regional backyard.”

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore said:

‘I backed this exciting project from the start, appreciating its destination tourism potential for the Kyogle community and the broader region.

“No other outlook in the world can claim this unique positioning, underneath the centre of the Milky Way – this truly puts Mallanganee on the global tourism map.

“The economic ripple effect will be felt by every small business from Mallanganee to Tenterfield.

“We are transforming this unique natural asset into a reliable economic engine – one that drives year-round foot traffic and sustains permanent local employment for years to come.”

Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland OAM said:  

“From the seed of an idea, came a project that will deliver benefits to not only Mallanganee but the surrounding villages.

“There are some avid astronomers across Australia and the Mallanganee Observatory is expertly designed to take advantage of the numerous constellations in the night sky.

“As Council starts to digitise attractions across the Council area, highlighting places of interest and taking advantage of the visitor economy, we expect to see an increase in tourism.

“This is a great investment by the State Government and Kyogle Council into the village of Mallanganee and its future.”

$50 million relief for community services sector as Minns Labor Government reduces levy

The Minns Labor Government is delivering immediate financial relief to thousands of organisations across the community services sector, by reducing the levy for the Community Services Portable Long Service Leave Scheme.

The Government will reduce the levy by almost 25% in the 2025-2026 financial year.

This will save the sector approximately $50 million for the current financial year.

The reduction will provide vital budget relief to community service organisations, including not-for-profit disability providers and social service organisations, enabling them to redirect resources to meet rising operational costs such as fuel and other external pressures.

Based on projections this will save a small organisation with 10 employees up to $2477.72 in the 2025-2026 financial year and a medium sized organisation with 100 employees up to $16,927.

The first levy payment will be able to be paid to the Long Service Leave Corporation later this month from 29 April, with a final due date of 31 May.

The Minns Labor Government delivered the Portable Long Service Leave Scheme to support 250,000 community service workers. which is estimated to employ one in every 12 women working in NSW.

The new scheme ensures these workers have access to their long service regardless of which employer they work for within the sector.

In a sector where short-term contracts are common, workers rarely spend enough time in the same workplace to access their long service leave. These workers currently lose all accrued long service leave when they change employers.

The Government’s reform will encourage retention in the sector by reducing burnout and fatigue for our dedicated community sector workers, as well as saving organisations on training and recruiting costs.

The portable long service scheme was the subject of extensive consultation with employers, peak organisations, and workers. The Government acknowledges the significant work of the Australian Services Union, National Disability Services (NDS), NSW Council of Social Service (NCOSS), and other non-government sector organisations in designing this scheme.

Through supporting workforce stability, recruitment and retention, the roll-out of the community services sector scheme is helping to build a better NSW by delivering more reliable services across NSW, benefiting workers, employers and communities across the state.

The levy relief has been determined in accordance with actuarial advice to ensure there is sufficient funding to meet workers’ future leave entitlements and ensure the long-term viability of the scheme.

The Government will also monitor and review the levy settings over the first two years of the scheme with the scheme’s long-term viability being the key priority.

Minister for Industrial Relations and Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government has listened closely to the community services sector and understands the financial pressures many organisations are facing at present which is why we have opted to give the sector financial relief in this tough economic climate.

“The new levy setting aims to safeguard viability and the integrity of the scheme, and a sustainable levy model ensures we can deliver a strong reliable system for our community carers.

“The community services sector delivers essential services to some of the most vulnerable in our community and the key to making those services work is the people who deliver them.

“We’ve listened to the workers in this sector including the women who make up 75% of this workforce and have been calling for this reform to help minimise burnout and fatigue.

“This approach also tackles recruitment and retention issues by incentivising workers to stay in the industry with the confidence that their long service entitlements move with them from job to job.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Disability Inclusion, Kate Washington said:

“Our government understands the financial pressure facing community services right now. This decision will relieve some of that pressure, without compromising the future of workers’ leave entitlements.

“A stronger and more stable workforce is better placed to deliver high-quality supports within our communities. We are grateful for the Australian Services Union, National Disability Services and the NSW Council of Social Services’ advocacy and collaboration.”

Executive Director of the NSW Long Service Corporation Lauren Nagal said:

“This phased levy approach provides immediate relief to employers while safeguarding the integrity and viability of the scheme. Importantly, it will not impact workers’ entitlements, including how service accrues or the value of leave they are entitled to claim.

“Our teams will continuously monitor and review the levy settings over the first two years to ensure employers are meeting their obligations and to support a smooth transition into the Scheme.”

