Category: NSW News

Hundreds of thousands of Western Sydney families enjoyed the sandy shores of Penrith Beach this summer, taking full advantage of the first-ever beach season at Penrith.

The beach provided much-needed relief to the community as the temperature frequently soared towards 40 degrees. The overwhelming response from locals resulted in the extension of the season for an additional three weeks until ANZAC Day.

Penrith Beach has hosted more than 210,000 visits since the gates opened on 19 December 2023. Figures show residents from the Penrith and Blacktown LGAs were the most frequent visitors to the site now famously dubbed as ‘Pondi’.

This hasn’t just provided access to a great swimming spot in the heart of Western Sydney but has also acted as a cost free activity for so many families throughout summer.

The NSW Government is now considering future options for Penrith Beach following the conclusion of this trial period.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This free swimming spot has been a huge success with families, and I’ve been so thrilled to see it embraced by the local community.

“Western Sydney families deserved this beach after years of waiting and I’m really proud we delivered it last summer.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Western Sydney’s decades-long dream of having a local beach was achieved within just nine months of Labor coming into Government.

“The trial represents the importance of every community having access to safe and fun places to swim, and I’m keen to explore future options for Pondi’s potential return.”

Transport for NSW and U-Go Mobility have ended the bus driver shortage in Region 10, thanks to dedicated bus driver recruitment campaigns and a focused driver training program.

The boost is in part due to U-Go Mobility’s flagship Women Behind the Wheel recruitment campaign, encouraging women to explore a career as a bus driver.

Through this campaign, U-Go – the area’s operator – has doubled the number of women drivers serving the communities of Sydney’s south and south-west. The program invests in women’s licensing and training to remove barriers and support access to the traditionally male-dominated industry.

These initiatives, along with the measures the NSW Government has put in place across the industry including slashing the cost to get a Bus Driver Authority, launching a bus driver recruitment campaign, and initiating the roll out of free opal cards to drivers, have helped half the amount of driver vacancies across the state since May 2023.

Bus passengers in Sydney’s south and south-west are now experiencing a full timetable after U-Go reinstated suspended services in February.

All trips that were suspended as part of the July 2023 timetable changes were added back into the timetable on 26 February.

This means bus passengers in the area now have 160 more bus trips to get them to where they need to go.

The 960 and 920 services will continue to operate in place of the previous M92.

Transport for NSW continues to work with U-Go Mobility and other bus operators to deliver a reliable and frequent bus service for passengers.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“It is great to see such success in getting more drivers back into buses in Sydney’s south and south-west.

“I know how important an integrated and reliable bus network is for these communities, and I want to thank locals for their patience as Transport worked with the operator to stabilise operations.

“It’s exciting to see the number of female drivers double over the past six months. A career in the bus industry has endless opportunities and we want to see more women getting involved.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“Our community really bore the brunt of the bus driver shortage, but we’ve also been able to see first-hand how solutions to the bus driver shortage can be implemented and how they’re starting to pay off.

“It will take a while to encourage passengers back onto our buses, but now that we are seeing a more reliable and regular service, we’ll be able to rebuild trust and see more people tap back on.”

TfNSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said:

“The more we share stories about women within the bus industry, the more we will be able to boost our numbers.

“Inclusion of women on the frontline brings greater diversity of skills and experiences to the bus industry.

“It is great to see more female drivers have helped boost U-Go Mobility’s driver numbers and get them back to a full timetable, to deliver a better service for passengers.”

The final Sydney Trains Review has been released, outlining key challenges and recommendations, including major system upgrades, fleet reliability and workforce gaps.

The findings provide a framework for reform that will shape the future of our railways in New South Wales.

The review found Sydney Trains is facing significant changes over the coming years, such as the new timetable allowing for integration of metro services, as well as critical network upgrades.

It recommends a ‘fleet support strategy’ be prepared to address performance issues, an action the government is currently exploring at pace.

Fleet performance is below target, caused by delays to train technology upgrades and the former government’s problem-plagued procurement and integration of the New Intercity and New Regional Rail fleets.

While the stalwart Tangaras are still within their life cycle, the ageing fleet was the highest contributor to maintenance issues. The government continues to explore options for the next generation of locally built Tangaras which will replace the current fleet in the coming years.

The review also highlights significant challenges in recruiting, training and retaining key skills in specialised positions, recommending a number of measures to address this shortfall.

Sydney Trains was found to have high vacancy rates in critical positions and an ageing workforce, particularly in the critical engineering and maintenance branch, in which around 20 per cent of staff are aged under 34 – and almost 30 per cent over 55.

