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As one bridge opens, another begins its renewal in Dungog Shire, as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue rebuilding and restoring critical infrastructure across regional NSW.

The first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, visitors and freight operators.

The new bridge will be transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.

At the same time, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation that will preserve its legacy while strengthening it for the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in the project, with $11.8 million from the Australian Government and $11 million from the NSW Government.

The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. It features traffic dual lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.

Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue. Work on the project is expected to be complete early 2027.

Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.

Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

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

“This investment by the Albanese and Minns governments shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver practical outcomes for regional communities.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will make a real difference to daily life. Improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.

“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area.

“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in their bridge.

“Emergency repairs to the bridge were never made permanent under the former Nationals Government and cost escalations required an increased investment by Labor State and Federal Governments.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the infrastructure our communities need while preserving the historic assets that tell the story of who we are.

“This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.

“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.

“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“Investment in regional communities like Dungog is critical to supporting long-term growth and liveability.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will benefit the daily lives of people living, working and traveling to Dungog by improving access significantly, cutting down travel times, and improving safety. 

“It’s also fantastic to see work for major rehabilitation work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge which was built in the 1800s and our oldest surviving timber truss bridge.

“This major rehabilitation work will preserve the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge and ensure future generations can experience and appreciate our timber bridge heritage.

“Projects like this bridge not only improve local infrastructure but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring regional towns continue to receive the infrastructure they need and deserve.”

Dungog Mayor, Digby Rayward:

“Seeing traffic move onto the new bridge is a proud moment for Council and the Clarence Town community. It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.

“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward. I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience. I’m excited to see the entire project finalised later this year.”

Communities from across NSW are shaping the foundations of the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan, with extensive community consultation underway to guide the state’s five-year road safety strategy.

The Plan is being developed at a critical time for road safety in NSW. As of today, 119 people have lost their lives on NSW roads in 2026.

This figure is a more than a statistic tracked over time. It represents lives cut short, families torn apart and communities forever fractured by loss.

It is a confronting and stark reminder of the devastating consequences of unsafe driving.

In the lead up National Road Safety Week (Sunday 17 May – Sunday 24 May), the Minns Labor Government is calling on drivers across the state to remember some simple messages.

Slow down, stay alert, and never drive impaired or fatigued.

Since March 2026, the Government has undertaken extensive consultation with communities across the state to ensure the next Road Safety Action Plan reflects the experiences and challenges faced by road users across the state.

The consultation has brought together local community, councils, industry representatives, road safety experts and everyday road users – from the bush to the city – to shape the next phase of road safety reform in NSW.

The 2031 Road Safety Action Plan Forum on Monday 11 May, will mark the next stage of this important work, bringing together key stakeholders, experts and community voices.

The consultation forms part the Minns Labor Government’s broader road safety effort underway across the state, focused on stronger enforcement, targeted investment and reforms to reduce road trauma.

Key initiatives include:

• A record $2.8 billion investment in road safety over four years.
• Nearly $46 million for 16 new projects under the Towards Zero Safer Roads Program to reduce crashes and save lives.
• The biggest motorcycle safety reforms in almost two decades, targeting learner and provisional riders.
• More than 6,800 school zone flashing light signs now operating across NSW to help protect children and families.
• Major road safety campaigns targeting speeding, fatigue, drink driving, seatbelts and other high-risk behaviour.
• The introduction of AusRAP data mapping to better target investment to higher-risk roads.
• Stronger enforcement measures and camera technology, contributing to a 60 per cent drop in seatbelt non-compliance offences.

These measures are already making a difference, while helping shape a longer-term approach to road safety focused on prevention, education, enforcement and safer infrastructure across NSW.

The final 2031 Road Safety Action Plan is expected to be released by the end of 2026. It will outline the NSW Government’s priorities and actions to reduce deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads over the next five years.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Road safety extends far beyond those who are just behind the wheel. It encompasses entire communities, on and off the road. From the early morning runner crossing the road at dawn, the children waiting at the school bus stop, to the person cycling to work. You don’t need to be behind the wheel to be at risk.

“For this reason, the 2031 Road Safety Action Plan, must reflect every voice.

