Category: NSW News

Sydneysiders are voting with their feet on the new Sydney Metro City line, with the first full day of services completed yesterday after the historic opening of the extended M1 Northwest & Bankstown Line.

More than 190,000 trips were made along the brand-new driverless service yesterday marking the first ever trains under Sydney Harbour. For the first time, people in Sydney’s north west can now stay on the train at Chatswood, travel below the harbour and through the Sydney CBD, to Sydenham.

A game-changing 30 services ran every hour through the heart of the city during the peak, starting at Tallawong at 4:38am and Sydenham at 4.54am, with more than 425 trains making the trip.

Central took out the title of busiest station, with over 18,000 passengers entering and exiting from the state-of-the-art transport hub, followed closely by Martin Place.

Sydneysiders were seamlessly switching between travel modes with 6% percent of trips coming from buses and 20% percent from Sydney Train services.  

The new service launched to a weekday timetable with a train running every four minutes during the peak, and from today interpeak trains will run every seven minutes, increasing after the first month to a train every five minutes.

Additional staff are present at each station and on trains during operational hours, while commuters become familiar with the new service.

Passengers can plan their metro trips by visiting transportnsw.info.

The Metro North West line opened in 2019, and with this extension now reaches 51.5-kilometres through Sydney with stops at 21 stations between Tallawong and Sydenham. The remaining 13-kilometres of the M1 Line will open after the conversion of 10 existing stations on the T3 Bankstown Line.

With unprecedented travel times including from Victoria Cross in North Sydney, under the harbour to Barangaroo in 3 minutes, Martin Place to Chatswood in 11 minutes and from Sydenham to Tallawong in under 60 minutes, this new line is already alleviating pressure on existing transport options and road networks.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“As of 10am this morning, 55,000 people have tapped on to our new Metro service. That’s up from 40,000 this time yesterday.

“As we start our second day of full operation, it is amazing to see thousands of Sydneysiders trying this new form of public transport, getting to work and home faster, and giving north west residents their first direct rail service to the CBD.”

“Commuters have been waiting patiently for this game-changing service, and we can proudly say this will forever change the way Sydneysider travel, from their daily commute to work, to weekend adventures and everything in between.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said:

“Yesterday we saw 37,500 people change between trains and metro services and 11,500 people changed between metro and buses.

“It shows all the pieces of the public transport network are working together and people are making the most of these new ways to travel around our city.

Sydney Metro Chief Executive Peter Regan said:

“It was a fantastic first day of passenger services and we were blown away by the positive feedback and incredible reactions to seeing these brand-new stations integrated seemly into the transport network.”

Sydney Metro City Project Director Hugh Lawson said:

“It was a really proud moment for me and my team as we saw people tap onto Metro under the CBD for the first time.

“Years of work is finally on show as hundreds of thousands of Sydneysiders flow through our brand new stations.

“Well done to everyone who played a role in the project and thank you to everyone who’s given Metro a go and tapped on.”

Labor, the CFMEU and the Cbus super fund plan to use taxpayer funds invested in the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) for housing developments.

These are the same parties which have imposed a 30% CFMEU tax on construction costs.

The criminal activities of the CFMEU, financed by Cbus and enabled by Labor, are locking young people out of the Australian Dream.

The Coalition will act to protect taxpayer funds invested in the Housing Australia Future Fund being plundered by the CFMEU. As it stands, Cbus could be a participant and beneficiary of the HAFF. Cbus is the only super fund to have publicly committed funding to the HAFF.

The irony of Labor seeking help from the CFMEU/Cbus cartel to fix the housing crisis that has corrupted the construction industry, is not lost on anyone.

Three of the 14 directors of Cbus Super are CFMEU officials. Labor and Cbus have failed to recognise any issue with CFMEU representatives sitting on the board of a $94 billion fund despite the government seeking to put the CFMEU into administration.

Today, the Coalition will introduce a new Bill to ban Cbus from involvement in the HAFF.

The Bill prohibits the HAFF from making any payments to Cbus or housing related entities financed by Cbus. The prohibition will operate while the CFMEU is under administration.

The Coalition reaffirms our strong opposition to Labor’s HAFF. However, we believe taxpayer funds should not be exposed to criminal elements.