Chief Executive Officer, NSW Council of Social Service Cara Varian said:

“With the NSW social service sector under immense pressure, this temporary reduction in the levy provides desperately needed relief. Some front-line organisations are on the brink of closing their doors. In the face of fuel security uncertainty, this announcement will help ensure front-line organisations can continue to support people and families most in need across NSW”.

State Manager, National Disability Services, Lowri Williams said:

“National Disability Services (NDS) welcomes the NSW Government decision to temporarily reduce the portable long service leave levy for community service employers, including disability service providers. This is an important and timely step that recognises the financial pressure facing disability service providers while maintaining access to portable long service leave entitlements for workers.”

“NDS strongly supports a secure, valued workforce. This temporary levy reduction is a practical response to the real financial pressure facing disability providers and ensure continuity of supports to people with disability across the state,” said Lowri Williams, State Manager NSW. “It protects worker entitlements while giving organisations the breathing space they need to keep delivering quality supports.”

“The original levy setting would have created an immediate and unsustainable cost shock for many providers already operating under tight margins. The temporary reduction acknowledges these realities and helps protect service continuity for people with disability and communities across NSW.”

“NDS thanks the NSW Government, particularly Minister Cotsis and her team, for their ongoing engagement with the sector and for progressing this transitional arrangement through government”.

ASU NSW Secretary, Angus McFarland said:

“Portable long service leave will recognise the service of thousands of dedicated community sector workers to their industry and the people of NSW that they support.

“This reform, long campaigned for by workers, will bring NSW into line with ACT, Victoria and Queensland who already have schemes in place for this sector for many years.

“As the union for community services we have always advocated for the levy contributions to be as low as possible for employers while also ensuring both sustainability of the scheme and protection of worker entitlements into the future”.

“While long service leave legislation has applied to this industry for decades, workers can rarely access it due to short term contracting arrangements. This change will benefit thousands of workers across the community and provide them with better, and earlier access to this important leave entitlement”.

Interaction CEO Brett Johnston said:

“I would like to thank the Government and in particular, Minister Cotsis for listening to providers within the Disability sector and working with us to address our concerns about the Portable Long Service Leave Scheme levy.

“The reduction in the levy will provide some welcome relief at a time when providers are experiencing ongoing financial hardship. This will enable us to continue to provide the highest quality services to our participants and retain learning and development opportunities for our staff.

“I look forward to continued collaboration regarding this important initiative.”

More than 15,000 new homes for Punchbowl and Wiley Park

The Minns Labor Government has together with the City of Canterbury-Bankstown unlocked more than 15,000 new homes after finalising planning controls in Punchbowl and Wiley Park Transport Oriented Development (TOD) precincts.

The new controls enable more housing on the doorstep of new Sydney Metro stations at Punchbowl and Wiley Park, which are set to open later this year.

Key features of the precinct plan include:

  • revitalisation of Punchbowl and Wiley Park’s main streets, with new homes, shops and services
  • new and improved public open spaces and pedestrian links
  • up to 3 per cent affordable housing for developments of more than 200 sqm
  • building heights between 6 and 18 storeys
  • floor space ratios between 0.7:11 to 5.5:1

A strong pipeline of development is underway across the Transport Oriented Development precincts with almost 19,000 homes the planning system including more than 1700 already approved.  

The Minns Labor Government introduced the TOD program in May 2024 to deliver more affordable, well-designed, and well-located homes near train and metro stations across NSW.

The program is expected to unlock more than 170,000 new homes over the next 15 years.

For more information about the Transport Oriented Development program, visit NSW Planning.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This is a great outcome which will enable thousands of new homes close to transport, jobs and services, where people want to live.

“The Minns Labor Government’s Transport Oriented Development program is going full steam ahead to deliver more homes from the Illawarra to the Hunter with almost 19,000 homes already in the planning pipeline including more than 1700 which have already been approved.

“It’s great to see councils such as City of Canterbury Bankstown taking up the challenge of planning for the homes we need and delivering a plan that goes above and beyond for the community.”

Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:

“We are investing in new infrastructure including the Metro and Bankstown Hospital, as well as planning for new homes near jobs, services and improved public transport, to create a future that will allow our community to thrive.

Importantly, this plan will increase access to affordable housing, create opportunities for more open space and support local growth in a way that keeps people connected. It’s about ensuring more families have the opportunity to live close to everything they need, in a place they are proud to call home.”