Other recommendations from the review include:

• Realign accountabilities to improve approaches to safety, asset management, freight and third-party access to the rail corridor;
• Review how assets are owned, managed and assured within Transport​for NSW;
• Explore options for continuous improvement of critical incident response;
• Work collaboratively with freight to determine better ways of prioritising the movement of both people and goods across the state​;
• Invest in critical asset needs and review ways of working to support enhanced maintenance practices.

Sydney Trains and Transport for NSW welcome the 69 findings from the review process and are working through them, with some more complex than others.

All 12 recommendations of the Interim Rail Review have either commenced or been finalised, including the government’s Rail Repair Plan, which exceeded expectations ahead of schedule.

The independent review was launched by the Transport Minister on 31 March 2023 and undertaken by an independent panel comprising Carolyn Walsh, Arthur Smith and Peter Medlock.

Read the full Sydney Trains Review Final Report

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Rail Review process has brought to light some of the key factors that have led to delays and disruption for passengers.

“There will never be a quick or easy fix, and these changes won’t happen overnight – but this is a crucial evolution that will gradually modernise our network and ensure we’re a global leader in rail efficiency.

“This final report covers many recommendations which provide a pathway forward, and I look forward to working through them with Sydney Trains and Transport for NSW.

“I want to thank the panel, all stakeholders who provided input, and – most importantly – the thousands of Sydney Trains workers who are contributing to this important work to shape the future of rail in NSW.”

Sydney Trains CEO Matt Longland said:

“Sydney Trains is always looking for ways to improve. We welcome the opportunity to do so through the review process and thank National Transport Commission Chair Carolyn Walsh for her work.

“We constantly strive to provide the best possible service for our passengers and are able to do so thanks to the tireless efforts of our hardworking staff.

“The review process has seen positive collaboration and important recommendations. We’re proud to be delivering results, such as the Rail Repair Plan, and look forward to the next steps.

“Some of these recommendations require considerable investment over the next decade, and we look forward to developing detailed proposals for the government’s consideration.”

Motorists are being asked to drive safely over the Anzac Day period so that everyone can get home safely to their families and loved ones.

Roads across the state are expected to be busy from today as people move around to Anzac Day events or take Wednesday and Friday off to make the most of an extended long weekend.

The break also coincides with the end of school holidays, creating extra traffic around major centres like Sydney.

NSW Police will be out in force and double demerits apply from today until 11:59pm on Sunday 28 April.

The NSW Government is asking motorists to slow down and drive to the conditions so everyone can make it home safely.

As of midnight Tuesday, 111 lives have been lost on NSW roads in 2024 – 11 higher than at the same time in 2023.

The NSW Government has introduced a number of measures to counter the rising number of fatalities on our roads, including:

• doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with the addition of 2700 new locations where a camera can be deployed. Enforcement hours will remain the same
• removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within 6 months
• the introduction of seatbelt enforcement by existing mobile phone detection cameras from Monday 1 July
• the demerit point trial to encourage motorists to maintain a spotless record over 12 months to have a demerit point removed from their record
• hosting the state’s first Road Safety Forum of international and local experts.

Acting Minister for Roads Jo Haylen said:

“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we are asking everyone to have that front of mind over the Anzac Day period.

“There are simple steps to help keep all road users safe: Make sure you are well rested before heading out, stick to the speed limit, wear a seatbelt or helmet, put the phone away and never get behind the wheel if affected by drugs or alcohol.”

Minister for Police Yasmin Catley said: 

“Police will be out on the roads across the state in a high-visibility operation that will target high-risk behaviours such as excessive speed, alcohol and drug driving, illegal use of mobile phones and not wearing seatbelts.

“During the double demerit period for Anzac Day last year, which also fell over 5 days, we tragically lost 4 people on NSW roads. That is 4 too many and I don’t want to see a repeat of this again in 2024.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“Regional NSW represents a third of the state’s population and two-thirds of the state’s road fatalities. For this reason, it is even more important that motorists in regional areas comply with the speed limit and drive to the conditions.

“If you’re a local please don’t be complacent – even if you drive these roads every day and think you know them like the back of your hand – mistakes can happen, and tragedy can result.

“Make sure you’re sticking to the speed limit, and if you start to notice signs of fatigue, pull over and have a rest. It’s better to arrive late than to risk the alternative of a serious crash or worse.”

Elderly residents across south-western Sydney have access to more tailored, timely healthcare in the comfort of their own homes via the Community Older Persons Intervention and Liaison Outreach Team (COPILOT).

This community-based integrated geriatric urgent care service eases pressure on emergency departments by responding urgently to the medical and physical health needs of older people in the community for non-life threatening conditions.