If Labor is serious about stamping out corruption and protecting taxpayer funds, they will support our Bill.

The NSW Government has today raised the bat after confirmation from Cricket Australia that the New Year’s Test will be held in Sydney for the next seven years.

Announcing the agreement with Cricket Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) today, the NSW Government is proud to support international men’s and women’s cricket matches in Sydney with ‘Summer of Cricket in Sydney’ marketing and partnership support to be delivered by Destination NSW.

The ‘Summer of Cricket in Sydney’ includes the following matches:

• The international men’s New Year’s Test Match, to be held at the Sydney Cricket Ground each year of the Term (New Year Test); and
• Any other women’s international Test matches, men’s and women’s One Day International matches and/or T20 International matches scheduled by Cricket Australia to be staged in Sydney each year over the summer international cricket season.

The New Year’s Test is an event steeped in tradition for local, regional and international cricket fans who make the journey to Sydney each year to attend the event in early January, before starting the year proper.

The New Year’s Test has become more than just a cricket match, it’s the home of the Pink Test, which plays host to Jane McGrath Day, an important fundraising fixture for the McGrath Foundation to deliver the breast cancer nurses across Australia.

The Pink Test has also provided families impacted by breast cancer with an opportunity to commemorate their loved ones.

The NSW Government’s commitment to cricket is significant, investing over $95 million in cricket related programs over the past seven years.

This includes over $47.5 million for the new NSW Cricket Central facility located at Wilson Park, Sydney Olympic Park.

NSW Cricket Central is the home of Cricket NSW, with all its elite men’s and women’s cricket squads and junior player development and includes training wickets, ovals, indoor facilities, administration spaces and a cricket learning and community centre.

With India and England scheduled to tour Australia in 2024/25 and 2025/26 respectively, the landmark agreement with Cricket Australia will provide a significant boost to the NSW visitor economy, cementing Sydney as the nation’s premier destination for major sporting events.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“We’re pleased to announce the New Years Test is secure at the SCG for the next seven years, because let’s be clear, it belongs in Sydney.

“It’s a hallmark event on the state’s calendar – from Steve Waugh’s last over hundred, to watching Justin Langer, the late Shane Warne and our own local legend Glenn McGrath retire together at the Sydney test in 06/07, these are quintessential cricketing moments in Sydney.

“It is also the home of the ‘pink test’, an important event that raises awareness and funds to support breast cancer nurses and care for patients across Australia.”

Minister for Tourism, John Graham said:

“Keeping the New Year’s Test here is good for Sydney but, I tell you what, it’s good for test cricket.

“This coming summer sees the renewal of one of international cricket’s greatest rivalries between Australia and India.”

Minister for Sport, Steve Kamper said:

“The New Year’s Test has become so much more than a match at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground.

“The Pink Test and Jane McGrath Day has become an important event for so many. Locking in the Test for another seven years will allow this great tradition to grow and protect the important legacy of this fixture.

“We can now look forward to welcoming the Indian team this summer, which is guaranteed to deliver blockbuster entertainment on and off the pitch.

Nick Hockley, Chief Executive Officer, Cricket Australia said:

“We are delighted that the SCG will continue to host the historic NRMA Insurance New Year’s Test for the next seven years.

“We are enormously grateful to the NSW Government whose support will help us to enhance this already iconic event, create brilliant experiences for fans and maximise economic outcomes for the state.”

Minister for Veterans David Harris will stand alongside Vietnam veterans at the Cenotaph from 11am today to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of those who served in one of Australia’s longest military engagements.

Vietnam Veterans Day takes place on 18 August, the day of the withdrawal of Australian forces in 1973, to remember the service and sacrifice of all who fought in Vietnam.

The arrival of the Australian Army Training Team Vietnam during July and August 1962 was the beginning of Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

The majority of this deployment comprised army personnel, but significant numbers of air force and navy personnel, and some civilians also took part. During its 11 years of involvement, more than 60,000 Australians fought in Vietnam, at a cost of 523 who died and almost 2,400 wounded.

Vietnam veteran and RSL NSW immediate past President Ray James, will attend today’s commemoration to reflect on the contributions he and his Navy comrades made during his service.

