NDIS workers in NSW and the ACT are still struggling to afford fuel to drive clients to essential appointments, the Australian Services Union NSW & ACT has warned as it backs calls for a higher car expenses allowance.
The ASU NSW & ACT – the union for NDIS workers – is supporting the ACTU’s application to the Fair Work Commission to increase the amount community and disability sector workers can claim for transport and fuel expenses when driving their own car for work.
ASU NSW & ACT Secretary Angus McFarland said the government’s initial fuel excise cut was welcome, but not enough to shield disability workers from pain at the pump.
“We support the ACTU’s call for a higher allowance that better protects essential workers, including disability support workers, from high fuel costs,” Mr McFarland said.
“Our union has been inundated with calls from NDIS workers across NSW and the ACT who can’t afford fuel to support people with disabilities. Hundreds of disability support workers have told us that the cost of fuel is affecting their work, their wellbeing, and their lives outside their job.
“The higher that fuel prices are, the more money disability support workers lose simply for doing their job of driving people with disability to the care and support they depend on.
“NDIS workers often use their own cars to drive people with disabilities to medical appointments and other important services. With sky-high fuel prices, NDIS travel reimbursements are falling short, leaving workers out of pocket.
“During the COVID‑19 pandemic, the government stepped in with urgent support to keep disability services running. We need that same urgency now. NDIS workers need a transport allowance that covers high fuel costs so they can keep driving and supporting their clients.”
Author: admin
Supporting the Response to Tropical Cyclone Maila
Australia will provide $2.5 million in humanitarian assistance to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to support their responses to Tropical Cyclone Maila.
An initial $1.5 million will be provided to Solomon Islands, where the most severe impacts have been felt in remote communities across Western and Choiseul provinces. A state of disaster has been declared in those provinces.
Australia has released an initial $1 million in support for Papua New Guinea to respond to humanitarian needs arising from the impact of the cyclone, with a particular focus on regions most heavily impacted including the Autonomous Region of Bougainville and islands affected in Milne Bay Province.
Australia’s support will deliver lifesaving assistance to vulnerable communities, including delivery of humanitarian relief supplies and technical assistance. Funding will also be delivered through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership program with non-government organisations supporting the work of local partners.
Australia will work closely with the Governments of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea to coordinate the effective delivery of this assistance and support local response efforts.
We offer our condolences for the tragic loss of life associated with the cyclone. Our thoughts are with the people of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea during this challenging time.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Penny Wong:
“Our focus is on getting essential support on the ground quickly to help those most affected in Solomon Islands and PNG.
“In times of crisis, Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with our Pacific partners.”
Minister for Pacific Island Affairs, Pat Conroy:
“Australia will always respond when disaster strikes.
“We will continue working closely with the Governments of Solomon Islands and PNG to deliver support where it is needed most.”
Minister for International Development, Dr Anne Aly:
“This funding will help address the urgent humanitarian needs of our nearest neighbours and support vulnerable people, including women and girls.”
Page-turning start to City of Newcastle’s Youth Week festivities
City of Newcastle will kick off its annual Youth Week program by celebrating an initiative that has been bringing people together through their love of Young Adult fiction for the past five years.
Avid readers are invited to join award-winning author Gary Lonesborough tonight at a special event acknowledging the fifth anniversary of Newcastle Libraries’ Young Adult Book Club.
Young Adult Book Club founder Danielle Hilliard celebrates the club’s five-year anniversary with members attending in-person and online at Newcastle City Library.The author talk will mark the start of City of Newcastle’s 2026 Youth Week activities, which include free workshops and performances delivered in partnership with young people and local community organisations.
Youth Council Standing Committee member Councillor Paige Johnson said Youth Week is about recognising young people and the important role they play in our city.
“City of Newcastle supports young people all year round, from creative programs like the Young Adult Book Club, leadership opportunities with the Youth Council and grant funding for youth-led climate action projects, to the annual program of Youth Week events and activities,” Cr Johnson said.
“We’re committed to creating spaces where young Novocastrians feel safe to connect, create and be themselves.”
The Young Adult Book Club was established in 2021 and meets monthly at Newcastle City Library, attracting between 10-15 people online and in-person each session.
