Construction complete for Orange Health Service palliative care expansion

Construction is now complete on the expansion of inpatient palliative care spaces at Orange Health Service, which will improve end-of-life care for the Orange community and surrounding areas.

Delivered as part of the Minns Labor Government’s $93 million World Class End of Life Care program, the project includes three new dedicated palliative care bedrooms with support spaces enhancing comfort and privacy for patients and families.

The new palliative care rooms are located on Level 1 of Orange Hospital, above the oncology ward and existing palliative care facilities. Designed to create a peaceful, home‑like environment to support patients and families, the spaces feature access to natural light, fresh air, and communal indoor and outdoor areas.

As part of the design, each bedroom will feature an original painting by a local artist. Additional artworks and photography by local photographer, Alf Manciagli will be displayed throughout the expanded space to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

Following an Expression of Interest process, the courtyard area will also feature original work by local Aboriginal artist Sandon Gibbs‑Oneil, created in consultation with the Orange Health Service Aboriginal Reference Group to reflect culture, connection and Country.

The expansion was informed by extensive consultation with health professionals specialising in palliative and end‑of‑life care, Aboriginal representatives, carers and members of the local community to ensure the facilities meet the needs of patients and families across the region.

The project will now progress to final commissioning and operational readiness ahead of opening to patients in the coming weeks.

For more information about the World Class End of Life Care Program, visit: World Class End of Life Care Program

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“This is a significant investment in compassionate care for patients, families, carers and the clinical staff who support them.

“The Minns Government is committed to ensuring people with life‑limiting illnesses receive high‑quality end‑of‑life care at the right time, and in the right place.

“These modern, purpose‑built spaces will help provide comfort, dignity and support during what can be an extremely difficult time.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato

“I congratulate Health Minister Park for responding to the needs of our community and delivering improved inpatient palliative care services here at the Orange Health Service.”

“I have passionately advocated and lobbied for the return of inpatient palliative care services to Orange Health Service, which we have witnessed delivered in recent years – and I now welcome this further expansion of the unit to provide greater capability in meeting the increasing needs of our community.”

“I wish to acknowledge the dedication of Orange Push for Palliative, who are to be credited with not only making this revived ward a reality, but for making it such a supportive and peaceful space for families and their loved ones who require specialised end-of-life care.”

Labor Spokesperson for Orange Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“With construction complete, the new palliative care spaces are one step closer to welcoming patients and families.

“Community feedback played a crucial role in shaping the design, which has helped create a warm, home‑like environment that prioritises privacy, connection and comfort, as well as access to natural light and outdoor areas.

“This expansion strengthens palliative care for the region and reflects what our community told us matters most.”

$2.5 million Lung Bus tour of NSW arrives in Wollongong to protect workers against dust diseases

The Minns Labor Government is protecting workers from dust diseases with its $2.5 million state-of-the -art Lung Health Mobile Clinic which is providing lung health checks to thousands of people across New South Wales.

The lung bus has arrived in Wollongong to provide free lung screening checks. These lung health checks can be lifesaving by making sure early detection and treatment of dust diseases like asbestosis, silicosis and mesothelioma.

The lung bus program provides free lung screening checks to more than 5,000 workers annually in NSW.

Lung health checks are painless and only take around 30 minutes. The process includes chest X-rays to detect abnormalities or damage, lung function testing to assess respiratory performance, consultation with a specialist doctor, who interprets results and provides tailored advice and referral for a CT scan, if required, to get a better image of the chest and lungs.

Workers can also arrange a free lung screening at icare’s Sydney CBD clinic, or with local providers regionally when the lung bus is not in that part of the state. To book a free lung health check, contact icare on 1800 550 027.

The Lung Health Mobile Clinic will be located at North Dalton Car Park on Monday 16 March 2026. 

The Lung Bus will next travel to the following destinations:

Parramatta: 31 March, Gosford: 13 April, Singleton: 20 April, Tuncurry: 27 April, Coffs Harbour: 11 May, Byron Bay: 18 May, Tweed Heads: 25 May, Inverell: 9 June, Tamworth: 15 June, Newcastle: 29 June, Dubbo: 6 July, Orange: 13 July, Wagga Wagga: 27 July, Lithgow: 10 August, Blue Mountains: 24 August, Sydney: 3 September, Tomago: 6 October, Newcastle: 26 October, Central Coast: 9 November.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the Lung Bus is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

  • Strengthening workplace safety through a Silica Worker Register (SWR) which monitors and tracks the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).
  • Leading the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
  • Establishing the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
  • Establishing a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
  • Allocating $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).