Mr James was one of 50 veterans from Vietnam whose stories were published by the Anzac Memorial last year during the 50th anniversary of Australia’s extraction from Vietnam. Read more about Ray’s service here.

Minister for Veterans David Harris said:

“Today we come together to pay tribute and remember the service and sacrifice of our veterans who fought in Vietnam for more than a decade.

“Over 60,000 Australians fought in Vietnam and sadly 523 gave the ultimate sacrifice. Almost 2,400 were wounded, with all involved carrying the scars and memories that only armed combat can bring.

“We thank them for their service.”

Vietnam veteran Ray James said:

“I was 17 on my first trip to Vietnam on HMAS Sydney, ferrying troops to and from Vung Tau port.

“Between 1966 and 1968 I did six trips to Vietnam and a seventh in 1972 on HMAS Torrens. We’d offload 400 or 500 troops, and we’d bring 400 or 500 troops back home. We sailed with equipment, vehicles, and stores.

“Today we honour those veterans who lost their lives during the battles in Vietnam, returned home wounded, ill, or injured, lost their lives in the years since they returned, and still carry the physical and emotional scars of their service since Australia withdrew from the Vietnam War 51 years ago.”

The Minns Labor Government is creating another 440 apprentice and trainee positions across 67 government agencies and state owned corporations over the next 12 months, as it continues the roll-out of the three-year, $93.5 million election commitment to rebuild the skilled workforce across the state, including in over 200 in regional communities.

Coinciding with National Skills Week (19 – 25 August), the 440 new jobs emphasises the importance of skills development and vocational training in shaping the state’s workforce.

The program cements the government as a leader in the employment of apprentices and trainees, and builds skills capacity within the public sector, by employing 1000 apprentices and trainees over three year, learning the skills to work in vital sectors such as Information Technology, Health and Electricity Distribution.

With broad skills shortages across the state, apprenticeships and traineeships provide a unique mix of paid on-the-job training with formal study that makes them vital additions to the future NSW workforce. In its first year, the program successfully employed 221 apprentices and trainees across 31 agencies, including Sydney Trains, Essential Energy, NSW Department of Education and NSW Health Pathology.

At Royal North Shore Hospital Health Pathology, two trainees supported by the program are already making a significant impact, including Jaime Reyes, who is part of the collections team.

Mr Reyes is living with a disability that has presented challenges to gaining full-time work and this program has provided him with valuable career opportunities.

A further 340 positions will be available in the final round of the program in the 2025-26 financial year.

To learn more about the program and apply for a position, please visit The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program.

Minister for Health, Ryan Park said:

“This Government is committed to providing people with valuable training and career opportunities within the public sector.

“This next round of apprentice and trainee roles will see more than 100 people enter the NSW Pathology workforce across the state.

“NSW Pathology is an incredible place to work, with plenty of rewarding challenges and opportunities and I really welcome this program.”

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

“This announcement, coinciding with National Skills Week, underscores the vital role that skills development and vocational training play in shaping our future workforce.

“Last year’s investment has facilitated the creation of hundreds of roles across 31 agencies, including key players like NSW Health Pathology.

“Through the 1000 apprentices and trainees program we are building skills capacity across our government agencies and offering opportunities for young people like Jaime to gain formal qualifications.

“This is just another example of how the Minns Labor Government is directly tackling the skills shortage by investing in and training the next generation of workers.”

NSW Health Pathology trainee, Jaime Reyes said:

“Prior to working at Royal North Shore Hospital as a trainee, my only knowledge of what blood collectors did was that they collected blood for my local GP. I am now learning there is a lot more to the job, and it is about working with people and making sure they feel comfortable.

“To be able to build relationships where people can see me as someone who is empathetic and help them through getting their blood collection done, this was someone that I want to be.”

A total of 21 projects to repair community infrastructure in four severely flood impacted Central West NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) have received assistance thanks to an almost $24 million investment by the Australian and NSW Governments.

The Community Assets Program 2024 ­has supported the Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes Shire Councils to repair, restore and improve the resilience of community infrastructure directly damaged by storms and floods from August and September 2022.

Successful projects across the four councils include the repair of flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools, sporting fields and sport amenities.

More than $8 million is being invested in Cabonne Shire Council for projects such as the relocation of the Molong hockey fields and the restoration of Eugowra’s pre-school, Memorial Park and pool.