“With National Road Safety Week approaching, it is an important reminder that every decision we make behind the wheel has consequences. Consequences that we might not be able to come back from.

“We have lost 119 lives in 2026 already.

“This week is about remembering those lives lost, supporting those impacted by road trauma, and reminding every road user that we all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.

“This next Road Safety Action Plan will help guide how we continue working towards our goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on NSW roads.”

The Minns Labor Government is opening the doors to The Cutaway at Barangaroo with a vibrant weekend of free music, art and culture, inviting Sydneysiders to experience the newly transformed world-class venue for the first time. 

Across Saturday 30 May and Sunday 31 May, visitors can enjoy a packed program of live music, immersive performances, interactive workshops and family friendly activities in one of Sydney’s most unique cultural spaces.

On Saturday 30 May, The Cutaway will come alive with music, large-scale projections, live art making and cultural workshops, offering a sneak peek into the venue’s exciting future as a major arts and events destination.

On Sunday 31 May, festival goers can get hands-on with weaving, flower crown making and jewellery workshops, alongside a range of free activities for all ages.

A diverse lineup of Sydney-based musicians, DJs and performers will showcase the creativity and energy of the city’s contemporary art scene, with performances from Kee’ahn, Ngaiire, Alice Ivy, Sophie Penkethman-Young, Shal, DJ Toaka and DJ Charlie Villas.

The popular Barangaroo Markets will also return for the special weekend celebration, transforming the streets of Barangaroo South with food, fashion, design and artisan stalls bursting with flavour, creativity and community spirit.

Festivities across the precinct will continue with free Aboriginal Cultural Tours and Yoga on Country as part of the Damulay Nguarang program, celebrating culture, connection and community throughout the weekend.

The reopening of The Cutaway forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s broader work to revitalize Sydney’s cultural and nightlife economy by supporting live music, lifting concert caps and investing in world-class events, public spaces and cultural experiences across NSW.

Now transformed into a dynamic underground cultural destination, The Cutaway is set to host major events including the National Indigenous Art Fair, Sydney Festival and Vivid Sydney, alongside exhibitions, performances, festivals and community events, cementing Barangaroo as one of Australia’s leading cultural precincts.

What’s on:
Live music and art
Date: Sat 30 May, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: The Cutaway

Barangaroo Markets
Date: Sat 30 & Sun 31 May, 10.00am – 4.00pm
Location: Barangaroo South, Waterman’s Cove
Visitors can grab a bite to eat or pick up something unique while supporting local businesses and creatives.

Cultural workshops
Date: Sat 30 May, 1.00pm – 5.00pm
Location: The Cutaway, Waranara Terrace Rooms
Young creators can drop in at any time to explore art, culture, movement, and discovery through fun, guided activities designed to spark curiosity. With stations running throughout the day, kids and young teenagers can wander, experiment and learn together in this vibrant, playful celebration of creativity and community.

Aboriginal Cultural Tours
Date: Sat 30 May, 10.30am – 1.00pm & Sun 31 May, 1.30pm – 4.00pm
Location: Barangaroo Reserve
Experience the rich history and cultural significance of Sydney Harbour with Aboriginal Cultural Tours at Barangaroo. Led by a team of knowledgeable Aboriginal educators, these tours immerse visitors in the native history of the area and the deep cultural importance of the land to the Gadigal people.

Damulay Ngurang
Date: Sun 31 May, 9.30am – 2.00pm
Location: The Cutaway
On Sunday, gather in the spirit of ‘Damulay Ngurang’ – meaning ‘friendship place’ in local Sydney language. Celebrate the resilience of First Nations people across the country under this years National Reconciliation Week theme “All In” — a call for action, responsibility, and collective effort to advance reconciliation and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander rights.

Yoga on Country
Date: Sun 31 May, 9.30am
Location: The Cutaway

Welcome to Country
Date: Sun 31 May, 10.10am
Location: The Cutaway

Craft workshops
Date: Sun 31 May, 11.00am – 1.00pm
Location: The Cutaway

For more information, visit: https://www.barangaroo.com/whats-on/campaigns/barangaroo-live

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Sydney’s newest arts, cultural and events space, The Cutaway, is throwing open its doors to welcome everyone for a weekend of free festivities.

