Category: NSW News

Families in the Illawarra now have access to free mental health and wellbeing support for their children at the Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub in Fairy Meadow.

Labor is delivering on its commitment to universal, free healthcare by building a network of more than 33 Medicare Mental Health Centres in New South Wales and four Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs. 

This network puts mental health support close by and takes pressure off families by saving time and money. 

Kids Hubs provide free mental health and wellbeing services for children aged 0-12 who may be experiencing mild to moderate developmental, emotional, social or behavioural challenges.

Today marks the official opening of the Illawarra site to support children’s mental health.

The Illawarra location is one of four Kids Hubs being rolled out across NSW as part of a $50.8 million joint investment of $25.4 million from each of the Australian and NSW Governments to support children’s mental health.

The refurbished building in Fairy Meadow has been purposely designed to make children and families feel welcome, with a range of dedicated treatment spaces. 

The Illawarra Kids Hub will also provide outreach services to Warilla, Kiama and Nowra through Community Health Centres, ensuring families across the region can access support.

Mental health clinicians, allied health professionals, care navigators at the service will tailor care to the needs of each child and family who visits.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is a significant investment in the wellbeing of children across the Illawarra. Early intervention changes lives, and this Kids Hub will help families get support when it matters most.

“Having a dedicated, purpose-built space here in the Illawarra means families can access high quality mental health care without travelling or paying out of pocket.

NSW Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

“Free, accessible healthcare is a cornerstone of a strong public health system, and every family deserves access to quality mental health care, regardless of their circumstances.

“This service ensure children and parents in the Illawarra can get the support they need, when they need it, without cost being a barrier.

“People across the Illawarra have been calling for easier access to mental health support for young people and this is a great example of how the Minns and Albanese Labor Government are working together to ensure this care is delivered.”

Assistant Minister McBride: 

“The Albanese Labor Government is putting mental health at the heart of Medicare and services in the centre of communities. 

“The new Medicare Mental Health Kids Hub will provide a safe and welcoming place for Illawarra children and their parents, carers and kin. 

“We know that early intervention is crucial, and that’s why we’re removing barriers to accessing support. 

“We’re proud to partner with the NSW Government to deliver more mental health services, like Medicare Mental Health Kids Hubs, across the state.”

Alison Byrnes, Member for Cunningham: 

“Accessing services and support before behavioural and mental health challenges escalate ensures better outcomes for children and families. 

“I’m delighted that this free local hub will make it easier and more affordable for Illawarra families to access help early, freeing up specialist services for those who need it most.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully:

“This is a welcome expansion in local mental health services. Opening the Illawarra Kids Hub not only provides a central location for services but also a series of outreach services to provide accessible services across the region.

“The Illawarra Kids Hub at Fairy Meadow is well-located with a mix of transport options available for people to get to it and get the support they need, whether it’s getting advice or accessing health professionals.” 

Families in Worrigee have had a first look at their new public primary school and preschool, with the Minns Labor Government releasing designs as planning progresses.

The new public primary school will ensure families in the rapidly developing suburbs of Worrigee and South Nowra can access a world-class public education close to home.

The primary school will have 24 modern classrooms, three support learning classrooms, a multipurpose hall with a covered outdoor learning area (COLA), library and special programs rooms, a sports field and multipurpose sports court.

The co-located preschool, one of 100 new public preschools the Minns Labor Government is opening in 2027, will have capacity for up to 120 children every week, ensuring the community will have access to high-quality early education.

It is one of four new public preschools being delivered in the Shoalhaven area, with others being built at Bomaderry Public School, Greenwell Point Public School and Sanctuary Point Public School. In contrast the former Liberal and National government did not build a single new public preschool during 12 years in office.

The new Worrigee public preschool is scheduled to open in 2027, while the new primary school is set to welcome students in 2028. The planning application for the public preschool is currently open via the NSW Planning Portal.

The new school and preschool will cater for local families amid significant growth in South Nowra, which has seen a 150 per cent increase in new dwellings over the past decade.