Forbes is also set to receive over $8 million for projects in the Forbes lake area, including improvements to amenities and upgraded footpaths that will ensure the community can continue to enjoy this much-loved precinct.

Find more information and a full list of successful projects.

The program is jointly funded under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with project funding to be administered by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“Communities in Central West NSW were some of the hardest hit by the August and September 2022 floods, and both levels of government are working together to help them recover from and prepare for future events.  

“We’re helping rebuild community facilities like parks, sporting and recreational facilities to a more resilient standard so they can withstand increasingly frequent and intense severe weather events.” 

“We know that there is more work to be done, and we are committed to supporting Central Western communities to not only recover but rebuild for the long term.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully:

“This shows what is possible when all levels of government work together in the best interests of communities.  

“This funding is delivering on what it was intended to do – help Councils build back better infrastructure for their communities to enjoy.

“Repairing community infrastructure is an essential part of getting communities back on track while helping to build community resilience.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty:

“For the four significantly flood-impacted councils, strong and resilient community infrastructure will be crucial in bringing people together and supporting the long road to recovery.”

“By assisting to repair, restore and improve flood damaged parks, showgrounds, footpaths, pools and sporting fields and amenities the Australian and NSW Governments are helping to rebuild both the communities and the vibrant spirit that makes them great places to live.”

“The Community Assets Program is not just building back for now – we’re building back better for the future by improving the resilience of these essential assets.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“The devastating effects of the November 2022 floods cannot be overstated, and the communities of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan, and Parkes shires continue to feel the profound impact of this event.”

“It is encouraging to witness meaningful progress in the recovery efforts. This is the result of strong collaboration between local, state, and federal governments, alongside a number of their agencies.”

“I am confident that the newly announced funded projects will be embraced by these communities. Not only will they restore vital infrastructure, but they will also strengthen our resilience against any future flood events.”

Australia’s largest road safety event, bstreetsmart, is marking 20 years of helping educate young road users about the responsibilities and potential risks of getting behind the wheel.

Almost 25,000 students aged from 16 to 18 years old will participate in an immersive education day at Sydney Olympic Park, from August 20-22.

Founded in 2004 by Westmead Hospital trauma nurses Julie Seggie and Stephanie Wilson, bstreetsmart includes testimonials and real-life simulated crash scenarios, which aim to reduce fatalities and injuries as a result of road accidents.

In 2023, young adults aged between 17–25 years old represented just 13 percent of all licence holders but accounted for 19 percent of all drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes.

In its inaugural year, bstreetsmart hosted 10 schools and was attended by 464 students. Two decades on, more than 227,000 NSW high school students have attended bstreetsmart, many recalling the lasting impact of the event, which is updated each year based on trends and issues observed in hospital emergency departments.

Transport for NSW has supported the event since 2015 and is contributing $300,000 to this year’s program.

For more information, visit bstreetsmart

Minister for Roads John Graham:

“Learning to drive is an exciting time for young people and bstreetsmart is a great way for new drivers to learn about the responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel.

“This event helps drive home the message that there can be life-altering impacts for decisions made while driving.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park:

“bstreetsmart aims to prevent or reduce the deaths and devastating injuries that our healthcare system sadly sees on a regular basis.”

“By helping educate young drivers on the severe consequences of road trauma, we hope to see fewer young people in road crashes and ultimately, save lives.”

“Students and teachers learn about road trauma through simulated crash scenarios, interactive displays, theatre sports performances, powerful presentations from survivors, and personal accounts from family members of people killed in crashes.”

Minister for Police, Yasmin Catley:

“Learning to drive is an exciting time for young people, and this initiative will teach our young drivers just how dangerous our roads can be.”

“Young people make up a huge percentage of drivers and riders involved in fatal crashes on our roads, and it isn’t enough for just the police to keep them in check.”  

“This program will help young people take responsibility for their actions, hold each other accountable, and set a good example when they’re behind the wheel.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis:

“This event is an innovative and relatable way of demonstrating to our new drivers the responsibilities that come with driving.”

“As we celebrate 20 years of this important program, its impact continues to grow, thanks to the vision of two trauma nurses from Westmead Hospital who made it their purpose to get these powerful safety messages through to young people.”