Whilst lung bus bookings are at capacity, for more information on lung health checks or to arrange a screening, contact icare directly by visiting the Lung Screening Service website or calling 1800 550 027.

The Dust Diseases Care team can help facilitate lung health checks at icare’s Sydney CBD Kent Street clinic or their mobile clinic or through local services.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The icare Mobile Clinic underscores the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to removing barriers like cost and location, ensuring workers across NSW have access to the critical support and care they need to safeguard their health.

“The Lung Bus is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the Silica Worker Register, the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

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

“We want to make sure that people in the Illawarra have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy.

“Whether you’re working in construction, mining, manufacturing or just living in the area – we’re urging everyone to take a few minutes to get checked.”

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government making sure Wollongong residents have access to the healthcare they need, when and where they need it.

“For too many, life gets in the way of regular check-ups so by bringing this service directly to the community, we’re removing one more barrier to staying healthy and helping to protect the health and futures of our workers.”

Icare Group Executive of General Insurance and Care Sarah Johnson said:

“A lung health check could save your life.

“Early detection is critical to effective treatment, and we’re here to make sure every worker, no matter where they live, has access to world-class care.”

Man dies after single-vehicle crash – Hunter Valley

A driver has died in hospital after a single-vehicle crash in the Hunter Valley area.

About 3:45pm on Tuesday 10 March 2026, emergency services were called to Leggetts Drive, Pelaw Main (2km south of Kurri Kurri), following reports of a crash.

On arrival, officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District located a single vehicle crashed into a power pole.

The driver – an 18-year-old man – was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a critical condition.

Police commenced an investigation into the circumstances of the crash.

About 8.15am today (Sunday 15 March 2026), police received notification that the 18-year-old man had passed away in hospital.

Police will prepare a report for the information of the Coroner.

Call continues for Koala Protection Act (KPA)

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is still fighting for a national Koala
Protection Act (KPA), grounded in a simple principle: the rule of law must
protect Australia’s wildlife.

For four decades the Foundation has argued that the Koala, and all other
species that call these forests home, deserve their own dedicated legislation
— a law strong enough to properly safeguard habitat and ensure that the
species survives for future generations.

In 2000, Deborah Tabart OAM, chair of the Australian Koala Foundation,
convened a national legal summit bringing together Australian and
international lawyers, scientists and conservation organisations to examine
whether existing environmental laws could adequately protect the Koala. At
the time they evaluated 22 different documents from State jurisdictions and
by and large all agreed they were not working.

At the time, the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act
1999 had just come into force. After two days of discussions, participants
encouraged the Australian Koala Foundation to allow the new legislation an
opportunity to operate before pursuing separate Koala-specific law, a
decision that has been met with much regret from the Foundation.

Why? Because more than two decades later, the results are clear. Bob
Brown, then a Senator, did identify and support such a law in 2014 but in
2016, the “big” conservation groups, thinking that Labor would win the
election, decided to abandon “species specific legislation” and the rest of
course is history, says Tabart. The Koala went from Vulnerable to
Endangered in this time.

One of the most significant weaknesses of the EPBC Act is that land clearing
does not automatically trigger federal protection, even though it is
recognised as a threatening process. Only the Federal Environment Minister
has the power to trigger that Act. The current minister is Murray Watt, the
sixteenth person to hold the role since Tabart joined the Australian Koala
Foundation in 1988, nearly 40 years ago. A Koala Protection Act would
remove Ministerial approval and also “Permits to Take” which is by and
large a “licence to kill”.

In practice, projects are frequently “called in” or granted “controlled action”
status. This means developments may proceed while further environmental
information is gathered, a process that can allow large areas of Koala
habitat to be cleared while assessments continue.
For the Koala, time lost often means habitat lost and as a result suffering
illness including chlamydia.

AKF believes that Australia must now consider stronger environmental
accountability. Around the world there is increasing discussion about new
legal frameworks, including the concept of Ecocide — recognising severe
environmental destruction as a crime.

The idea that the law evolves to protect what humanity values is not new.
Following the atrocities of World War II, the Nuremberg Trials established
legal principles that led to the international recognition of Genocide and
Crimes Against Humanity.