The new public school at Worrigee will alleviate pressure on Nowra Public School and Nowra East Public School while also easing traffic in the broader area by reducing the number of students and parents having to travel across suburbs.

The Minns Labor Government has committed $2.9 billion to upgrade and build new schools in regional areas as part of its commitment to rebuild public education across the state.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is dedicated to enhancing educational opportunities and building a brighter future for our children. This new school and public preschool will play a vital role in supporting the educational needs of families in the Worrigee and South Nowra areas.

“The new Worrigee public school and public preschool has been long time coming for the families across South Nowra, who were neglected by the former Liberal National Government.

“We are committed to providing students with a high-quality, state-of-the-art learning environment that meets the demands of a growing population, such as South Nowra and Worrigee.”

Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“I’m thrilled the artist impressions have now been shared with the community to see an indication of how the new primary and public preschool in Worrigee might look.

“The Nowra community continues to grow, and it is vital we continue to invest in these areas so every child can access high-quality public schools close to home.

“Investing in our public schools is essential to ensure all students across NSW can access the best possible education.”

More than 50,000 Australians each year will gain the benefits of industry-led digital training with a new TAFE Centre of Excellence opening at the Institute of Applied Technology – Digital at TAFE NSW Meadowbank. 

In a joint initiative, the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are investing $11 million into the Centre to strengthen Australia’s digital and technology capability, providing practical digital skills training to students shaped by industry needs and helping employers access a pipeline of digitally skilled workers. 

Building on the success of TAFE NSW’s Institute of Applied Technology – Digital pilot, the Centre will:

• upskill and reskill students and workers in cybersecurity, AI, big data, cloud computing, and software;
• expand the skills pipeline by supporting priority cohorts including women, culturally and linguistically diverse learners and First Nations students;
• offer flexible delivery including on-site and online training to support regional and remote cohorts across the state and the country;
• work with industry, universities and small and medium-sized businesses to deliver applied research and practical solutions to real world digital workforce challenges; and
• deliver microskills, microcredentials, vendor certifications, and accredited qualifications across the digital skills domain. 

This investment is part of the Albanese Government’s $325 million in funding to establish a national network of up to 20 TAFE Centres of Excellence under the National Skills Agreement with states and territories. 

This builds on the Minns Labor Government’s record $3.4 billion investment in TAFE and skills, ensuring the state’s training system continues to deliver modern, industry-aligned training in critical skills areas.  

More information on TAFE Centres of Excellence is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website.  

Federal Minister for Skills and Training, Andrew Giles: 

“TAFE Centres of Excellence are designed to ensure Australians can get the skills they need for good secure work into the future. 

“Australia’s vocational education and training system must remain agile and keep pace with technological change and evolving job roles – work that our Government is doing with industry, training providers and others in the sector. 

“By working closely with the Minns Government in backing this project, our new TAFE Centre of Excellence here at Meadowbank will strengthen Australia’s digital capability and boost pathways into skilled digital jobs.” 

NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan: 

“This investment reinforces the role of TAFE NSW as a leader in delivering innovative, industry-focused training, in high-demand skills areas. 

“The Institute of Applied Technology Digital – National Centre of Excellence builds on a proven skills delivery model, providing opportunities for students and workers to gain the digital skills that work for communities and industries.  

“By working closely with industry and university partners, we are ensuring training keeps pace with technological change delivering job-ready graduates.” 

Member for Bennelong, Jerome Laxale: 

“It’s an exciting day for our local community. Playing host to this new, national TAFE Centre of Excellence will supercharge the work already being done by TAFE NSW Meadowbank to ensure students here and across the state get the skills they need for the future. 

“Over the coming years and decades the global demand for technology skills will skyrocket – the Albanese Labor Government is ensuring that students can remain ahead of the pack by benefitting from the best of digital and AI skills training, right here in our community.” 

The first passenger service of the new intercity Mariyung train on the South Coast Line will depart Kiama Station at 7:56am today, bound for Central Station.