Westmead Hospital Trauma Nurse, Julie Seggie:

“Driver distractions such as mobile phones, conversations, and loud music play a large role in many of the incidents we see in the emergency department. As nurses, and for many of us, as parents, we wanted to find a way to prevent death and the often-devastating injuries that occur as a result of road crashes.”

“Teaching prevention in any field of health is challenging, particularly when it comes to teenagers! What has highlighted the impact we have had with this event, is when we have met young adults who attended as students, and who talk to us about how bstreetsmart influenced them and their friends.”

“It is an amazing accomplishment to have an event run for 20 years. The dedication and determination of a select group of trauma nurses, doctors, and in particular Dr Ken Harrison, Westmead Staff Specialist, has been crucial to our success.”

Accredited assistance dogs and their owners tested out the new Crows Nest Station on the Metro City line to make sure Australia’s only fully-accessible railway is up to scratch.

A group of 20 visitors from the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT team, including half who are blind or have low vision, and six guide dogs attended the outing to familiarise themselves with the new station which is located close to the Guide Dogs NSW head office.

The preview of the brand new station ahead of opening day allowed the group to understand the layout of the station, positioning of escalators and lifts as well as the location of facilities like customer help and emergency points at their own pace.

Sydney Metro will be fully accessible from day one. Each station is built with people in wheelchairs, parents with prams and people with accessibility requirements in mind.

The accessible features of Sydney Metro stations and trains include:

• Level and gap-free access between platforms and trains, meaning no more ‘step’ into a trains;
• Australian-first technology in platform screen doors at every station to keep people and objects safely away from the tracks; 
• Digital screens and interactive kiosks at stations to inform passengers of when the next service is;
• Hearing loop services;
• Braille signage; 
• Lifts at all stations;  
• Audio and video help points;  
• Tactile flooring;
• Accessible toilets;
• Kerb ramps and accessible kiss-and-ride drop-off/pick-up points;
• Indicator lighting and sounding chimes to let passengers know when platform screen doors are opening and closing;

Each metro train has two wheelchair spaces per carriage as well as dedicated priority seating for those with accessibility requirements. There are also two multi-purpose areas for prams, luggage and bicycles.

When Sydney Metro City opens, fast and reliable metro services will arrive every four minutes in the peak at new stations located at Crows Nest, Victoria Cross in North Sydney, Barangaroo, Martin Place, Gadigal in the Sydney CBD, Central, Waterloo and Sydenham.

Passengers will benefit from fully accessible transport hubs, featuring 54 new lifts and 126 escalators to keep people moving between station entrances on the surface and platforms below ground.  

The new city stations will facilitate the seamless movement of up to 37,000 people in the morning peak, with more than 264,000 trips expected to be taken on the line between Tallawong and Sydenham on a typical weekday.

While animals are not permitted at metro stations or able to travel on metro trains, assistance animals with a valid form of accreditation are allowed on all public transport in NSW.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“What a treat it was to welcome our Guide Dog NSW/ACT neighbours to Crows Nest Metro Station to experience their new Metro Station ahead of opening day.

“31,400 people are expected to tap in and out of Crows Nest Metro station each day. From day one, Crows Nest and every station on the new Metro will be fully accessible for everyone jumping on board.

“Safety, reliability and accessibility are our three biggest priorities for Metro. From Australian-first technology in the platform screen doors to the no gap step onto trains, Metro is a service that everybody – and their assistance dog if they have one – can safely enjoy.

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“The opening of the Sydney Metro will be a game changer for people with disabilities in NSW.

“Importantly, more people in our community will be able to use the Metro without having to ask for help.

“Because the Metro is accessible, travelling is safer and easier for every single passenger.

“It’s such a treat to see assistance dogs riding the Metro and having a paw-sitive experience.”

Jennifer Moon Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Principal Advisor/ Manager – Access & Stakeholder Engagement said:

“We are really supportive of Sydney Metro and the NSW Government’s commitment to ensuring a more accessible transport system including the work at Crows Nest Station.

“Access to transport for the whole community is vital so we are really excited that Sydney Metro and NSW Government have made it a strong focus throughout this project so everyone can travel freely, seamlessly and independently.