Last week also marked International Women’s Day, a moment to reflect on
individuals whose leadership helped shape the modern world. Deborah
Tabart OAM recognises and honours the legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt, a
former First Lady who championed global peace in the years following
World War I through international efforts that eventually evolved into the
United Nations.

Many suggest the international system she helped inspire is now struggling
to manage a world where “might over right” is again being tested. Some
argue the UN Charter must evolve to meet the realities of the twenty-first
century — and there is confidence that dedicated leaders around the world
are working towards that goal.

The same principle applies to environmental protection. When laws are no
longer strong enough to protect what matters, they must be strengthened.
The call for stronger environmental protection also comes at a time when
citizens are increasingly engaged in planning decisions that affect wildlife
habitat. Submissions to the South-East Queensland Regional Plan have
highlighted ongoing concerns about land clearing, habitat fragmentation
and long-term planning for wildlife across Queensland.

Younger conservationists are now raising many of the same questions that
have been asked for decades — about clearing limits, planning horizons and
the continued loss of primary Koala habitat.

The Australian Koala Foundation believes the answer is clear: Australia
needs a law designed specifically to protect the Koala and its habitat across
the nation.

A Koala Protection Act would ensure that the survival of the Koala is not left
to flawed planning systems but safeguarded by enforceable national
legislation.

The Australian Koala Foundation remains confident that such a law will be
achieved.

Because when people speak clearly enough, the law ultimately follows.

About the Australian Koala Foundation

The Australian Koala Foundation (AKF) is the principal non-profit, non-government organisation dedicated to the effective management and conservation of the Koala and its habitat. Our proudest achievement is the recent finalisation of mapping the entire geographic range of the Koala, via our Koala Habitat Atlas mapping methodology. The AKF is also dedicated to a Koala Protection Act.

Bluesfest cancellation shows urgent support needed to help Australia’s live music industry

Greens spokesperson for the arts, Senator Sarah Hanson-Young:

“The cancellation of Bluesfest today is another devastating blow to Australia’s music community and a stark warning about the fragile state of our arts sector.

“For more than three decades, Bluesfest has been one of Australia’s most iconic music festivals, attracting world-class artists, supporting local performers, and drawing tens of thousands of visitors to regional communities.

“Countless arts organisations, venues, and festivals are being pushed to the brink in this cost of living crisis. 

“Without urgent and sustained investment, more events that support Australian musicians and creatives will disappear.

“The arts are a vital part of Australia’s cultural identity. Live music and festivals create jobs, boost tourism, support small businesses, and provide a platform for emerging Australian artists.

“The cancellation of yet another music festival today should be a wake-up call. 

“Governments at all levels must provide stronger funding and policy support for the arts sector; from festivals and venues, to the artists and crews who bring Australian music to life.

Inquiry into CSIRO funding cuts reveals grim future for Australia

A Senate inquiry hearing into the job and program cuts at the CSIRO, Australia’s leading scientific research agency, has revealed low morale for our scientific community and a grim future for essential science in the face of the climate crisis.

Damning evidence to the committee today showed:

  • A push to privatise research funding at CSIRO, with implications for the nature of CSIRO’s research agenda.
  • Further jobs cuts (up to 350) are expected at CSIRO, on top of the 800 positions already slashed in the past 18 months.
  • Low morale among the workforce at CSIRO with staff left devastated by the dehumanising approach to job and program cuts without consultation.
  • Inadequate government funding of Australia’s leading scientific research agency, which is unable to keep up with inflation costs of research.
  • An economic and human life cost from “adapting blindly” to the climate crisis as a result of lack of funding.
  • Shrinking career opportunities for scientists as a result of dwindling funds and employment opportunities at CSIRO and universities.

Greens spokesperson for finance, public sector, workplace relations and employment and Senator for South Australia, Barbara Pocock:

“The Greens secured this inquiry in response to job cuts and funding pressures. The inquiry has revealed the real-world implications of inadequate public funding for science and on our ability to face the climate crisis and future health challenges.

“I’ve heard evidence today from a range of different scientists who have shared the alarming consequences of funding cuts. In the midst of a climate crisis and after a global pandemic, Labor is pouring billions into submarines instead of the fundamental research needed to adapt to and tackle these global challenges.

