Category: NSW News

After nearly two years in power, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos have no excuses left. The Auditor-General’s report has exposed alarming breaches of governance, and the government must table all overdue reports by close of business today.
 
The failures include:
 

• The Treasurer has failed to table the audited 2023-24 Total State Sector Accounts (TSSA) in Parliament, as required under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018.
• Responsible Ministers have failed to table annual reports for 16 agencies, leaving Parliament and the public in the dark about agency performance.
• Errors in accounting for assets led to financial statement adjustments totalling $1.4 billion.

 
During the most recent Budget Estimates hearing, Treasurer Mookhey was asked directly: “In what month will the 2023–24 annual reports for each department/agency in your portfolio be published?” Instead of providing a straightforward answer, the Treasurer deflected: “The annual report of a reporting GSF agency is to be prepared, submitted and tabled in accordance with requirements under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 and Treasurer’s Direction 23-11.”
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this evasive response shows the Treasurer knew his legal obligations but has now chosen to ignore them. NSW is worse off under the Minns Labor Government, which consistently fails to meet even the most basic standards of transparency.
 
“These reports must be tabled by close of business today—no more delays, no more excuses,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Minister for Finance Eleni Petinos said the Treasurer’s deflection during Budget Estimates hearings and the Minns Labor Government’s repeated failures to meet their obligations demonstrate a government that is not serious about transparency.
 
“These overdue reports are not just a bureaucratic failure—they represent an inexcusable avoidance scrutiny. The people of NSW deserve better,” Ms Petinos said.
 
While reported misstatements in financial reports have decreased, their gross value remains alarmingly high at $3.9 billion for 2023-24.
 
The Minns Labor Government has had almost two years to get its house in order, yet it continues to fail at every turn. Its inability to deliver key reports and ensure financial transparency shows contempt for the people of NSW. The Treasurer and the Minister must stop hiding and start governing. 
 
The time for excuses is over. The people of NSW deserve transparency, accountability, and results—not a government that hides behind bureaucracy and deflection. Enough is enough.

The Minns Labor Government is speeding up the delivery of new housing using streamlined solutions to planning assessment.

More than 280 new homes at the Telstra Exchange site in St Leonards have been approved in a concurrent rezoning and assessment process.

The State Significant Development proposal worth $209 million will include 272 build-to-rent homes, 10 affordable housing units, 84 serviced apartments and retail stores, all within a 43-storey mixed-use tower.

The streamlined planning process where a site is concurrently rezoned and assessed is the same model that will be offered to proponents who opt-in to the soon-to-be established Housing Delivery Authority.

The site was rezoned under the Crows Nest Transport Oriented Development Accelerated Precinct and the assessment has been approved a short time later.

The proposed development will create 250 construction jobs and a further 40 ongoing jobs, with the existing Telstra Exchange building to be integrated into the new build.

Delivering well-located homes close to transport, jobs and community amenity has been a priority for the Minns Government, as well as finding new and innovative ways to speed up planning processes.

To support the community with more homes, this project will raise up to $9.8 million in development contributions for Lane Cove Council to improve local infrastructure such as parks, community facilities and local roads.

A further $3 million will be provided by NSW Housing and Productivity Contribution for State and regional infrastructure projects such as roads, parks, hospitals and schools.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This project is a great example of an innovative infill development proposal which will provide nearly 290 new homes plus new short-term accommodation within six kilometres of the Sydney CBD.

“The Telstra Exchange site will retain its operations at this location while enabling redevelopment over its existing building for much needed new homes.

“This rezoning and assessment pathway is similar to what proponents will have access to when working with the Housing Delivery Authority, this will speed up the delivery of good projects.

“This project will be backed with $12.8 million in combined developer contributions to both Lane Cove Council and the NSW Government Housing and Productivity fund. This contribution will help deliver new and improved public infrastructure for the St Leonards community.” 

Three new overtaking lanes south of Moree are now open thanks to a $261.1 million investment between the Australian and New South Wales governments, providing safer and more efficient road journeys.

For drivers of the Newell Highway the upgrades are a welcome improvement, with new northbound and southbound overtaking lanes south of Moree, and a new northbound lane now open at Bellata.

