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Essential maintenance work underway to preserve the heritage listed Cooreei Bridge for generations to come

The Minns Labor Government is kicking off vital work today to secure the future of the heritage listed Cooreei Bridge over the Williams River east of Dungog.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.3 million to rehabilitate this historic landmark on Stroud Hill Road – preserving a critical road link and preserving an iconic piece of the region’s history for generations to come.

Cooreei Bridge, which is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, is the first Henry Harvey Dare-type timber bridge built in NSW and one of only 15 historic bridges built in the Hunter before 1905.

The project involves replacing the bridge’s dilapidated timber abutments with concrete, giving the bridge the strength it needs into the future.

Preparation work started in late 2025, with the project expected to take around 16 months to complete, weather permitting.

While most of the work will be carried out underneath the span, the bridge will need to be temporarily closed at times to allow replacement of the abutments and reconnection of the bridge to Stroud Hill Road.

Transport for NSW will try to limit closures to minimise disruption to the community and will be notified in advance.

During the closures, all motorists will be detoured via Alison Road, Clarence Town Road, Mary Street and Dowling Street, which adds around 30 minutes to journeys.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Cooreei Bridge is part of the Hunter’s story, and we’re making sure it has a future.

“This $7.3 million investment protects a critical local link while preserving one of the region’s most important heritage bridges.

“The Minns Labor Government will strengthen the bridge, keep the community connected and ensure this landmark can serve Dungog for generations to come.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This project is a major investment in both local infrastructure and the preservation of a unique piece of the region’s heritage.

“We know how important connectivity is for the Dungog community. As the last stop on the Hunter train line and a key crossing over the Williams River, I’m proud to announce the start of this important rehabilitation work which will ensure this iconic timber truss bridge is fit for purpose for many years to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“It’s great to see this important project underway.

“Projects like this show you don’t have to choose between preserving our history and delivering safe, “reliable infrastructure – you can and should do both.

“By strengthening Cooreei Bridge while protecting its heritage, we’re making sure this local connection remains open and dependable for the community now and into the future.”

New Aboriginal-led hubs to connect communities and close the digital gap

New Aboriginal-led Digital Inclusion Hubs will soon be rolled out across NSW, helping to close the digital divide and connect communities to essential services. 

The pilot will support community-led spaces designed to meet the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) have been invited to apply for funding to establish and deliver these hubs, which will help people get online, build digital skills and stay connected to essential services.

Eligible ACCOs can apply for grants of up to $250,000 over 18 months to deliver services like digital skills training, targeted learning programs, access to devices, and connectivity support. 

This NSW Government investment comes as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people score 10.5 points lower than non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to getting online, affording internet and devices and using digital services confidently. 

This gap widens further in regional and remote areas to 16.5 points lower, dropping to 22.8 points for very remote areas. 

More than 40 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered to be digitally excluded or highly excluded – almost double the rate of the entire nation. 

Funding will be delivered through the Closing the Gap initiative in partnership with BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring programs are shaped by community priorities.

By addressing digital exclusion at a local level, this initiative advances the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy’s key aim to make digital services accessible, inclusive, safe and connected for everyone in NSW. It also directly supports Closing the Gap Socio-Economic Outcome 17. 

Applications are open to eligible ACCOs in NSW until 15 May via SmartyGrants. More information is available at: https://digitalinclusionhubs.smartygrants.com.au/digitalinclusion

Customer Service and Digital Government Minister, Jihad Dib said:

“Digital inclusion is a necessity for daily life, whether it’s accessing essential services, pursuing education, or staying connected with family, culture and community.

“Access to the digital world shouldn’t depend on where you live or your background. These hubs will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the tools, skills and support to connect and participate online.

“This is about backing community-led solutions. Aboriginal organisations know what works for their communities, and these hubs will be designed and delivered by them, for them.

“The hubs embody the vision of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, giving everyone the confidence and access to use digital services.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is how we make real, practical progress in improving peoples’ day-to-day lives.

“The Digital Inclusion Hubs are about more than technology, they’re about self-determination, opportunity and ensuring communities can fully participate in today’s digital society.

“By backing Aboriginal-led, community-driven solutions, we ensure Closing the Gap outcomes truly reflect local priorities and needs.”

Managing Director of Telco Authority, Kylie De Courteney said:

“The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is about ensuring people can participate fully in a digital society, and that starts with confidence, access and trust. By working in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, we’re supporting solutions that are community-owned, sustainable and responsive to real digital needs.

“Digital Inclusion Hubs help remove barriers that place communities at risk of digital exclusion, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with essential services, education and opportunities in ways that are practical, relevant and sustainable.

“These hubs can help communities build confidence using digital tools, access online services and create pathways to education and employment, all in ways that work locally.” 

M6 Deadline Missed, Minns Government still without a plan

Drivers in Sydney’s South face further delays after the Minns Labor Government confirmed the M6 contractor has missed the 1 May default notice deadline and can’t say when construction will resume. 
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Government’s update from Minister Jenny Aitchison offered confirmation of failure but no path forward. 
 