“At a time when science investment should be growing, our leading research agency is cutting hundreds of jobs to stay afloat. These aren’t just numbers — they’re skilled workers essential to Australia’s scientific future. Our science needs long-term continuity of funding and should be at least in line with the OECD average of 2.7% of GDP.

“CSIRO workers are facing relentless uncertainty about their jobs and research. These are dedicated scientists, and losing their expertise would be a serious blow.

“In the face of a worsening climate crisis, the work of the CSIRO is vitally important to Australians and our future generations. We should be strengthening our research capacity, not murdering its capability slice by painful slice. 

“The Greens are calling on the government to properly resource CSIRO to ensure the long term critical science and knowledge we need to keep our nation safe and prosperous. We heard evidence that, once lost, it will be difficult if not impossible to rebuild these research capabilities.”

Greens spokesperson for science and Senator for Lutruwita/Tasmania, Peter Whish-Wilson:

“Cutting CSIRO staff and science programs, especially within the Environmental Research Division in Hobart, shows the Albanese Labor government does not truly value environmental science or the scientific community in Tasmania.

“From the high personal cost being imposed on each and every scientist being told their life’s work is no longer important and required, through to institutional reputational damage and the negative message this sends to young career scientists — it’s a very difficult time and it doesn’t have to be this way.

“You can’t gut the critical role scientists play at CSIRO and then turn around and say you support early career research programs, that just doesn’t make sense.

“It is deceitful for the government to say job cuts are necessary due to budget constraints when it can find hundreds of billions of dollars for nuclear submarines and subsidies for fossil fuel companies. 

“It is clear that science is no longer a priority for this government.”

Federal and State Labor dud NSW taxpayers in latest GST carve up

Today’s determination by the Federal Government’s Commonwealth Grants Commission that NSW will receive just 82 cents for every dollar it contributes to the GST pool is a bitter blow to the state’s future prosperity, and further proof that NSW is worse off under State and Federal Labor. 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals call on Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey to stand up for NSW and demand that Anthony Albanese fix the GST distribution formula so that the people of NSW receive their fair share. 
 
NSW taxpayers pay more than any other State by any other measure, yet continue to be short changed. 
 
Under the current, lopsided arrangement, this inequity is only set to worsen for NSW, while Victoria remains a net winner for the second year in a row. 
 
Shadow Treasurer, Scott Farlow, said today’s determination highlights how NSW is being left behind under Labor governments in Macquarie Street and Canberra. 
 
“Under Chris Minns and Anthony Albanese, NSW has gotten the worst GST deal since the introduction of the GST,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“NSW taxpayers are already paying 30% more tax under the Minns Labor Government, and the NSW Liberals and Nationals are concerned that today’s news will be another excuse for Labor to raise taxes.” 
 
“After three years in office today, Chris Minns and Daniel Mookhey have sat on their hands when it comes to GST Distribution Reform. 
 
“They have failed to even make a submission to the Productivity Commission’s GST Distribution Reform inquiry to date, and today’s determination demonstrates the devastating consequences of this inaction to the future prosperity of NSW.” 
 
“While the Government has called for reform today, a move welcomed by the Opposition, it’s clear that Chris Minns has failed to stand up to Anthony Albanese for NSW to date.” 
 
“Under Chris Minns and Anthomy Albanese NSW taxpayers will keep paying more while getting less in return.” 

Hello Penrith to Helloworld stadium

Penrith’s new world-class stadium will be known as Helloworld Stadium, with the travel professionals to be the inaugural naming rights partner of Sydney’s newest destination.

Helloworld Travel is Australia’s leading travel company with the largest network of 2000 independent franchise travel agents. The five-year stadium naming rights partnership marks Helloworld Travel’s first sponsorship of a major sporting venue.

Penrith’s new crown jewel forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s historic multi-billion-dollar investment in Sydney’s western suburbs. It reflects the government’s commitment to building better communities across Western Sydney by investing in the critical infrastructure and services needed in both fast-growing and established areas connecting local families with jobs, recreation and opportunity.

Helloworld Stadium will seat 25,000 fans in sports mode and up to 30,000 for concerts. Currently under construction set to open in 2027 the project will generate around 500 jobs during construction, with more than 650 ongoing jobs supported once the stadium is operational.

Key features of Helloworld Stadium include steeper grandstands to bring fans closer to the action, new videoboards and sound system, more food and beverage outlets, increased bathrooms, modern corporate facilities, improved safety and security, the family-friendly hills have been retained and four gender neutral changerooms will support the growth of men’s and women’s sport.