“As well as removing hazards and implementing important accessibility features, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has also been working closely with the Crows Nest frontline staff to train them on access rights and the support or assistance they can provide individuals who are travelling with accessibility requirements.

“It was such a pleasure to visit the new station with some of our clients prior to the opening, providing them with the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the space and all their feedback so far has been fantastic. This project is a really positive step towards a truly accessible and inclusive transport system for those living with low vision and blindness.”

The Minns Labor Government has today announced $380,000 in rescue capability and communication grants to enhance the safety and well-being of our coastal communities.

The Water Safety Communications Grant, totalling $300,000, will fund a pilot water safety messaging campaign coordinated by Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA). This initiative, known as the “Stop. Look. Stay Alive.” campaign, will see SLSA work with other water safety organisations to deliver a collaborative campaign that promotes consistent water safety messaging across multiple water-related activities and demographics throughout NSW.

The multi-organisation campaign aims to improve awareness of water safety risks, promote water-safe behaviour and enhance overall water safety outcomes in the community.

The NSW Government is also enhancing the existing Rescue Capability Grant with $80,000 to fund the installation of rescue tubes at Emergency Response Beacon (ERB) locations along the NSW coast. This initiative, managed by Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW), aims to boost safety and rescue capability on the NSW coast, particularly at remote and unpatrolled locations.

The rescue tubes will be alarmed and monitored, providing immediate notification to SLSNSW when a tube is deployed.

In addition to these advancements, SLSNSW is developing an Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) capability that can be rapidly deployed upon activation and controlled from a remote operation centre, significantly expanding the reach and speed of emergency response.

This Drone in a Box (DIAB) capability is currently a prototype and is the next step in establishing long-range, beyond visual line of sight operations under development with and funded by the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development through the Shark Management Program. If testing proves successful, a DIAB would have the capability to be stationed at various locations across the state, offering the ability to remotely launch and utilise a drone without delay from an established control centre.

Currently, drones operate visually within 1 kilometre of the operator depending on weather conditions. Testing is currently underway on the DIAB, which can travel up to 5 kilometres from its base and remain in the air for up to 40 minutes.

Existing drone technology has already been deployed to 50 beaches and last year recorded more than 42,000 flights, 11,000 flight hours and 200,000 km flown to make NSW beaches safer.

The expansion of this life saving technology comes after the Minister for Emergency Services convened a roundtable on coastal water safety in March, in response to an increase in coastal drownings at unpatrolled locations over recent years.

Addressing the number of coastal deaths in unpatrolled and isolated locations is a key priority for the NSW Government. These grants are part of the record $71.2 million investment made in Surf Life Saving NSW over the four years from 2023-24 to 2026-27.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The rise in coastal drownings at unpatrolled beaches is deeply concerning and this funding represents our proactive approach to addressing this issue head-on.”

“Our investment in the ‘Stop. Look. Stay Alive.’ campaign underscores our commitment to ensuring every person who enjoys our beautiful coastline does so with a clear understanding of water safety.”

“It’s not just about better emergency response – water safety is a shared responsibility that requires a united effort to get the message out to our diverse communities. Building awareness in communities and our wider investment in preventative actions all contribute to our efforts to save lives.”

“The installation of alarmed rescue tubes on Emergency Rescue Beacons is a game-changer in our efforts to enhance coastal water safety at unpatrolled locations, giving a first responder access to a vital floatation device if they decide to attempt a rescue.”

“The new Drone in a Box (DIAB) capability could represent a significant leap forward in emergency response technology by enabling rapid, remote deployment and long-range operations.”

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“This innovation builds on our existing drone fleet funded under our Shark Management Program, which has already made a tremendous impact across 50 NSW beaches.”

“We are working closely across Government and with Surf Life Saving NSW to ensure shark management on our beaches is an integral part of the overall water safety approach.”

“Significant investment is essential to delivering impactful, life-saving messages and technologies that will protect our community and visitors alike.”

“We are poised to enhance the safety of our coastline like never before.”

CEO of Surf Life Saving NSW Steve Pearce said:

“There’s no silver bullet for reducing drownings, but the suite of measures the Government is helping to fund will have an impact. A targeted public safety campaign along with expanding our drone technology this summer are positive initiatives.”