“The $3.1 billion project has stalled again and as a result families, tradies and other commuters face more delays,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Today’s statement confirms what many feared, the deadline has come and gone, and the Government still doesn’t have control of this project,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have no answers as to what happens next and that’s just not good enough.” 
 
Mr Coure said the Minister’s silence in the weeks leading up to the deadline, followed by a statement with no concrete next steps, exposed the Government’s inability to manage the project. 
 
“Minister Aitchison made a lot of noise about bringing the contractor to heel, only to go missing when it counts,” he said. 
 
“This project has been stuck in limbo for more than two years, and people in Southern Sydney are tired of excuses and more delays,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have been waiting for far too long for this road. They deserve clear answers, not radio silence from this government.” 
 
Mr Coure called on Labor to outline the next steps, including whether legal action will be pursued and when construction will properly resume. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government cannot keep kicking the can down the road and hoping that this problem will resolve itself, we need decisive action and a clear plan for how they intend to fix this mess.” 

Cyber partnership with Japan

Australia and Japan have agreed to establish a new partnership that will enable deeper cooperation on complex cyber security challenges.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Australia–Japan Strategic Cyber Partnership.

Under the Partnership, Australia and Japan will strengthen our cyber relationship by collectively hardening our cyber defences, improving shared awareness and collaboration on cyber threats and critical technologies, and building the collective resilience of the Indo-Pacific through public-private partnerships.

Both countries will endeavour to consult each other on cyber-related contingencies that may affect our sovereignty and regional security interests and consider measures in response.

The Strategic Cyber Partnership will be underpinned by a yearly Cyber Dialogue, to be next held in June in Tokyo.

With the intensity, frequency and sophistication of cyber threats, it is more important than ever to work closely with trusted partners to bolster our cyber defences.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“In an increasingly complex environment, the security of our digital networks is as vital as our physical borders.

“Cyber threats do not respect national boundaries, so this is why we must work together with key partners, such as Japan.

“Under the new Australia–Japan Cyber Partnership, we will work together to better address evolving cyber security threats, while also enhancing regional resilience, the security of critical technology, and collaboration with industry.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

”This partnership reflects closer alignment between trusted partners in defending the digital domain.

“Working side by side with Japan, we can better address evolving cyber security threats and build regional resilience.”

Minister for Cyber Security Tony Burke:

“Strong regional partnerships, such as the one we share with Japan are essential, as no single country can effectively address cyber threats alone.

“Cyber threats are growing in scale and sophistication. Sharing information with trusted partners is essential to staying ahead.”

Deepening economic security with Japan

Australia and Japan have committed to bolstering cooperation on economic security to achieve more resilient supply chains for both countries and the region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and signed the Joint Declaration on Economic Security Cooperation.

Through the Joint Declaration, Australia and Japan have committed to working together to build regional economic resilience through strengthening supply chain resilience for key goods such as energy products, food and critical minerals, and promoting and protecting critical technologies.

Both countries have also agreed to consult each other on economic security contingencies and consider measures to mitigate risks.

Japan is Australia’s third largest two-way trading partner and second-largest export market. We are more strategically aligned than ever, including as key partners on economic security.

This Joint Declaration will boost our two-way trade and investment, particularly in the strategically significant sectors of critical technologies and critical minerals.

With the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation with Japan signed 50 years ago, this Joint Declaration further solidifies our already strong relationship and sets the direction for our future.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Australia and Japan are taking action to protect our economies from future economic shocks and uncertainty.

“By working together, we will achieve more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers now and into the future.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Australia and Japan are more strategically aligned than ever, including as close partners on economic security.

“Together we are building our shared resilience in a more uncertain world.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“Australia and Japan have a strong relationship and this declaration will support prosperity and resilience for both our countries.

“By working together, we will establish more secure and resilient supply chains that will benefit Australian and Japanese businesses and consumers, now, and into the future.”

Expanding cooperation on critical minerals with Japan

Australia and Japan are elevating cooperation on critical minerals, supporting onshore processing, refining and related advanced manufacturing.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Critical Minerals Cooperation.

The Joint Statement makes critical minerals a core pillar of our economic and national security relationship and will drive coordinated investment in strategic projects to address the most urgent supply chain vulnerabilities.

This cooperation will build on the existing Australia Japan Critical Minerals Partnership, launched by Prime Minister Albanese in 2022. It will enable greater access to capital and technology, as well as create stronger commercial linkages for Australian producers – matching this with Japanese industry demand.

Our partnership is mutually beneficial and supports our collective economic security and prosperity. 

The Australian Government through the Critical Minerals Facility and Export Finance Australia is providing support of up to $1.3 billion, including non-binding Letters of Support, to critical mineral projects with Japanese involvement, creating the potential to supply Japan with critical minerals including gallium, nickel, graphite, rare earths and fluorite.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Japan has been a long-standing partner in the development of Australia’s critical minerals sector.

“By working closely with Japan, we can attract greater investment in our critical minerals sector and further develop the sector, creating jobs and capability in Australia.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Our cooperation with Japan is all about building more resilient and stable supply chains over the long term.

“We both see the tremendous potential in working more closely together to support reliable access to critical minerals.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell

“We are committed to working with Japan to develop Australia’s critical minerals sector and support resilient supply chains between our countries and in our region.