The works are part of the Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades, which are being delivered in four sections. Remaining activities include:

• the installation of a pedestrian refuge and turning lane, as well as switching on the remaining streetlights at Bellata
• construction of north-west NSW’s largest heavy vehicle rest area north of Narrabri
• improved pavement, culverts and two new overtaking lanes south of Edgeroi.

The project will also upgrade 20 kilometres of the Newell Highway between Narrabri and Moree, delivering new heavy-duty road pavement, intersection improvements and wider road shoulders.

North of Narrabri, traffic has switched over to a recently finished section of new highway, providing a safer and more comfortable drive for motorists.

The Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrades not only improves safety, it reduces future maintenance requirements and costs, improves the highway’s flood resilience and improves freight productivity and access to the Moree Special Activation Precinct.

Construction on these essential upgrades began in mid-2022, and has already created job opportunities for more than 940 people.

The Australian Government is contributing $205.7 million to these works, as part of an $1.5 billion total investment in future-proofing the Newell Highway.

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

“The Australian Government is proud to be working with our state counterparts by investing in the future of regional NSW.

“The $1.5 billion we’re investing in the Newell Highway will pay dividends for decades, ensuring this essential transport corridor will serve local motorists and the road freight industry alike.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“The Newell Highway is a major inland regional route that connects Queensland and Victoria and is travelled by thousands of locals, tourists and key freight operators every day.

“The opening of three new overtaking lanes is an important milestone for this highway upgrade project which will greatly improve the way people move around the state’s north-west.

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are pleased to be working together to improve road safety and reduce travel times for motorists who travel on this critical national highway.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“The Australian Government is investing in the road infrastructure which keeps freight moving and travellers safe.

“We’re partnering with the NSW Government to deliver projects that local communities need and deserve.”

NSW Independent Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“The mix of road users travelling on the Newell Highway means it’s not uncommon for faster moving vehicles to come up behind slower moving heavy vehicles or holidaying caravanners.

“The provision of extra overtaking lanes is a vital safety initiative that helps to keep traffic flowing smoothly and reduces some of the frustration that can come from not being able to safely pass.”

NSW Labor’s spokesperson for Northern Tablelands Peter Primrose MLC said:

“These new overtaking lanes will improve regional travel, especially during the end of year school holiday period, lead to improved efficiency for freight operators who use the Newell Highway, and safer road travel for holiday makers and regular Newell Highway users on the western side of the Northern Tablelands.

“The whole project is a great example of the Australian and NSW Governments collaborating to prioritise investment in regional communities.”

Work to deliver enhanced palliative care facilities for communities in western Sydney is progressing, with planning and design for new, purpose-built palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals now completed.

The completion of the design phase for the palliative care units at both Westmead and Nepean hospitals paves the way for the tender process to appoint a building contractor to commence next year.  

The NSW Government is investing $93 million as part of the World Class End of Life Care Program to deliver new or redeveloped palliative care facilities across the state, including at Nepean, Westmead, Wyong, Tamworth, and Orange hospitals. 

The new purpose-built palliative care units, offer more privacy, comfort, and dignity to support people in their final stages of life and ensure they receive the highest standard of care. 

Extensive consultation with staff and the local community has played an important role in the design development for each unit at Westmead and Nepean Hospitals, and ensures the palliative care space meets the needs of the local community.

At Westmead Hospital, the new unit will include bedrooms with ensuites, communal spaces, a multi-faith room, and direct access to a shared outdoor area. This facility will be located within an extension to the Clinical Acute Services Building and has been designed to offer privacy and access to complementary health services within Westmead Hospital. 

At Nepean Hospital, the new unit which is on the top floor of the new Stage 2 Redevelopment building, will feature bedrooms with ensuites and include a rooftop courtyard, as well as family-orientated, shared spaces aimed at creating a supportive, inclusive setting for patients and their loved ones. 

Construction timeframes for the new palliative care units at Westmead and Nepean hospitals will be confirmed following the appointment of a building contractor.  

Minister for Health Ryan Park: 

“The NSW Government’s investment to enhance palliative care facilities is focused on delivering respectful and purpose-built spaces which provide dignity and comfort for people in their final stages of life. 