Care is provided in the patient’s own home by a multidisciplinary team of geriatricians, nurses, social workers, physiotherapists, pharmacists, dietitians and occupational therapists.

Patients are referred to the geriatric urgent care service through a number of channels including local GPs, NSW Ambulance, and emergency department aged care teams.

The service has been in operation in Liverpool and Campbelltown since late 2023 and was officially launched today at Fairfield Hospital as part of the NSW government’s commitment to delivery of 25 Urgent Care Services by June 2025.

It operates 8am-4.30pm seven days a week, with phone consultations between 4.30pm-8pm.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Our government is rolling out Urgent Care Services like this one across the state, to increase access to healthcare within the community, and reduce the immense pressure on our hospital system.

“Data has shown thousands of patients have been treated by Urgent Care Service and Clinics, allowing people to receive the care they need quicker, without the stress of visiting ED”.

“Improving access to healthcare is a ministerial priority of mine, and I am really pleased with the results we have seen with other Urgent Care Services across NSW.

Member for Prospect, Hugh McDermott said:

“As our population grows, our community will get older. COPILOT will become even more essential, and important service to ensuring their success in an ever-changing society.

“Our community is growing, and by 2031 there will be more than 155,000 Fairfield residents over the age of 70. It’s important we invest in their success early.”

Member for Fairfield, David Saliba said:

“It’s essential as the number of older residents in our community grows, we have the right services in place to meet their needs. COPILOT is an important part of ensuring we achieve this.

“The COPILOT team – which consists of geriatricians, nurses, allied health staff as well as administrative support – is designed to help meet this growing local need.”

Member for Cabramatta, Tri Vo said:

“Delighted to be part of this important announcement which will make a huge difference to everyone in our community, delivering care to older people while easing pressure on wait times in ED.

“COPILOT is one of many exciting new initiatives the NSW Government is investing in to benefit communities all over southwestern Sydney.”

South Western Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive, Sonia Marshall said:

“We all have times in our lives when we need care quickly, but don’t need the full suite of care available at a hospital.

“COPILOT ensures older people have access to multidisciplinary teams that can provide expert care wherever they are.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its election commitment by supporting a peak body for the commercial fishing sector.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty announced the NSW Commercial Fishing Industry Association (CFIA) at the Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards on Tuesday evening (23 April 2024) and the CFIA appointed inaugural chair, Mr John Wilson.

The newly formed CFIA will provide an opportunity for the NSW commercial fishing industry to be represented to Government, key stakeholders and the wider community, through a united voice.

Mr Wilson, from the Southern Tablelands of NSW, comes to the position with a diverse background including as the Company Secretary of the Seafood Co-operative Centre Company, Director at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, General Manger Business and Chief Financial Officer at the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC).

The CFIA has been developed through an industry-facilitated process involving stakeholder-wide consultation to establish an allied peak industry body to provide advocacy to Government.

The annual total value of NSW wild harvest commercial fisheries is in the order of $90 million at first point of sale, and contributes $170 million to the states production each year, employing more than 1,661 people directly.

The NSW commercial fisheries are carefully managed as the resource is shared amongst over 1,000 commercial fishers who catch fish for the whole community to enjoy.

The NSW Government also continues to push ahead with establishing a peak body to represent the NSW recreational fishing sector.

Minister for Agriculture Minister Moriarty said:

“The CFIA will help ensure commercial NSW seafood continues to be viable, profitable, and sustainable.

“This peak body for commercial fishing will focus on industry representation, advocacy, building the industry’s capacity to participate in shared decision-making as well as consultation and communication with commercial fishers.

“The NSW Government recognises the challenges in making commercial fisheries sustainable and has worked closely with the industry to lead many of the changes to improve environmental performance.

“I also congratulate the winners at last night’s Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards. NSW has some of the best seafood in the world and all entrants are great examples of the excellence happening across the industry.”

Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards winners & highly commended 2024:

Primary Producer Award (NSW)

• Winner: Troy Billin (Yamba Fisheries)
• Highly Commended: The Byrnes Family

Primary Producer Award (Interstate/Overseas)

• Winner: 4 Seas

Seafood Business Award

• Winner: Coffs Harbour Fishermen’s Cooperative
• Highly Commended: Fish in the Family

Restaurant Award

• Winner: The Poyer’s Restaurant
• Highly Commended: Besuto Omakase

Promotion Award

• Winner: Narooma Oyster Festival
• Highly Commended: Professional Fishers Association (Taste of Seafood Festivals)

People Development Award

• Winner: Professional Fishers Association (Fishers Business Skills Program)

Safety Award

• Winner: Tuna Australia (Research to improve worker safety and reduce bycatch)

Environment Award

• Winner: OceanWatch Australia
• Highly Commended: Mitch Sanders

Research Development and Extension Award

• Winner: OceanWatch Australia (East Coast Whale Entanglement Program)

Motorists using the Snowy Mountains Highway at Pine Valley will benefit from a series of upgrades, as part of the Albanese and NSW Labor Governments’ commitment to improving the safety and reliability of regional road networks across the state.