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis said:

“The inner south west is one of the fastest growing areas in NSW which is why the Minns Labor Government has invested in the Metro and the Canterbury Hospital and is now unlocking 15,000 homes.

“This gives people the opportunity to live close to jobs, family and community and more people will now call this vibrant area home.”

Clear path set out for changes to Lake Conjola opening rules

The NSW Government has formally advised Shoalhaven City Council of the steps required if it wishes to change the trigger level for opening Lake Conjola to the ocean.

Council currently has a Crown land licence to cut a channel to the ocean to reduce flood risk when lake water levels reach 1.2 metres AHD (Australian Height Datum) or where the level exceeds 1.0 meters AHD and heavy rainfall is forecast.

Council also has the right to open the channel as emergency works under section 191 of the Local Government Act 1993 should it consider works as necessary and effective to mitigate a flood emergency.

However, Council has requested an exemption to open the lake at 1.02 metres AHD in the absence of imminent heavy rainfall. The NSW Government is ready to assess any revised proposal

If Council wants to change when the lake is opened, it is able to do so but must first revise its own Entrance Management Policy, and undertake a Review of Environmental Factors, before applying for a licence amendment.

Undertaking proper environmental assessments before opening lakes to the ocean is critical to avoid environmental damage and protect against flooding.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government stands ready to assess any revised proposal Council brings forward.

“However, proper planning processes must be followed before the I can grant an amendment to the existing licence conditions.

“That’s why Crown Lands has advised Council that the correct pathway is to revise its Entrance Management Policy, undertake the required environmental assessment, and then apply for a licence amendment.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“Community safety remains the priority and Shoalhaven City Council has emergency powers under the Local Government Act to open the lake to the ocean if there is an imminent flood risk.

“At the same time, outside emergency conditions, decisions about opening Lake Conjola need to be based on science, safety and environmental responsibility, so I encourage Council to undertake the required steps advised by Crown Lands to formally amend its licence.”

Applications open to celebrate NSW carers

The Minns Labor Government is supporting the extraordinary contribution of carers across the state with applications now open for the NSW National Carers Week Grants program.

Not-for-profit organisations and local councils can apply for a share of $220,000 in grant funding to support initiatives with a focus on bringing carers together, strengthening social connection and increasing recognition of the vital role carers play.

Last year, more than 7,800 carers attended events and activities funded through NSW National Carers Week grants across 71 LGAs.

This year, grants ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 will support initiatives run around National Carers Week from 11 October to 17 October 2026.

Examples of suitable initiatives include social gatherings, wellbeing or cultural events, workshops and creative activities designed in partnership with carers and tailored to local needs.

Applications from organisations working with carers from diverse backgrounds are encouraged, including Aboriginal carers, culturally and linguistically diverse carers, LGBTQIA+ carers, young carers, older carers and carers in regional and rural communities.

The deadline for applications is 5pm on Monday 25 May 2026 with successful applicants to be announced in July.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/nsw-national-carers-week-grants-2026

Grant enquiries can be directed to the Department of Communities and Justice at carerstr@dcj.nsw.gov.au

Minister with responsibility for carers Jodie Harrison said:

“New South Wales is home to more than 958,000 carers who work hard providing support to their friend or loved one with a disability, serious illness or frailty.

“Carers deserve to feel valued for the essential work they do – and we know recognition leads to better mental health and wellbeing outcomes for them.

“These grants empower local organisations to work alongside carers to deliver meaningful activities that reflect what carers enjoy and need.”

Young families lead the charge at latest Lismore buyback homes auction

A new generation of homeowners is seizing the opportunity to secure a future in the Northern Rivers, with young families dominating the bidding at Lismore’s third flood buyback auction of the year.

Overnight, 35 registered bidders gathered at the Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah to compete for 10 homes from South, North, Central, and East Lismore, as well as Girards Hill. The event saw a 100% clearance rate, with homes selling for between $14,000 and $132,000, with a combined value of $400,000.

Since December 2024, 160 properties have been offered for sale through this innovative program, which has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing pathways.

Auction highlights included:

  • 213 Casino Street, South Lismore: $14,000
  • 7 Frank Street, South Lismore: $38,000
  • 14 Tweed Street, North Lismore: $40,000
  • 11 Coleman Street, Central Lismore: $132,000
  • 163 Ballina Road, East Lismore: $35,000
  • 1 Cathcart Street, Central Lismore: $41,000
  • 144 Dawson Street, Girards Hill:  $21,000
  • 153 Dawson Street, Girards Hill: $26,000
  • 219 Molesworth Street, East Lismore: $17,000
  • 99 Crown Street, South Lismore: $36,000

All homes sold were originally purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, a joint initiative of the NSW and Australian Governments. Successful bidders are required to relocate the dwellings to flood-safe land within 11 months.