“These units at Nepean and Westmead hospitals will ensure patients and their families have both privacy and comfort, as well as enhanced access to palliative care services and facilities.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown: 

“It is important that the design for these new palliative care facilities included input from health staff and the community. It will provide our Nepean hospital patients and their families with the comfort, ease, and solace they deserve during these difficult times.

“Our Government’s $93 million commitment is part of the World Class End of Life Care Program highlighting our dedication to expanding access to quality and compassionate care for communities throughout NSW.” 

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis

“The new unit at Westmead Hospital will provide quality end-of-life and supportive care in a calm, homely environment, supporting local patients and their families during a difficult time.” 

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Independent health data released today by the Bureau of Health Information (BHI) reveal the human cost of the Minns Labor Government’s industrial chaos and cuts to the health budget. 

Hospitals in NSW are continuing to face unprecedented pressure with record presentations to emergency departments and only 61.3% of patients starting their treatment on time – the worst result on record. 

Elective surgery waitlists have also grown to 98,608 – up 7.7% on the same quarter last year. 

Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said Labor’s real cuts to the health budget two years in a row have led to poorer patient outcomes and increasing pressure on hospital staff.

“67,737 patients left an ED without treatment in the September quarter – a whopping 9.8% increase on the same quarter last year. 

“Behind every one of those numbers is a patient trying to get better. They don’t want Labor’s buck passing; they want access to quality healthcare when they need it,” Mr Speakman said. 

Shadow Health Minister Kellie Sloane said NSW Labor has today tried to shift the blame to Federal Labor, blaming GP shortages for the Minns Government hospital failures. 

“Chris Minns and the Health Minister have decided to throw a weak Prime Minister Anthony Albanese under the bus to distract from their failure to adequately invest in our health system and their months of industrial chaos.”

“This is an appalling attempt by the Minister to shift focus and blame, ignoring the most alarming statistics which show potentially life-threatening presentations to EDs are the highest on record,” Ms Sloane said.

Shadow Minister for Regional Health Gurmesh Singh said patients starting Emergency Room treatment on time is the worst since reporting began in 2010. 

“In Regional NSW, patients are having to travel further for care while beds remain closed under this government. These statistics show in black and white what our communities are telling us – that Labor is failing to run the Health system,” Mr Singh said. 

Key Stats:

• 61.3% of patients started their treatment on time – the lowest of any quarter since BHI started reporting in 2010. 
• Fewer than half of triage 2 patients, which are defined as potentially life-threatening presentations, are being treated on time. 
• Over 67,000 patients left emergency departments without treatment, a 9.8% increase on the same quarter last year.
• 1 in 10 patients spent longer than 11 hours and 29 minutes in the ED.
• There were 98,608 patients on the elective surgery waiting list at the end of September– a 7.7% increase in a year – yet the number of elective surgeries was down 3.9% from the same quarter last year. 
• Ambulance responses were slower – the median response time for emergency (“P1”) was up 0.8 minutes; and the percentages of emergency (“P1”) responses with a call to ambulance arrival within 15 and 30 minutes were down 2.8 and 3.0 percentage points respectively, compared with the same quarter last year

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) has been preparing for summer with upgrades to Australia’s largest firefighting helicopter, including increased water-holding capacity and new night-time capabilities.

The CH-47 Chinook helicopter can now hold 11,000 litres of water in an internal tank, making it an even better asset in firefighting efforts.

With the tank upgrade, the helicopter can fill faster, deploy more effectively, and conduct night-time operations when fire intensity is typically lower. Previously, the Chinook had a bucket that made it too dangerous to be used at night-time or over densely populated areas.

Added to the RFS aerial fleet last year, the Chinook has been instrumental in firefighting efforts in NSW and is one of only a few Chinook helicopters in use for firefighting activity globally, with the heavy transport helicopter mostly used by defence forces.

NSW has the most aerial firefighting aircraft of any state and territory in Australia. In addition to the Chinook, the fleet this season includes the Boeing 737 Large Air Tanker ‘Marie Bashir’, two Cessna Citations, one King Air fixed-wing aircraft and six Bell 412 helicopters.

The new tank was fitted out locally and is a permanent solution that replaces a temporary 10,000-litre bucket. It allows the Chinook to carry the largest water payload of any firefighting helicopter in Australia and second only to the ‘Marie Bashir’ in the RFS fleet.