“As part of the Minns Government’s commitment to bringing more free entertainment and cultural experiences to our harbour precincts, Barangaroo Live on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 May will showcase the incredible transformation of The Cutaway into a world-class arts and cultural venue.

“There are many fee activities to take part in while enjoying one of Sydney’s most iconic harbourside locations. It’s a great opportunity to check out Barangaroo and have some fun without breaking the budget.”

Shadow Minister for Homelessness, Natasha Maclaren-Jones, is calling on the Minister for Homelessness to immediately release the results of the 2026 Street Count, conducted in February and March this year.
 
“With rising cost-of-living pressures and an ongoing housing crisis, more people are being forced onto the streets. The Minister’s failure to release this data raises serious questions about what they are trying to hide.” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
 
“The Minister must release the 2026 Street Count report without further delay. At a time when homelessness is rising, the public deserves transparency, not silence. This delay is unacceptable.”
 
“Homelessness NSW estimates the number of people experiencing homelessness in NSW could be as high as 80,000 and Specialist Homelessness Services are stretched beyond capacity.”
 
Mrs Maclaren-Jones also called on the Minister to expand reporting to better capture the full spectrum of homelessness, including couch surfing and other forms of insecure housing that are not reflected in the Street Count.
 
“Homelessness is not just rough sleeping. It includes people couch surfing, living in overcrowded homes, or stuck in insecure housing. Right now, we are only seeing part of the picture.”
 
“If the Government is serious about addressing this crisis, it must start by being honest about it,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.
Since 2023, the public‑housing waiting list has blown out to 68,247 people, a 22 per cent increase. 

“The NSW Government must invest now in Specialist Homelessness Services, transitional housing with wrap around supports, and stop families falling through the cracks. Anything less is just more empty rhetoric from a government presiding over a housing crisis,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

The annual Street Count plays a critical role in providing a snapshot of homelessness across New South Wales and relies on the efforts of hundreds of volunteers.

Safety on the M5 is set for a major boost, with work now underway on the $380 million M5 Westbound upgrade to eliminate dangerous weaving and deliver a smoother, more reliable journey for thousands of motorists. 

The short stretch between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway results in last-minute merging, lane switching and unpredictable delays on one of Sydney’s most important highways.

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are changing that.

Both contributing $190 million, the jointly funded upgrade will create a safer trip for motorists travelling from southwest Sydney areas like Liverpool, Casula and Moorebank towards the Hume Highway and beyond.

The project will separate westbound traffic from the M5 near Moorebank Avenue from traffic on Moorebank Avenue joining the M5. This will remove a major conflict point between motorists entering and exiting the M5 and minimising impact to commuters, businesses, and the community during its construction.

The existing bridge over the Georges River, connecting the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue, carries more than 2,500 trucks a day from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto Sydney’s motorway network.

Traffic congestion worsens during the afternoon peak, as vehicles entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue merge with traffic exiting at the Hume Highway. Truck volumes are also expected to grow as more sections of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

This outcome has been achieved through the focussed efforts of Transport for NSW and Seymour White Pty Ltd, and Jacobs working closely together to refine the design to provide a safe and cost-effective enhancement to the M5.

The new design will see the M5 West turnoff moved immediately west of Moorebank Avenue to make navigation easier to follow and improve safety along the busy motorway.

Instead of fighting to merge across lanes in heavy traffic, drivers will have a clear, dedicated path – cutting down sudden braking, near-misses and the frustrating stop-starting traffic conditions that builds up in the afternoon peak.

The project includes:

• A new 300m long, three lane bridge over the Georges River and the Southern Sydney Freight Line, T2 and T5 railway lines, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Removal of the high-risk weaving section between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway
• Provision of extra lanes that will remove the need for around 2,600 vehicles per day to weave between lanes and other road users when navigating the entry and exit points at the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue
• A new shared path for cyclists and pedestrians

Major construction is now underway with Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd and Transport for NSW working closely to minimise impacts to the community, businesses and motorists.

During construction motorists will see some changes on the road, including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures, with work carefully staged to keep traffic moving.