It is open to people of all ages with a love of Young Adult fiction, although the majority of participants are high school and university students from the Newcastle area.
Club founder and Library Customer Service Officer Danielle Hilliard said the program has become an important space for young people to feel connected and supported.
“The club is deliberately relaxed and welcoming, people can talk, listen or just enjoy being there,” Mrs Hilliard said.
“What makes it special is the sense of trust and community that’s developed. Seeing friendships form and knowing people have found a safe space where they feel comfortable and included has been incredibly rewarding.
“It’s fantastic to be able to celebrate this milestone moment for the book club ahead of the wider program of Youth Week events.”
NSW Youth Week 2026 is a statewide initiative that runs from 16 to 26 April with the theme Dream, Dare, Do.
City of Newcastle’s Youth Week celebrations, which are supported by a grant from the NSW Office of Youth, will continue on Thursday 17 April with the Future Makers event at Newcastle Museum.
The free event will showcase youth-led live music, hands-on creative workshops, skateboard demonstrations and opportunities for young people to make, write and design together.
Live performances will be delivered by emerging young artists Rose White, Evan Worgan and Filthy E and the Clean Teens, alongside creative activities including badge-making, blackout poetry, origami, upcycled fashion and a collaborative art installation led by local artist Ken O’Regan, which will be displayed at Wallsend Library.
The Future Makers program will also include a creative writing workshop, Surviving Dystopia, inspired by the Museum’s Model Newcastle exhibition, as well as a switch gaming workshop for video game enthusiasts.
Director Museum Archive Libraries and Learning Julie Baird said the Youth Week program reflects City of Newcastle’s focus on access, participation and youth led cultural spaces.
“Youth Week allows us to deliver free activities, workshops and performances developed in collaboration with young people,” Ms Baird said.
“By activating places like libraries and Newcastle Museum, we’re creating welcoming cultural spaces that support youth creativity, connection and wellbeing, while highlighting the diversity and innovation of youth culture in Newcastle.”
The Youth Week program will wrap up with a free skate competition at Wallsend Park on Saturday 25 April featuring multiple divisions including girls, young entrants and non-binary skaters. Grundy’s Skate Store will be facilitating workshops and will partner with Globe to give away $2000 worth of prizes on the day.
In addition to the official Youth Week events, City of Newcastle will also be helping school-aged youth shift into a higher gear when it comes to cycling skills, bike safety and creative expression, with nine free hands-on workshops on offer next week.
The DIY Maintenance workshop on 14 April focuses on practical skills to keep bikes in safe working order. Students will learn how to complete basic safety checks, repair punctures, maintain tyres and chains, and identify when professional servicing is required.
The City Riding workshops (16 and 19 April) provide real-world riding experience, helping students build confidence on local streets. Participants will learn about road rules, route planning, safe positioning and how to ride predictably in shared environments.
Students can also take part in creative workshops delivered by local artists Yvette Ten-Bohmer, Jane Lander, and Aksara Harriram (April 14-16), which invite participants to reflect on movement, place and personal experience, transforming everyday travel into meaningful artworks.
Registrations for the cycling workshops are essential, with more details available on City of Newcastle’s website. The sessions are being delivered with support from the NSW Government through the Holiday Break Program.
For more information about City of Newcastle’s Youth Week program visit Youth Week 2026 and the Young Adult Book Club.
Free school holiday workshops put Newcastle students on path to cycling confidence and creativity
City of Newcastle is helping high school students shift into a higher gear when it comes to cycling skills, bike safety and creative expression, with a series of free holiday workshops on offer.
The program includes nine hands-on sessions led by experienced instructors and local artists, which are designed to support students in developing practical skills and encourage active transport options such as riding to school.
Students looking to improve their cycling skills can take part in two Bike School workshops options, each designed to support safe and independent riding.
The DIY Maintenance workshop focuses on practical skills to keep bikes in safe working order. Students will learn how to complete basic safety checks, repair punctures, maintain tyres and chains, and identify when professional servicing is required.
The City Riding workshop provides real-world riding experience, helping students build confidence on local streets. Participants will learn about road rules, route planning, safe positioning and how to ride predictably in shared environments.