With $400,000 from the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, and $900,000 from the NSW Government’s Network Efficiency Program, the safety works will involve widening multiple sections of the Highway to provide more space for light and heavy vehicles to co-exist.

This includes widening the left-turn lane eastbound at Kosciuszko Road and installing safety barriers as part of the jointly funded works.

As an access route for the Snowy 2.0, there has been a noticeable increase in traffic along this section of the Snowy Mountains Highway, including frequent heavy vehicle movements.

Work is already underway to widen and seal one kilometre of southbound shoulders, which is expected to take around six weeks.

Work on the intersection upgrade is due to commence soon and is expected to be completed by the end of May, weather permitting.

All works will be carried out weekdays between 7am and 6pm and Saturdays between 8am and 1pm.

Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain said:

“The Snowy Mountains Highway is busier than ever, as more people flock to enjoy everything we have to offer across this part of the mighty Eden-Monaro.

“That’s why I’ve worked hard to secure $400,000 in federal funding towards these important safety upgrades, which we’ll deliver in partnership with the Minns Labor Government.

“We know during our peak snow seasons the highway really is bumper to bumper – which is why widening multiple sections of the road will make it safer for motorists to pass turning vehicles.”

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

“As the gateway to the Snowy Mountains Region, this Highway is the key arterial route between Cooma and Jindabyne or Tumut, servicing high volumes of tourist and visitor traffic during winter, providing access to the Selwyn Snowy Resort from the southeast.

“These upgrades will go a long way to providing a much safer journey for all motorists and improving the travel experience for everyone in our beautiful region.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW and Australian Labor Governments are working together and getting on with the job of improving road safety in our regional communities.

“The investments we are making will reduce the likelihood of rear end crashes and reduce congestion on this busy Highway.

“I thank Ministers McBain and Whan for their ongoing advocacy and efforts on behalf of their communities, to secure vital road safety investments like this.”

Recent events in NSW warrant tougher powers for law enforcement to combat knife crime.
 
The NSW Opposition is calling for legislation to grant the NSW Police Force powers to use metal-detecting wands to enhance community safety.
 
Given the recent tragedy at Bondi Junction Westfield and the alleged terrorist event at Wakeley, the powers should be designed in the interests of public safety and to protect people who are lawfully going about their everyday lives. There are many circumstances where these powers would enhance public safety.
 
We already have a large range of public activities that are routinely accompanied by non-invasive searches of the kind that the NSW Opposition supports. 
 
The activities where searches currently take place go beyond airport or transport facilities and include sporting events, concerts and even the Royal Easter Show.
 
The legislation proposed by the Opposition is a natural extension of the contemporary trend towards non-invasive searches to support public safety.
 
Our proposal would go further than legislation that began operating in Queensland in March of 2023, which allows police to conduct non-invasive metal detector searches of people without a warrant in transport and safe night precincts. In the first nine months of its operation, the Queensland law saw 400 weapons seized by the police. 
 
The NSW Opposition offers to work with the NSW Government in a bi-partisan manner to urgently legislate broad wanding measures to support public safety.
 
The NSW Opposition notes that there is widespread support for these powers from a range of organisations, including the Police Association and a range of public service trade unions, which support an expansion of police search powers to include the use of metal detecting wands.

The NSW Labor Government is making it easier than ever for snow lovers to make the most of the ski season this year with an expansion of the Snowy Mountains bus service and roll out of a new SMS alert service.

Tickets are now on sale for the popular Snowy Mountains bus service, which is being expanded this year to include a Cooma via Berridale to Jindabyne service. 

The service, which continues to grow in popularity and carried out more than 80,000 passenger journeys completed in 2023, will this year run from 8 June to 6 October. Extra services will also be available during school holidays.

As part of the NSW Labor Government’s efforts to improve the ski season experience for all road users, Transport for NSW has also introduced a subscription-based SMS service that will send alerts when Kosciuszko Road or Alpine Way need to close due to parking at the ski fields reaching capacity. 

Customers who subscribe to the service will receive three text messages to alert them of road closures, before, during and after the closures are in place. 