For more information about the project, go to nswroads.work/m5westbound.

Work is scheduled for completion in 2029.

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

“The Albanese and Minns Labor Government are working together to deliver the infrastructure that really matters for our growing communities.

“This new westbound connection will simplify this busy section of the M5 through Liverpool, making it an easier and safer drive for everyone behind the wheel – especially during the afternoon peak.

“It will also help freight move more smoothly from the Moorebank Intermodal terminal and the M5, or to the Hume Motorway without having to enter the main flow of the M5.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car:

“For far too long families across Western Sydney has seen vital infrastructure like roads not keep pace with the growth of their communities.

“This upgrade will give South-West Sydney residents a more direct run through one of the busiest roads in Sydney.

“This project one of several key road upgrades the Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are carrying out across the region, to ensure that Western Sydney residents can spend less time on the road and more time with their families.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“Anyone who drives this stretch of the M5 is no stranger to the nightmare that is peak hour traffic. When everyone is trying to move across lanes at the same time it can not only be dangerous, but inevitably slows things down creating stop-start traffic. It’s not exactly how anyone wants to start their day.

“What this upgrade will do is take that pressure point out, giving drivers a clear run instead of forcing those last-minute merges. It means traffic can flow more smoothly and people can get through this section with a lot less stress.

“This is an important upgrade for Western Sydney, where communities and businesses can now enjoy safer drives, less congestion, and an easier daily commute.”

Federal Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“Work is now underway and this is welcome news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day.

“The additional bridge will improve traffic flow and take the stress out of driving over this part of the M5. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road.”

Federal Member for Hughes, David Moncrieff:

“Local residents in our have been frustrated by this unsafe stretch of road for too long, especially during peak hour. This upgrade gives residents of southwestern Sydney more time with their families and less time stuck in unpredictable traffic.

“This upgrade puts an end to needing last-minute lane changes and means fewer unpredictable delays for a smoother, safer run home.”

Member for Liverpool, Charishma Kaliyanda:

“For communities like Liverpool, the M5 is part of the daily commute, but on this section in particular, safety has always been a major concern.

“That’s why this upgrade is so important. We’re making sure Liverpool residents can get where they need to go with a clear run and confidence.”

New rules requiring early learning services to undertake strict screening checks and verify suitability to work with children are now in place as part of the Minns Labor Government reforms to keep children safe.

Approved providers and services must ensure all recruitment involves rigorous screening checks to verify each applicant’s suitability to work with children prior to employment or engagement.

They must also confirm that prospective and existing staff are not subject to a suspension, supervision or prohibition notice, or an enforceable undertaking. Penalties apply where individuals provide false or misleading information.

Other new mandatory requirements now in force include whistleblower protection policies and training for staff to encourage a culture of reporting in early learning services across NSW. 

The new measures come as NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Prue Car yesterday announced the appointment of Mr Darryl Currie as the ongoing Early Learning Commissioner.

Mr Currie has been acting in the role since 1 December 2025 and has played a central role in establishing the Early Learning Commission and driving significant reform across the sector during its formative period.

His appointment forms a key part of the NSW Government’s nation-leading child safety reforms. The reforms are focused on ensuring every child in early learning settings is safe, supported, and receiving high-quality education and care.

Mr Currie brings extensive experience in education and public administration, as well as a deep understanding of statutory environments where the rights and best interests of children are the paramount consideration.

His ongoing appointment will strengthen the regulation, monitoring and accountability of early learning services across NSW, providing greater confidence for families and driving consistent, system-wide improvements.

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

“The Minns Labor Government is building a system where child safety and quality are non-negotiable, and an ongoing Commissioner ensures there is clear accountability at the heart of that effort.”

“The Commissioner will play a critical role in ensuring strong oversight, high standards, and consistent regulation across the sector.”

NSW Early Learning Commissioner Daryl Currie said:

“I am honoured to take on this permanent role and to continue working to strengthen early learning across NSW.”

“Every child deserves a safe, high-quality early learning environment, and that will remain at the centre of my work every day.”

“Transparency and accountability will remain central to how the Commission regulates and supports the sector, so that families can have confidence that wherever they access early learning in NSW, their children are safe and supported.”