Led by instructors from Newcastle Bicycle Workshop, these bike safety workshops will help young riders build the confidence, competence and awareness needed to travel more safely and independently.
Students can also take part in a series of art workshops linked to City of Newcastle’s “I heart my way to school” art competition.
Three local artists will each deliver two sessions, with the workshops to provide a relaxed and supportive space for creative exploration. Students will use mixed media techniques such as drawing, collage, and experimental mark-making to interpret their journey to school.
Participating artists include Yvette Ten-Bohmer, Jane Lander, and Aksara Harriram, who each bring a unique artistic perspective to the program.
The workshops invite students to reflect on movement, place and personal experience, transforming everyday travel into meaningful creative work. Finished pieces can be entered in the competition.
The “I heart my way to school” art competition invites students to share what makes their journey to school fun and meaningful, with students in Kindergarten to Year 2 able to enter via a colouring in sheet and those in Years 3–12 submitting original artwork. Launched on Ride2School Day, entries are open until 22 May 2026.
The Autumn school holiday program includes:
- Bike School – DIY Maintenance
Carrington Community Hall
Tuesday 14 April, 9.30am to 1pm - Bike School – City Riding
Starting near Tighes Hill TAFE Campus
Thursday 16 April, 10am to 1pm
Sunday 19 April, 10am to 1pm - Art Workshops
Hudson Street Hum, Hamilton
Tuesday 14 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Wednesday 15 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm and 4pm
Thursday 16 April: 10am to 12pm, 2pm to 4pm
These free workshops are designed for high school students of all experience levels, with no prior skills required. All sessions are delivered in a safe, inclusive environment with guidance from experienced facilitators.
Registrations are essential and must be completed by a parent or legal guardian. Visit the Cycling Classes webpage to view full workshop details and secure your place.
City of Newcastle is delivering the school holiday program with support from the NSW Government through the Holiday Break Program.
New intake of paramedics and control staff for NSW Ambulance
NSW Ambulance has welcomed 116 new paramedic interns and 21 emergency medical call takers, after they were officially inducted into the service at a ceremony at the State Operations Centre in Sydney yesterday.
This graduation is the second to be held this year, boosting frontline health services across the state, with many of the new recruits commencing their first shifts from today.
The new recruits come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, including paramedic intern Tia Lieschke, who stayed calm while caring for her cousin after she was injured by a falling tree, and trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis, who is looking forward to a new challenge after years working as a nurse.
The paramedic interns will be posted across NSW to complete the on-road portion of their 12-month internships, before taking permanent positions in metropolitan and regional areas.
The emergency medical call takers will all be posted to Sydney & Northern Control Centres.
Minister for Health, Ryan Park:
“Congratulations to NSW Ambulance’s newest inductees – their skills and compassion will touch countless lives across our state.
“These new paramedic interns and emergency medical call takers represent the next generation of dedicated first responders, ready to serve their communities in a time of need.
“Their commitment to patient care and emergency response will strengthen our frontline health services making a real difference in people’s lives.”
NSW Ambulance Interim Chief Executive Claire Beech:
“This induction is an important milestone for these new recruits and for NSW Ambulance as a whole.
“Every call our new paramedic interns and trainee emergency medical call takers respond to is an opportunity to make a difference, helping those in our community often at their most vulnerable.
“I am proud to welcome this latest class of trainee control centre staff and paramedic interns into the service, further enhancing our capacity to deliver timely, professional and patient-centred care.
paramedic intern Tia Lieschke:
“I was inspired to become a paramedic after seeing first-hand how they help save my cousin’s life when she was struck by a falling tree in 2025.
“I am excited to embrace life as a paramedic intern on the Mid North Coast, gaining valuable experience and develop as a paramedic in regional NSW.”
trainee emergency medical call taker Hayley Francis:
“I am looking forward to joining NSW Ambulance for a new career direction and challenge.
“As that first point of contact for people in need, my role as an emergency medical call taker will be an instrumental part of a patient’s journey.”
Bowser Busters blitzing petrol stations across NSW
NSW motorists have wasted no time stepping up as Bowser Busters, with consumer intelligence now turbocharging NSW Fair Trading’s fairer fuel price compliance blitz.