This expanded capability builds on the RFS’s strategic partnership with the Royal Australian Air Force, with the aircraft operating out of RAAF Base Richmond.

Operating from bases across the state, including Richmond, Dubbo, Coffs Harbour and Cooma, the RFS fleet is further supported by more than 200 additional aircraft available on an as-needed basis through the National Aerial Firefighting Centre (NAFC) and other agreements.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“We can never be too prepared for summer and the upgraded Chinook makes the RFS aerial fleet even stronger in the fight against fires.”

“This new capability to safely conduct aerial waterbombing at night is a game-changer for our response, allowing for faster turnarounds and greater capacity to protect people and properties.”

“Our aerial fleet includes crucial assets that support our RFS volunteers and personnel on the ground to keep communities as safe as possible, and I thank them for everything they do for our state.”

“As we enter the warmer months and as the RFS and other fire agencies prepare, communities across the state should also do their bit by checking the readiness of their properties and their plan in the event of an emergency.”

Commissioner of the NSW Rural Fire Service Rob Rogers said:

“This addition means that the Chinook can directly attack fires with precision when conditions are typically more favourable – such as at night.”

“The RFS is prepared to deploy our robust and versatile fleet wherever and whenever needed to protect communities and respond swiftly to fires across NSW.”

Young people across regional NSW can look forward to an exciting lineup of activities during the upcoming school holidays, thanks to the NSW Government’s Holiday Break program.

The initiative ensures regional youth have access to free enriching, educational and enjoyable experiences during the school holidays, breaking down financial barriers and making these opportunities accessible to all.

The program will deliver a total of 800 free events across the summer and autumn school holidays, including a wide variety of activities designed to engage, inspire and connect young people in regional areas.

With the summer school holidays just around the corner, young people can look forward to 500 exciting activities across the state, including tennis, rugby, cricket and basketball, alongside creative workshops and outdoor adventures.

Music and dance workshops offer opportunities for collaboration and performance, while rock climbing, pool parties and barefoot bowls are fun supervised social events.

Other unique experiences include a ‘Paint a Skateboard’ workshop, an introduction to aeromodelling and cultural programs that celebrate and teach Aboriginal culture.

To make it easier for families to plan, see an interactive map where you can find some of the activities near you.

NSW Minister for Youth Rose Jackson said:

“The Holiday Break program is a great way to support young people in regional NSW by offering a wide range of free activities that help them stay active, explore new interests and build meaningful connections with their peers.

“In total, the program will deliver 800 free activities across regional NSW over the summer and autumn holidays, making sure kids are learning and having new experiences with their peers.”

NSW Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This program is about making sure that every young person, no matter where they live, has the chance to try something new, develop their skills and have fun with their friends.

“As families face increasing financial pressures, this program offers young people the chance to create lasting memories without the added cost, making school holidays more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.”

Club Manager at Gunnedah PCYC Jessica Blair said:

“PCYC Broken Hill and PCYC Gunnedah’s Holiday Break program is specifically designed to address the unique needs of young people in regional areas.

“For many young people in these communities, school holidays can be a time of isolation, with limited recreational options available.

“By offering structured, supervised activities like the 3-on-3 basketball tournament in Menindee and multisport programs in Wee Waa and Wilcannia, the program helps keep young people engaged in positive, social activities.

“Many of the activities are designed to enhance physical fitness, mental well-being and life skills, all while providing an alternative to the challenges that come with long school holidays in regional communities.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to expand high potential and gifted education opportunities across NSW public schools, with 13 targeted schools set to receive a share in $50 million for specialist school facilities.

The funding will deliver upgrades and improvements to facilities such as science and technology laboratories, libraries, creative arts spaces, sporting facilities and design workshops, enabling the schools to deliver talent development and extension opportunities across a range of subject areas.

This investment is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education opportunities in all NSW public schools.

Work with these partner schools is the first step in the NSW Government’s expansion of access to High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) opportunities across NSW public schools. Staff at these targeted schools will work with HPGE experts to deliver more opportunities that challenge and extend students to reach their potential.

These opportunities include activities such as class-level acceleration programs, inter-school competitions and tournaments, and statewide opportunities such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program, the Premier’s Spelling Bee, the Gamechanger Challenge in design thinking, the Schools Spectacular and inter-school debating championships.