Once operational, Helloworld Stadium will be home of the Penrith Panthers, and host concerts, motocross and other major and sporting events.

The venue replaces the original Penrith Park which opened in 1967.

Minister for Sport and Tourism Steve Kamper:

“Penrith is ready to take off with Helloworld Travel coming onboard as the inaugural naming rights partner of western Sydney’s newest destination.

“With construction of Helloworld Stadium to be completed and the new Western Sydney Airport to open this year, this is an exciting partnership that will take Penrith to the world and creating a sport and entertainment destination that supports the local economy year-round.

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown OAM said:

“The new Helloworld Stadium is an exciting step forward for Penrith and reflects the Government’s commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure for Western Sydney. This redevelopment will create a modern, family-friendly venue that brings fans closer to the action while supporting the continued growth of sport, entertainment, and major events in our region.

“Importantly, the project is also delivering real benefits for our community – creating local jobs during construction and once the stadium is operational, while providing a new home for the Panthers and a destination that will attract visitors, events and investment to Penrith for decades to come.”

Helloworld Travel CEO Andrew Burnes:

“Today marks an incredibly proud moment for Helloworld Travel and our network of passionate travel professionals. The naming of Helloworld Stadium reflects our long-standing commitment in Australia and New Zealand to connecting people with unforgettable experiences – whether that’s exploring the world with the help of our legion of travel professionals or coming together to celebrate great sporting and live entertainment events.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Venues NSW on this exciting new chapter in Penrith and look forward to seeing Helloworld Stadium become a place that will create lifelong memories for friends and families.”

First look at new ambulance station for the Jindabyne community

The first artist’s impression of the new purpose-built Jindabyne Ambulance Station has been unveiled, marking a major milestone in delivering enhanced emergency care for the Snowy Mountains community.

Planning and design is in the final stages, and the construction tender process is now underway for the new station which will be located on Kosciuszko Road, west of the Snowy Mountains Grammar School.

Construction is expected to begin in the coming months, following planning approval and the appointment of a builder.

The modern facility will include:

  • Six internal parking bays, including a dedicated wash bay
  • administration and office areas
  • staff amenities to support rest and wellbeing
  • staff parking
  • logistics and storage areas.

The site was selected following a comprehensive planning process using best-practice modelling software to map Triple Zero calls. Its location will provide optimal access to the major road network, ensuring optimal emergency response times across the Snowy Mountains.

The new purpose-built station will replace the existing station at Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne enhancing emergency healthcare for the Jindabyne community.

The new Jindabyne Ambulance Station is part of the NSW Government’s $232 million Rural Ambulance Infrastructure Reconfiguration Program which already delivered 53 new, rebuilt or upgraded ambulance stations across rural and regional NSW to boost frontline emergency care.

For more information visit: www.nsw.gov.au/jindabyne-ambulance-station

Minister for Regional Health, Ryan Park:

“It is exciting to get a first look at the design of the new ambulance station, which will provide a modern workplace for local paramedics and replace the existing station at Thredbo Terrace, Jindabyne.

“This investment will ensure local paramedics have the facilities they need to deliver world-class emergency care across the Snowy Mountains region.

“The Minns Government is delivering more ambulance stations and more paramedics, to ensure people right across NSW have access to the emergency care they need, when they need it.”

Member for Monaro, Steve Whan:

“This announcement is a long time coming. When I became the local Member for the second time, I found that the Nationals had made yet another empty promise. No design, no funding allocation and that government didn’t even own the land – in other word, nothing but announcements.

“Since returning, I’ve been working with the Minister for Health and Health Infrastructure to make this project a reality.

“I’m so pleased to be able to present the artist’s impressions and I look forward to construction finally commencing soon.

“Our paramedics will have a purpose-built station to help them deliver the best possible emergency and mobile medical care when and where it’s needed.

“We will not risk lives”: Extra rail and transport services to be rolled out as Great Western Highway closure to remain in place for at least three months

The NSW Government is ensuring extra rail, coach and bus services to support Blue Mountains and Central West communities, with specialist engineers advising the closure of the Great Western Highway at Victoria Pass will remain in place for at least three months.

This action follows a major geotechnical failure at Mitchell’s Causeway which has made the road unsafe.