The Minns Labor Government kicked off Bowser Busters’ less than two weeks ago and it has been responsible for a significant uptick in Penalty Infringement Notices (PINs) being issued to service stations each day. Reports submitted by motorists through FuelCheck about price mismatches between FuelCheck and the bowser are rapidly translating into enforcement outcomes.
Since 18 March, NSW Fair Trading has carried out over 2,300 field inspections and re-inspections covering around 90% of the state, and has issued over 140 PINs. This includes around 90 PINs issued by inspectors in the field for matters relating to price mismatches, failures to comply with information requirements and service stations found not registered with FuelCheck.
Meanwhile, Bowser Busters have supported inspectors to issue a further 57 PINs since 30 March, including 56 for price mismatching and one other station not registered with FuelCheck – sending a strong signal that the state’s five million motorists are backing NSW Fair Trading inspectors’ effort to deliver fair fuel pricing. Bowser Busters has already doubled NSW Fair Trading’s enforcement outcomes when it comes to price mismatching.
For retailers who fail to meet their obligations, the message remains clear, with on-the-spot fines of $1,100 and court penalties of up to $110,000 applying depending on the offence.
With motorists supporting NSW Fair Trading by having eyes and ears on the ground, inspectors are now able to spend less time travelling and more time taking enforcement action, helping to improve fuel price transparency and prevent repeat breaches.
FuelCheck remains central to the program, with around 350,000 motorists using the platform each day to confidently check prices, track availability and ensure the price they see is the price they pay.
On-the-ground and desktop compliance inspections will continue to occur seven days a week to maximize coverage and presence in every corner of the state. NSW Fair Trading will also continue to re-inspect sites demonstrating abnormal or misleading behaviour.
To explore FuelCheck, please visit: www.fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“The Minns Labor Government knows families are feeling the pressure with petrol prices adding to the cost of living during these uncertain times.
“Our NSW Fair Trading inspectors are out on the ground every day checking service stations are not charging more at the pump than the price they put on FuelCheck.
“With Bowser Busters we have over five million motorists backing our inspectors on every street and road across the state.
“Misleading motorists is never acceptable, and Bowser Busters has supercharged our crackdown on inaccurate pricing.
“Our message to service stations is simple: do the wrong thing and you will be caught.”
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Natasha Mann said:
“This milestone shows what’s possible when motorists, industry and government all work together for the same goal of transparency at the bowser, especially at a time when every dollar counts for families.”
“Our Bowser Busters are making a real difference by using FuelCheck to stay informed and speak up when something doesn’t look right, proving fairness works best when everyone takes part.
“I want to thank the many service station operators who are doing the right thing every day, updating prices accurately and working constructively with inspectors to keep fuel pricing fair.”
Full-strength footy: Cheers to early season win for footy fans
The Minns Labor Government has confirmed that Western Sydney and Hunter football fans, will be able to enjoy a full-strength beer as they watch the action unfold.
Previously, fans attending venues in Western Sydney and the Hunter could only buy mid-strength beer, while fans at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Allianz Stadium in Moore Park could buy full strength beer.
The Labor Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby MP launched a campaign to change this, calling out how unfair this “East versus West” divide is.
Following the Member for Riverstone’s campaign, the Minns Labor Government’s undertook a six-month trial into the service of full-strength beer which was held during last year’s NRL and A-Leagues seasons.
It was the first time since 2011 that full-strength beer had been served at Accor Stadium, while CommBank Stadium had only served mid-strength beer in general admission areas since it opened in 2018.
At the two Western Sydney venues, last year’s trial saw intoxication as a percentage of attendance remain steady at 0.013%, despite a near 13% increase in crowds year-on-year.
Following consultation with NSW Police and sport and entertainment partners, patrons will be able to purchase a maximum of four full-strength beers per transaction.
Bars in general admission areas at Accor and CommBank stadiums will officially be stocked with full-strength, mid-strength and zero-alcohol beer this footy season.
The service of full-strength beer will also continue at McDonald Jones Stadium in Newcastle and WIN Stadium and WIN Entertainment Centres in Wollongong.
Attendees of major events are encouraged to drink responsibly and make appropriate travel arrangements, to always have a Plan B and to make the most of public transport included with all event tickets to Accor and CommBank stadiums.