Priority schools have been chosen across metropolitan and regional NSW based on identified student needs, population growth, and schools’ capacity to accommodate increased enrolments.

Marrickville High School, which has had a 50 per cent lift in school enrolments since 2021, will be among the first schools to benefit from the new program, with funding to go towards an upgraded hall and science labs, improved music and performance spaces and modernising outdated food technology facilities.

The investment will help broaden educational opportunities at the school through access to state-of-the-art learning resources such as STEM provisions and dedicated creative arts, performance and sports facilities.

The 13 partner schools are:

• Batemans Bay High School
• Bowral High School
• Canobolas Rural Technical High School, Orange
• Chifley College Dunheved Campus
• JJ Cahill High School, Mascot
• Kooringal High School, Wagga Wagga
• Lake Macquarie High School
• Lithgow High School
• Marrickville High School
• Matraville Sports High School
• South Sydney High School
• Tamworth High School
• Windsor High School

The NSW Government and Department of Education is working closely with the partner schools to identify infrastructure investments that would best support student opportunities.

In addition to the facilities upgrades, teachers at the partner schools will receive dedicated professional learning to assist with identifying and rolling out more High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities for their students.

Broader professional learning will also be provided to teachers in all NSW public schools as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to expanding access to High Potential and Gifted Education opportunities across the system.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car said:

“We want every child to have the opportunity to reach their full potential at school, with high expectations for achievement.

“Through our commitment to deliver high potential and gifted education across our state’s schools, parents can be confident that their local public school will bring out the absolute best in their child.

“NSW public schools already offer a free world class education, the addition of these programs will only enhance that offer.

“The investment in specialist facilities like science and technology labs and creative performance spaces will enhance opportunities for students to nurture their talents in our high schools.” 

NSW Department of Education Secretary Murat Dizdar said:

“We know all our schools have high potential and gifted students. Creating classroom and school environments where students are encouraged to achieve excellence in their learning will mean all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will have the opportunity to flourish.”

Marrickville High School principal Steve Holz said:

“This additional support in delivering high-quality programs for all our students, including high potential and gifted students, will further boost our school’s increasingly positive reputation within the community.

“We want our school to be the school of choice for the parents and students in our area and this program will help us in achieving that goal.”

Healthcare workers in the Murrumbidgee region will soon have access to more key worker accommodation with the delivery of new self-contained accommodation units to Leeton District Hospital.

Delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $45.3 million Key Worker Accommodation Program, three modular units have arrived at Leeton to support staff who require short to long term accommodation while working at the hospital.

The self-contained units are being installed on the corner of Wade Avenue on the hospital site, providing access to modern, fit for purpose accommodation for healthcare workers wanting to relocate to Leeton to work.

The prefabricated units were built off-site and modelled on the KWA Program Prototype Unit completed earlier this year, similar to accommodation units already delivered in West Wyalong, Narrandera and Finley. 

The new units will be fully furnished and include a screened veranda, light-filled living and dining area, modern kitchen, bedroom with ensuite, and an internal laundry.

Final installation, the connection of services, fencing, landscaping and furnishing of the new units will now take place, with healthcare workers expected to move into the new accommodation early next year when the units are completed.

Murrumbidgee Local Health District is one of three regional local health districts to benefit from a $45.3 million investment to deliver accommodation for healthcare workers under the KWA Program. 

Under the Key Worker Accommodation Program, 39 accommodation units have been delivered to rural and regional locations across the state, including 15 units in the Murrumbidgee region. On top of this the Minns Labor Government has committed an additional $200.1 million to increase key health worker accommodation across rural and regional areas of the State as part of the 2024-25 NSW Budget. 

Regional Health Minister, Ryan Park:  

“In October, I visited the site where the key worker accommodation at Leeton District Hospital will be located and it is fantastic to know it is now not far off from this being ready to occupy.

“During this visit, one of the key issues I kept hearing about was issues with staffing, and difficulties faced with attracting and retain healthcare workers, and housing is a key factor.

“Securing suitable accommodation in regional areas can be difficult, so the new units will make it easier for healthcare workers looking at making the move to a rural or regional town to live and work.”