The introduction of the Mariyung in the Illawarra will be followed later in the year by a service uplift that will deliver a train every 15 minutes in the peak between Wollongong and Sydney – up from the current three an hour in the peak – as part of the new 2026 Sydney Trains timetable.

The inaugural journey on Tuesday will mark the beginning of the final phase of the rollout of the Mariyung fleet which entered service on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year. 

Mariyung trains offer more spacious two-by-two seating, a quieter journey with modern air-conditioning, spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs, enhanced safety and improved accessibility. 

Seating includes tray tables, arm rests, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices. On-board digital screens are easier to read, and CCTV throughout the new trains will enhance the safety and security while helping deter anti-social activity. 

The Mariyung trains are the first new intercity fleet in almost 20 years and have an expected service life of 35 years. They will gradually replace the Oscar trains that entered service in 2006.  

Following 12 months of testing and enabling track and station works, the South Coast Line is getting a phased rollout of the Mariyung fleet, starting with seven new train sets this month, increasing to 16 trains by 2027.  

The first phase will involve 4-car and 6-car sets, the second phase will see 8-car sets later this year, followed by 10-car configurations in 2027.

The new train timetable, to be introduced later in the year, will add a fourth service an hour in peak. There will be a service every 30 minutes outside the AM and PM peaks.

As part of the new timetable changes, South Coast Line services will operate to and from Central and will no longer run on the Eastern Suburbs railway to Bondi Junction.

South Coast passengers wanting to access T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line stations from Town Hall to Bondi Junction will be able to interchange at Hurstville, Sydenham, Redfern or Central or change to Metro at Sydenham. 

Under the new timetable to be introduced later this year, South Coast Line trains will no longer stop at Wolli Creek Station – affecting about 2% of current passengers. They will need to change at Hurstville or Central to access services to the Domestic and International Airport stations. Trains will continue to stop at Wolli Creek until the new timetable is introduced.

The former Liberal-National government botched the introduction of the Mariyung fleet, spending $1.7 billion more than they estimated in 2014, according to the NSW Auditor-General, and failing to get them on the tracks while they were in office – despite promising they would be in service in 2019.

This included the need to widen tunnels and extend platforms.

When operated in their longer format during the peak, Mariyungs will be difficult to turn back at Bondi Junction.

Today’s first passenger service will stop at the following stations along the South Coast Line: Bombo, Minnamurra, Shellharbour Junction, Oak Flats, Albion Park, Dapto, Unanderra, Coniston, Wollongong, North Wollongong, Thirroul, Helensburgh, Sutherland, Hurstville, Wolli Creek and Redfern on its way to Central Station. 

The introduction of the modern Mariyungs will improve reliability for passengers, part of a $458 million push by the Minns Labor Government to bring rail reliability up to scratch.

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“This is a very exciting day for commuters in the Illawarra as these brand-new trains begin to enter service, bringing a new level of comfort, safety and convenience to a region where people often spend long hours on the train as part of their commute.  

“The introduction of the Mariyungs will allow us to increase services from Wollongong to every 15 minutes in the peak and every 30 minutes in the off peak and weekends later this year.

“The people of the Illawarra deserve our best trains and more services and that’s what they’re getting.” 

Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said: 

“South Coast residents have been very much looking forward to the new Mariyung going into service. 

“We have thousands of people who commute to Sydney regularly and they will now be able to relax and enjoy the scenic trip in extra comfort.  

“The added features such as the tray tables and USB charging ports will be a welcome addition to those commuters who work in Sydney.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said: 

“The new Mariyung intercity trains will bring improved comfort and accessibility to travellers between Kiama and Central.

“The 136-year-old South Coast Line is one of most beautiful but challenging rail corridors in NSW due to the terrain, so the project team has made complex infrastructure upgrades to get these new trains operating.

“The Mariyung project has helped to create around 1600 jobs through enabling works and the construction of the maintenance facility at Kangy Angy.

“Passengers can now enjoy the scenery during a very smooth and safe journey, which will particularly enhance the increasingly popular weekday working commute to Sydney’s CBD.” 