Minister for Sport and Tourism said:
“All footy fans are winners this weekend with bars in general admission areas to stock full-strength beer all-season long.
“This is a commonsense decision and it’s about time fans get a choice of full-strength, mid, light and zero-alcohol beer while cheering on their team at the footy.”
Venues NSW CEO Kerrie Mather said:
“Its important patrons have a choice and access to a variety of food and beverage options while attending events at our venues and now they can.
“Delivering the best event day experience remains our key priority, and we can continue to do so through valuable feedback from our fans.”
Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby said:
“This is great news for sports fans who love beer equality as much as they love a full-strength beer.
“It’s a credit to the Minister for Sport and the Premier who both recognised the injustice that was being experienced by fans in Western Sydney stadiums and acted swiftly to ensure everyone is being treated equally when it comes to buying beer.
“Congratulations to the many fans who came out to support the campaign for equal beer rights at all Venues NSW stadiums – Cheers!
Opal overhaul gives a million concessions and seniors an easier way to save
Almost a million public transport passengers are getting a much more convenient way to claim their concession, pensioner or seniors fares – and their lower weekly cap – under a digital upgrade to the Opal network.
Concession Opal or Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal fares can currently only be accessed by tapping on with a physical Opal concession card.
In many cases, those eligible to claim a concession fare are instead using contactless payments for the convenience and forgoing the discount.
Under changes announced today by the Minns Labor Government, 40,000 TAFE students and apprentices, 130,000 university students and jobseekers and 800,000 seniors and pensioners, will soon be able link a credit or debit card to their travel concession to enjoy discounted fares using their phone, watch or digital device.
Modelling by Transport for NSW, predicts 70 per cent of TAFE and university students, apprentices and jobseekers will use contactless concessions and between 30-40 per cent of seniors and pensioners.
The upgrades will be rolled out gradually from 16 April.
Amid higher petrol prices and other cost-of-living pressures, there has been a recent spike in public transport patronage, and this upgrade will make it easier for seniors, pensioners and concessions to access the reduced fares they are entitled to claim.
Adult fares are capped at $50 weekly, Concessions and Child/Youth at $25, and a $2.50 daily cap is in place for Senior/Pensioner travellers – meaning once you hit those caps, your trips are free.
On Fridays, weekends, public holidays and outside peak times, fares are 30 per cent cheaper on metro, train, bus and light rail services.
Table of Opal fares for Adult and Concession holders:
| Daily Fare Cap | Weekly Fare Cap | ||
| Card Type | Mon-Thu | Fri-Sun & Public holidays | |
| Children 3 and under | Free | Free | Free |
| Child/Youth | $9.65 | $4.80 | $25.00 |
| Concession | $9.65 | $4.80 | $25.00 |
| Adult | $19.30 | $9.65 | $50.00 |
| Senior | $2.50 | $2.50 | $17.50 |
The upgrades are part of the NSW Government’s major public transport ticketing overhaul – Opal Next Gen.
Minister for Transport John Graham said:
“As cost-of-living pressures bite hard, and more people are using the public transport system, this is a timely tech innovation that will make getting through the ticket gates or past the Opal reader that much more convenient for close to a million people and help them save on fares.
“Our modelling suggests the majority of apprentices, university and TAFE students and jobseekers will switch to contactless concessions which shows the appetite out there for digital payments.
“The daily and weekly fare caps are a very real saving for passengers on our network. Adults don’t pay more than $50 a week, concession fares are capped at $25, and seniors don’t pay more than $2.50 a day – or $17.50 a week if they travel seven days a week.”
Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said:
“This is a practical change that will make a real difference to thousands of TAFE and university students and apprentices across NSW. When you’re studying, training or starting out in your career every dollar counts and this upgrade makes it easier to access the concessions people are entitled to.
“Our government is focused on making life easier and more affordable for people gaining skills and training for the jobs of the future. This is a smart and modern reform that puts convenience and cost savings directly into the hands of students and apprentices.”
Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:
“This is an exciting upgrade that means Sydney will soon surpass other world cities like London, Paris and New York as leading the way in advanced contactless payment options for more passenger groups.