The Government is being upfront with the community: this is a serious situation, it will take time, and there will be no shortcuts on safety.

The Government recognises this closure is causing real disruption for Blue Mountains and Central West communities, local businesses, freight operators and families on both sides of the pass.

People deserve clear advice they can plan around. That is why the Government is announcing that this will be a lengthy closure, while also putting additional transport support in place to help communities manage the disruption.

Transport for NSW has advised that at least two weeks of specialist geotechnical testing and 3D imaging must be carried out with no passing traffic to understand the full extent of the damage.

Even under the most optimistic scenario, any remediation required to make the road safe for vehicles would take at least a further two months.

To support communities during the closure, Transport for NSW will:

  • From Sunday, 15 March, Sydney Trains has committed to providing additional services between Bathurst and Mount Victoria, with timetable details being worked through
  • From Saturday, 14 March, provide two fully accessible coaches to run 12 daily NSW TrainLink services between Bathurst and Katoomba – six in each direction. These free turn-up-and-go services will stop at Katoomba, Mount Victoria, Lithgow and Bathurst stations
  • From Friday, 13 March, run amended school and regular route bus services operated by Lithgow Buslines to help reduce journey times for students on routes affected by the highway closure
  • Boost resilience of road along Bells Line of Road and Darling Causeway to reduce traffic impacts and preserve road quality

For NRL fans attending Saturday night’s early season Sharks v Panthers game at Carrington Park, Bathurst – there are still over 100 tickets available on the XPT from Central to Bathurst on Saturday and returning Sunday.

The 194-year-old Mitchell’s Causeway, also known as the Convict Bridge, has been closed in both directions since Sunday 8 March, after proactive monitoring by Transport for NSW detected significant cracking and movement in the substructure.

Around 90 staff, including specialist engineers, maintenance workers and operational crews, have been working around the clock.

The Government is receiving regular briefings from Transport for NSW, supported by third-party engineering, geology and heritage experts on site.

An incident management team has been established to coordinate with other government agencies, local councils, freight operators, the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and other affected stakeholders.

The alternate route via Darling Causeway to Bells Line of Road is typically adding up to 25 minutes to a crossing of the Blue Mountains, but motorists should expect heavier traffic and delays, particularly during peak periods and on weekends.

Traffic control points remain staffed across the Mountains and may temporarily stop general traffic to allow critical movements by emergency vehicles and essential health staff.

Bells Line of Road will continue to carry most detoured traffic from the Great Western Highway. Motorists are urged to consider alternative long-distance routes, including the Hume Highway or Golden Highway, or alternate modes of transport where suitable.

Minister Aitchison has been on site at Mount Victoria for briefings from Transport experts and to hear from the local community and those impacted. The Minister is working closely with her Cabinet colleagues to support the response.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison:

“I will be honest and upfront to the people of the Blue Mountains and the Central West: this closure is expected to remain in place for at least three months – it is incredibly serious.

“I understand that this is difficult news, but people deserve honesty and they deserve clarity.

“This is not a short-term repair job. We are dealing with a major geotechnical failure on a fragile and historic section of road, and it must be assessed and repaired properly.

“We are rolling out extra rail, coach and bus services now because communities need practical support, not just advice.

“I know this closure is causing real hardship for families, workers, school communities, freight operators and local businesses, and I am deeply sorry for that disruption.

“But there will be no shortcuts on safety – we will not risk lives.

“We will do all the work that is required to restore this essential link between the Blue Mountains and Central West.  We will keep the community informed – we cannot reopen this road until it is safe.

“We know this closure is having broad impacts across the community, on small businesses and industry. I want to assure residents we are working across Government to ensure our emergency services are not impacted and can continue to keep people safe.”

Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary, Road Maintenance and Resilience, Matt Fuller:

“This is a complex site, with a unique heritage structure on a mountain pass and the level of movement detected means we need time without traffic to fully understand the risks and determine the safest solution.

“We acknowledge this closure is disruptive, and we’re working hard to support communities and businesses by increasing public transport options and managing traffic along detour routes.

“Across Transport, our teams will continue to monitor these strategies and adapt where we can to meet the needs of passengers, motorists and other road users.

“Drivers should plan ahead and expect delays on alternate routes, particularly during peak periods and on weekends. We ask people to drive to conditions and be patient and respectful of others on the road.”