“Developing our critical minerals is a key national priority under our Future Made in Australia agenda, and we can achieve this by working closely with Japan, a trusted and longstanding partner.”

Minister for Resources Madeleine King

“Sustained, trusted, constant investment from Japan is a cornerstone of the global powerhouse that is the resources sector of Australia.

“Working together with Japan we are building a new era for our resources sector that will support both our economies and our shared security for generations to come.”

Strengthening energy security with Japan

Australia and Japan have reached an agreement to further strengthen energy security in our region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Energy Security.

Australia and Japan will work together to support the flow of essential goods – including fuel and gas – between our countries.

The two nations are also committed to working together to support continued energy security across the region.

Australia provides approximately one-third of Japan’s energy supply, and it is our largest market for liquified natural gas.

Japan is also a reliable supplier of refined petroleum and diesel to Australia.

The Joint Statement highlights Australia’s commitment as a reliable energy supplier to Japan and demonstrates our shared commitment to open, rules-based trade and supporting the flow of essential energy goods between our countries.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Like Japan, we are very concerned by disruptions to the supply of liquid fuels and refined petroleum products.

“It is clear from the fuel crisis that energy is critical for our shared economic security, and we are both committed to keeping the flow of energy between us open.

“Our Joint Statement on Energy Security commits us to supporting open trade in liquid fuels, which will help build confidence with consumers and business on fuel supply.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong

“Australia and Japan are close and trusted partners, and that matters more than ever at a time of uncertainty in global energy markets.

“We are committed to working together to support our mutual energy security and that of our region.”

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen

“We are continuing to secure essential fuel supplies and work with partners around the world to strengthen energy security at home and abroad.

“This Joint Statement on Energy Security will help secure fuel supplies for both Australia and Japan and shield consumers from global uncertainty.”

Enhanced defence and security cooperation with Japan

Australia and Japan have agreed next steps to enhance defence and security cooperation, in order to support our shared ambition for a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese of Australia and Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae of Japan met in Canberra today and issued the Joint Statement on Enhanced Defence and Security Cooperation.

This marks a natural evolution of our already close cooperation with Japan. Building on decades of engagement, the 2022 Australia-Japan Joint Declaration on Security Cooperation, the 2023 Australia-Japan Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and last December’s establishment of the Framework for Strategic Defence Cooperation (FSDC), it focuses on strengthening capability, deepening integration and bolstering interoperability between Australia and Japan.

Key priorities include increased information sharing; co-development, co-production and co-sustainment of defence capabilities; advanced weapons testing; enhanced training and exercises; joint maintenance and sustainment of assets, and closer collaboration to secure supply chains and critical maritime routes.

It also reflects a shared commitment to deepening cooperation in key areas, including defence industry following Australia’s decision to procure the upgraded Mogami class frigates for Australia’s general purpose frigate program.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“In a complex strategic environment, cooperation between Australia and Japan is essential to maintaining a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“Enhanced defence and security cooperation between Australia and Japan increases interoperability between our defence forces, ensuring Australia and Japan can work closely together to support regional peace and security.”

Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles

“Our enhanced defence cooperation with Japan means our forces can train, plan and operate together with greater sophistication – strengthening our combined capability and supporting deterrence.”  

“Australia and Japan share a strong commitment to regional stability, and at a time of global uncertainty, strengthening our longstanding defence cooperation is more important than ever.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs

“As Special Strategic Partners, Australia and Japan are stepping up our defence and security cooperation as part of our efforts to ensure a peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“In these uncertain times, middle powers must keep working together for a free and open Indo-Pacific, and a world where no country dominates and no country is dominated.”

Appeal to locate man missing from Singleton

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a man missing from the Hunter Region.

Robert Symons, aged 55, was last seen in Singleton on Wednesday 15 April 2026.

Officers attached to Hunter Valley Police District were notified about 8pm today (Sunday 3 May 2026) and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

Police hold concerns for Robert’s welfare as he lives with a medical condition.

Robert is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall, of large build, with brown hair and green eyes.

He may be driving a gold Mazda with NSW registration VKY544.

Robert is believed to frequent the Singleton and Wetherill Park areas.

Two teens charged after man allegedly knocked out on bus – Belmont

Two teenage boys have been charged, and a man remains in hospital, following an alleged assault on a bus in the Hunter yesterday.

Just after midday (Sunday 3 May 2026), emergency services were called to the Pacific Highway, Belmont, following reports of an assault on a bus.

Officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District and Police Transport Command attended and were told a group of people entered the bus, before an argument ensued with a 49-year-old man.

As the group was getting off the bus, they repeatedly assaulted the man, allegedly knocking him unconscious.

The man was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for head and facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital for further treatment.

A short time later, nine youths were located and arrested at a fast-food restaurant in Belmont.

Following inquiries, seven were released pending further investigation.

Two boys – aged 13 and 15 – were taken to Belmont Police Station where they were charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm in company of other(s).

They both refused to appear before a children’s court today (Sunday 3 May 2025).

Investigations are ongoing.