“It means 970,000 more passengers, including tertiary and TAFE students, trainees and apprentices, seniors, and pensioners will soon have the choice to tap into the ease of Contactless Concessions and ditch their physical Opal card, without losing their discount.
“We know plenty of our passengers still love their physical Opal card – and it’s not going anywhere. This is about giving people more options, so they can choose public transport more often.”
Joint statement on economic resilience and essential supplies
We, the Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Anthony Albanese MP, and the Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr Lawrence Wong, reaffirmed the strength of the relationship and the deep reservoir of strategic trust between our two countries, as reflected in the Australia-Singapore Comprehensive Strategic Partnership 2.0 (CSP 2.0).
The enhanced CSP 2.0 sets out the ambitious next phase of cooperation, which underpins shared prosperity, security and stability. Our discussions today enable enhanced cooperation on emerging and evolving issues.
Recognising the significant economic impacts of the current Middle East crisis, we reaffirmed our support for the current ceasefire and encouraged negotiations to bring an end to the conflict.
We agreed on the need to coordinate our response to this global crisis so that both our economies are stronger and more resilient into the future.
We recognised the importance of the role of our countries in each other’s energy security – Singapore is one of Australia’s top suppliers of refined petroleum products, and Australia is one of Singapore’s top suppliers of liquefied natural gas.
Building on our Joint Statement on Energy Security on 23 March, we stated our determination to make maximum efforts to meet each other’s energy security needs in the context of the acute energy crisis currently affecting global markets.
We reaffirmed our commitment to support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils, such as diesel, and LNG and agreed to intensify cooperation to facilitate the timely movement of goods and essential supplies through enhanced coordination, efficient border and port processes, transparency, and early consultation.
We reaffirmed our commitment to working together, particularly during crises, to support a resilient, rules-based multilateral trading system that underpins stability during periods of global disruption.
Further to this, we directed our Ministers to conclude a legally binding Protocol to the Singapore-Australia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) on Economic Resilience and Essential Supplies consistent with this Joint Statement.
To support this cooperation, we welcomed the establishment of the Australia–Singapore Economic Resilience Dialogue, co-chaired by senior officials, to facilitate cooperation on economic resilience challenges and trade in essential supplies.
We tasked Ministers to convene the inaugural Energy Ministerial Dialogue to strengthen our cooperation.
We reaffirmed our calls for other trading partners to join us in ensuring global energy supply chains are kept open, for the benefit of the security and prosperity of their peoples.
Liberals and Nationals demand transparency around Great Western highway fix
Five weeks after the closure of Victoria Pass on the Great Western Highway, the Liberals and Nationals are demanding transparency around the reopening of this critical transport corridor.
Transport for NSW first reported surface damage and then structural movement at Mitchell’s Bridge, known as the Convict Causeway, in early March which led to a minimum three-month closure.
Traffic has been diverted via a winding tourist drive and through the Lithgow CBD, placing significant strain on local roads and communities, with heavy traffic reported over the Easter long weekend.
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said business, freight operators and residents impacted deserved timely answers.
“The Minns Labor Government said they wouldn’t hold back information and yet five weeks on there is no clarity as to how long these repairs will take amid speculation it will be much longer than the three months indicated,” Ms Sloane said.
“Local businesses, freight operators and residents living in the Blue Mountains and Central West deserve transparency around timelines and reassurance about what support they will receive if it is not fixed soon.”
“The Great Western Highway plays a critical role in keeping goods moving to Sydney and the coast. Disrupt it, and it impacts jobs, prices and economic stability across the whole state.”
Shadow Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the community’s patience has run out and they want answers.
“This isn’t a minor inconvenience, it impacts locals, businesses, freight operators and families each and every day. They’re being ignored by a city-centric Labor Government which is hiding behind ‘investigations’ while real people are paying the price every single day,” Mr Toole said.
“If this was Sydney, the fix would be underway. We’re a third of the way through the estimated closure period and no further ahead – no solution, no answers. Regional communities are fed up with being treated like second-class citizens.”
“As commuters sit stuck in traffic, it is an important reminder that both the Federal and State Labor Governments made the decision to cut the long-planned road project through the mountains.”
According to Destination NSW, Central West Tourism alone brings in around $4.9 million every single day to the Central West and supports more than 2,300 local businesses.