All proceed from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.

To find out more about the Program go to nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“It is heartening to see so many young families securing these homes, providing them with a tangible pathway to homeownership while ensuring we keep our people and their energy right here in the Northern Rivers.

“This program is a uniquely Northern Rivers solution to housing that is setting a benchmark for the rest of Australia, proving that we can move residents out of harm’s way without losing the heart of our community.

“By choosing relocation over demolition, we are delivering a sustainable and innovative outcome that preserves our local housing stock and gives these buildings a second life in a safer location.”

NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director Adaptation and Resilience Division Jane Holden said:

“The Lismore auctions are part of our commitment to relocate and reuse buyback dwellings wherever possible, as we progress the removal of households from areas of high flood risk.

“These homes are part of the community’s shared history, and this program is about giving them a second life.

“It was encouraging to see bidders come well-prepared, engaging with relocation contractors and local councils in advance, with strong interest from young families and first-home buyers seeking a pathway to a safer future.”

Home stretch: fuel compliance inspections close in on most remote service stations this long weekend

The Minns Labor Government is urging motorists to continue using FuelCheck while travelling this long weekend as NSW Fair Trading pushes its statewide fuel transparency compliance inspections into the most remote areas of the state.

Service stations in Cobar and Lake Cargelligo have been the most regional sites targeted in the latest compliance inspections, with around 70 retailers left in neighbouring regions on NSW Fair Trading’s radar for inspection.

NSW Fair Trading inspectors have now visited more than 2,300 petrol stations and issued over 210 fines from Manly to Moree, covering 94 per cent of the state.

More than 750 petrol stations have also been re-inspected after displaying ‘red flag’ behaviours, such as receiving fines or multiple consumer complaints.

Around 70% of all fines have been issued in regional NSW, with the Southern Tablelands & South Coast, Central West and Riverina seeing the highest number of price mismatches.

In the Snowy Mountains, a service station flagged through the Bowser Busters program was found displaying diesel at $3.00 per litre on its fuel price signage, while advertising $1.96 per litre in the FuelCheck app, a discrepancy of $1.04 per litre.

In Walgett Shire, an inspection at a 24-hour unmanned service station identified the site was not displaying required fuel price signage, limiting consumers’ ability to make informed purchasing decisions.

Further inspections in the Upper Murray region identified two service stations selling diesel without any fuel price signage. One of these sites was also found to have a price discrepancy of 25 cents per litre for diesel between the price of $3.24 advertised on FuelCheck and required pricing of $2.99.

Those who fail to meet their obligations face on-the-spot fines of $1,100, with court penalties of up to $110,000. Stations that have already been fined have been warned to be extra vigilant as NSW Fair Trading has the ability to pursue a higher penalty before the Courts for repeated breaches.

As thousands hit regional highways for the long weekend, drivers are encouraged to take advantage of FuelCheck’s Bowser Busters feature to directly report fuel price mismatching and help target compliance activity in communities where it is needed most.

Bowser Busters is working – with everyday motorists now acting as NSW Fair Trading’s eyes and ears on the ground, almost 100 desktop compliance fines have been issued for price mismatches reported by the public.

To explore FuelCheck and become a Bowser Buster, please visit: https://www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“These inspection and compliance numbers show that as cost-of-living pressures ramp up, the Minns Labor Government will not back down.

“As our robust re-inspection regime continues, we’re calling on every motorist in the state to report regional and metropolitan service stations that are taking them for a ride.

“This is all part of the Government’s commitment to improve fuel transparency in NSW by injecting $2.2 million to upgrade and maintain FuelCheck, conducting record numbers of compliance inspections and encouraging consumers to report unfair fuel prices.

“My message to service stations remains clear: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”

NSW Fair Trading Executive Director of Consumer Affairs Andrew Floro said:

“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors have worked tirelessly to cover off NSW petrol stations and ensure they are doing the right thing at the bowser.

“We are continuing to call motorists to report on price discrepancies as it leads to real enforcement outcomes. Especially in rural areas that are harder to access.

“Ahead of the long weekend, NSW Fair Trading will continue targeted inspections and compliance action, ensuring motorists travelling to regional and rural NSW can rely on FuelCheck when planning their journeys.”