Find out more information or subscribe to the SMS alert service. 

For more information on the bus service and ticketing options.

Minister for Skills. TAFE and Tertiary Education and Member for Monaro Steve Whan said:

“The Snowy Mountains bus service is as a safe and affordable alternative to driving, and has steadily grown in popularity, with 95 per cent of passengers surveyed last year saying they would use the service again. 

“This year we are excited expand the reach of this popular service and add a new initiative that will deliver important real-time messaging directly to customers when they need it most.

“Locals and regular snow visitors will know the frustration of arriving at the Kosciusko Road and Alpine Way intersection, only to be turned around. This new SMS alert system will now allow them to make more informed travel decisions before departure.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Snowy Mountains Bus allows a stress-free journey to the snow fields for snow goers. The service allows motorists, who might not be experienced in driving in alpine conditions, an alternative to ensure their families make it safely to the snow fields.  

“Increased services in 2023 led to improved safety, reliability and social and economic outcomes, and contributed to fewer journeys by car on roads impacted by ice and snow, a reduction in road incidents and reduction in vehicle recoveries performed in the alpine area.

“The NSW Labor Government is proud to invest in this new SMS alert service that gives motorists another tool they can use to better plan their journeys and avoid being inconvenienced this snow season. 

“Importantly, this service has been developed in response to feedback from motorists who told Transport for NSW they needed more notice of closures. I’m pleased we’re acting on that feedback and delivering an improved service that will benefit all road users.”

People across NSW are being urged to protect themselves against serious illness by booking in for their influenza vaccine ahead of the 2024 flu season.

The latest respiratory surveillance report shows more than 4700 people in NSW were diagnosed with influenza in the last 4 weeks, a 16% increase compared with the previous year.

NSW hospitals received 480 influenza-like illness admissions between the 6 January and 14 April 2024. This is compared with 284 during the same period in 2023.

The NSW Government is encouraging people to book in for the influenza vaccine through a local GP or pharmacist ahead of winter.

People who are considered to be at higher risk of severe illness from influenza are eligible for a free flu vaccine. Priority groups include:

• children aged 6 months to under 5 years
• people aged 65 and over
• Aboriginal people from 6 months of age
• pregnant women
• those with serious health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, immune disorders, obesity,
• severe asthma, kidney, heart, lung or liver disease.

NSW Health also recommends considering getting a COVID-19 booster at the same time as the flu vaccination.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation’s latest COVID-19 vaccine advice recommends:

• a COVID-19 vaccination every 6 months for all adults aged 75 years and over
• a COVID-19 vaccination every 12 months for adults aged 65 to 74 years, and adults aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise; these people can consider a vaccination every 6 months
• a COVID-19 vaccination every 12 months can be considered for all other adults aged 18 to 64 years those aged 5 to18 years with severe immunocompromise.

Some steps to help protect ourselves and our loved ones from COVID-19 and flu include:

• stay up to date with recommended influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations
• stay home if you have cold or flu symptoms and wear a mask if you need to leave home
• gather outdoors or in well-ventilated indoor spaces
• talk with your doctor now if you are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19 or influenza to make a plan about what to do if you get sick, including what test to take, and discussing if you are eligible for antiviral medicines
• don’t visit people who are at higher risk of severe illness if you have cold or flu symptoms or have tested positive to COVID-19 or influenza
• consider taking a rapid antigen test before visiting vulnerable loved ones, particularly when COVID-19 transmission is moderate or high in the community.

More information on influenza and the COVID-19 booster vaccines can be found on the NSW Government website.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Influenza is highly contagious, and it can be life-threatening, especially for vulnerable groups such as young children, pregnant women, older adults and people who have chronic medical conditions.

“Getting the flu jab is the best way to protect yourself and the wider community.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Influenza has started to increase in some parts of Australia, and it’s expected to start to increase across NSW soon, so it is very important you get vaccinated to protect yourself and others as you don’t want to end up in hospital or put vulnerable community members at risk.

“Everyone 6 months and older is recommended to get a flu vaccine and these are available through GPs for any age group, as well as through pharmacies for everyone aged 5 years and over.”

Chief Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant said:

“Last year, we saw an increase in ED presentations among young children with some being admitted to intensive care with life-threatening complications from the flu. We don’t want to see a repeat this year, so we are reminding families to book their children aged under 5 years in for their free flu vaccine now.

“It is a very quick and easy process to book in with your local doctor or pharmacist who can also administer your COVID-19 vaccine at the same time if recommended. This simple act can help you and your family stay healthy this winter.”