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is an exciting day for passengers on the South Coast Line with a new Mariyung train taking its maiden journey on the South Coast Line.

“For years Wollongong commuters have wanted more frequent services on the South Coast Line and the new Mariyung trains mean the Minns Labor Government can make it happen.”

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said: 

“Residents in Shellharbour deserve a public transport system that is modern, comfortable and accessible, and the Mariyung fleet will deliver exactly that for communities along the South Coast.

“These new intercity trains will provide a major improvement for local commuters, with more spacious seating, better accessibility, modern technology and enhanced safety features.”

Member for Kiama Katelin McInerney said: 

“It’s great to see the South Coast Line get access to the modern Mariyung Fleet which ensure our local commuters will get to enjoy features like charging ports, luggage and bike storage.

“This investment is long needed crucial part of delivering a modern passenger focused service for our growing region.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said: 

“The Minns Labor government has undertaken major capital investment to make the new Mariyung train fit for purpose for all commuters along the South Coast Line. 

“I thank commuters for their patience whilst the project teams worked to upgrade the rail network, the platforms and rolling stock – including adding a guard’s cabin for additional safety.

“As the daughter of a train driver, I am excited for the much-improved reliability, accessibility and a better commuting experience.”

Chief Executive Sydney Trains Matt Longland: 

“I want to thank the thousands of people who have worked on the Mariyung project.  

“Our station staff and train crew are looking forward to welcoming our South Coast passengers onto these brand-new intercity trains.” 

The Minns Labor Government’s EV strategy is a step backward for New South Wales and does nothing to safeguard the state against future fuel shocks.
 
Labor has put forward a carbon copy of the strategy put forward by the Liberal and Nationals when in Government but has walked away from the previous target of 30,000 chargers and has cut overall investment.
 
Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane, said the Minns Labor Government has done nothing for the last three years.
 
“This is yet another example of Labor playing catch-up. Without a long-term plan we can’t safeguard against global shocks meaning families, households and businesses pay the price,” Ms Sloane said.
 
“This is not a strategy. It is a smokescreen. A classic Minns Labor Government attempt to distract from three years of missed opportunities on EV infrastructure while families are paying through the nose at the bowser.”
 
“The Liberals and Nationals have put forward a proposal to protect NSW against future shocks by looking at additional fuel storage and domestic fuel production which the Minns Labor Government could back today.”
 
Shadow Minister for Energy and Climate Change, James Griffin, said Labor had recycled Liberals and Nationals initiatives such as transitioning the bus fleet and installing chargers at commuter carparks.
 
“They have taken the Coalition’s world-class framework, committed less funding, and dumped the ambitious targets that would have actually moved the needle for NSW drivers,” Mr Griffin said.  
 
“In 2023, we promised 30,000 chargers by this year. Labor has delivered barely 10 per cent of that figure. This isn’t a strategy; it’s another example of this lazy government being caught out.”
 
“Labor hasn’t had a new idea on electric vehicles in three years.”

Today we pause to remember the six innocent lives taken at Westfield Bondi Junction two years since the senseless tragedy.
 
We continue to remember Jade Young, Dawn Singleton, Ashlee Good, Pikria Darchia, Yixuan Cheng, and Faraz Tahir and extend our love to all those who live with the trauma of that day.
 
With the pain still raw, today will not be easy for many families, survivors, first responders and those that were at the shopping centre that day. It is important they know New South Wales has not forgotten them.
 
We welcome the decision by Governor-General Sam Mostyn to recognise Silas Despréaux, Ashlee Good, Damien Jean Guerot, Detective Inspector Amy Scott, Muhammad Taha, Faraz Tahir, Noel McLaughlin and Catherine Ann Molihan.
 
These eight extraordinary human beings showed us the very best of humanity. Their recognition is deserved and will long be remembered.
 
There is no right way to mark this day. What matters is that as a community, we continue to support one another through it, that is what Bondi showed us two years ago, and it is what carries us forward.

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.”

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!

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.”

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.