Member for Murray, Helen Dalton:

“The Leeton community has a lot to offer, and I am looking forward to seeing healthcare workers take this opportunity to make the move here, with this modern and comfortable accommodation option now available.

“The provision of modern and self-contained accommodation units will go a long way in removing one of the barriers to attracting healthcare staff to localities such as Leeton.”

Far West NSW communities have access to a safer, more resilient and smoother Pooncarie Road following completion of historic $48.8 million Australian and NSW Government-funded sealing projects.

The Australian Government invested $31.7 million and the NSW Government contributed $17.1 million to the projects, which were delivered by Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council between 2021 and 2024.

Before the projects were delivered, an 87.5-kilometre stretch of Pooncarie Road between Menindee and Pooncarie had a dirt surface that meant motorists had to deal with a less safe surface, slower travel times and regular road closures after heavy rainfall leaving some communities cut off for weeks at a time.

The sealing projects completed in recent months have led to easier access to essential services communities rely on, while also boosting freight efficiency and improving access to tourism opportunities, including for visitors to the popular Menindee Lakes.

More than 75 people worked on the sealing projects which also provided a boost to local employment.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“These important road sealing projects have involved many people in the local community and I’m pleased to hear all the hard work that has gone into it has paid off.

“This has been a big job and a joint effort – and one which the Australian Government has been proud to invest in.

“I’m particularly pleased to see that as a result of these projects, all vehicles, including caravans, can now enjoy year-round access to the mighty Menindee Lakes and Mungo National Park.”

NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“The full sealing of Pooncarie Road has cut travel times by around 90 minutes between Menindee and Wentworth.

“Previously some vehicles had to do 20 km/h along parts of the dirt road and it could be impassable when there was wet weather.

“It’s great to hear reports of increased tourism numbers to Menindee and Pooncarie since the sealing took place.

“The NSW Government is proud to have invested in such significant projects in the state’s Far West. These projects have delivered major safety, economic and social benefits to some of our important outback communities.”

Senator for NSW Deborah O’Neill:

“The previous deficiencies of this route were acutely felt by communities who use Pooncarie Road.

“Completing this upgrade is huge news for everyone who relies on what is one of the region’s major arterial routes.

“Pooncarie Road now more safely and reliably provides vital connections to emergency and health services, schools, and employment opportunities.”

State Member for Barwon Roy Butler:

“This project has been a real game changer for local communities with motorists now able to travel on a reliable road surface that’s much safer and resilient to wet weather.

“Improved access for tourists, locals and freight services will benefit these Far West communities including the western pastoralists who are operating sheep, goat and cattle industries in the area.”

State Member for Murray Helen Dalton:

“These projects are a good example of all three levels of government working together to make this long overdue sealing a reality.

“I’m happy more of our communities are benefiting from better roads.”

Member of the NSW Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence:

“Our investments in a better Pooncarie Road will benefit current and future generations for many years to come.

“Rural and regional communities rely on roads for so much of their well-being and I am pleased to see these improvements to Far West roads being delivered.”

Wentworth Shire Mayor Daniel Linklater:

“This is a transformative milestone for our region.

“The sealing of Pooncarie Road, connecting Pooncarie to Menindee, is a game-changer for tourism, road users, and local economies.

“Reliable year-round access makes travelling safer and more enjoyable while opening up new opportunities for local businesses, with Pooncarie already seeing travellers arriving earlier than ever before.

“I commend both Wentworth Shire Council and Central Darling Shire Council working together to deliver this vital upgrade.

“The improved connectivity benefits communities across both shires, strengthens regional ties, supports freight and supply chains, and draws more visitors to iconic destinations.

“We are proud to have partnered with the Australian and NSW governments on these major projects. I look forward to seeing the lasting economic and social benefits these projects will bring to our communities and beyond.”

Central Darling Shire Council General Manager Greg Hill:

“Central Darling Shire Council appreciates the funding support from the Australian and NSW governments because the road desperately needed to be sealed for road safety reasons.

“Now we can keep the road open during wet conditions, benefiting both residents and tourists.

“This is a significant achievement. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in these projects over the last three years including our Shire Services Director, and the project manager for council, Reece Wilson, and his team.

“These are major projects for not only our shire but also the Far West region. The benefits will be long lasting. We also expect to see more tourists visiting the area now that the road is sealed.”