Category: NSW News

Better journeys are on the horizon for motorists who use the New England Highway, with work on safety upgrade to start at Burning Mountain north of Wingen.

The NSW Labor Government is investing $3 million to deliver the highway upgrade which will include stabilising and resealing the existing road pavement and making improvements to drainage.

Work will be carried out on a 2.7-kilometre section of the highway, about four kilometres north of Wingen from Monday 19 February.

To be carried out between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, the upgrade is expected to be completed by mid-April, weather permitting.

The Burning Mountain Rest Area will remain open to all motorists while the work is carried out. 

Regional Transport and Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said:

“The NSW Labor Government is committed to improving safety for our regional road users.

“We know the fatality rate on roads in the country is higher compared with metropolitan residents.

“This highway is an important link in our road network for residents, local industries and tourism and this upgrade will ensure safer and smother journeys for the 6000 road users who use this corridor each day.”

Labor’s spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal said:

“This upgrade is a win for road users who use this section of the New England Highway, near Wingen. 

“The NSW Labor Government is prioritising the people in the bush and we will continue to fund these vital safety upgrades.

 “Congratulations to Transport for NSW and its contractors for carrying out this important work which help ensure all road users make it home safely every day.”

A significant milestone for the New South Wales south coast road corridor will soon be reached as major construction begins in coming weeks on the Jervis Bay Road Intersection Project at the Princes Highway intersection with Jervis Bay Road at Falls Creek.

The Australian Government has committed $100 million toward the project, with the remaining $64 million to be provided by the NSW Government.

The project is being delivered as part of a $2.55 billion program of jointly funded investments in the Princes Highway including Milton Ulladulla Bypass corridor.

This project is the second within the corridor to reach construction following the new Nowra Bridge project.

This project will deliver a grade-separated flyover-style intersection, providing an overpass across the Princes Highway, with a roundabout on each side of Jervis Bay Road to deliver safer and smoother connections.

When complete, this upgrade will include expanding the Princes Highway to two lanes in each direction on the approaches to the intersection, longer entry and exit lanes, and free-flowing access to the highway when travelling north and south.

The intersection has the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border. It has been the location of 15 crashes over the past five years, resulting in six serious injuries.

The upgrade will deliver around 110 jobs during construction, followed by safety and efficiency benefits for the community, when complete.

The construction schedule has been refined to reduce the impacts of out of hours work on residents.

The project will be delivered by contractor SRG Global Civil Pty Ltd and is expected to take up to four years to complete, weather permitting.

Find out more about the Jervis Bay Road and Princes Highway intersection project

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

“This marks the start of major work on the second project for the Princes Highway corridor, which is a total joint investment of $2.55 billion in the south coast.

“The Australian Government’s commitment to jointly fund this upgrade with the NSW Government ensures that the south coast region can benefit from safer roads for locals, tourists and freight industries.”

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“This work will help locals and tourists get to places like Huskisson, Vincentia and Jervis Bay faster and safer.

“The Jervis Bay and South Coast communities deserve this important upgrade and we’re proud to be delivering it for them.

“I want to pay credit to those who have fought for this vital upgrade, including the Vincentia Matters group. This milestone reflects all your hard work and advocacy.

“Residents and motorists on the south coast will benefit for years to come from this work funded by the NSW and Australian Governments.”

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said:

“The start of major work on this project will be welcome news for all motorists on the NSW south coast, especially those who have campaigned for safety and efficiency upgrades at this intersection.

“The Australian Government is committed to investing in major infrastructure projects like the Princes Highway and this work will streamline access points to popular residential and tourist locations on the south coast.”

NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This work is long overdue and with the highest volume of vehicle movements on the Princes Highway between Nowra and the Victorian border, it is vital to local people, businesses, tourists and freight operators.

“It is great to see the Australian and NSW Labor Government’s breaking ground on this transformative project that will improve safety for our communities.

“The NSW Government is committed to working with the community and transport industries to deliver this project and we thank everyone for their advocacy and input into the plans for this incredible project.”

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said:

“As the key gateway to beautiful Jervis Bay, local people know how dangerous and inappropriate this intersection is for the volume of traffic that passes through it. I have fought alongside the community for years to ensure this important road receives the upgrade it deserves.

“I am absolutely delighted to see that hard work pay off with major construction of our hard-won flyover about to start – this is a relief for locals and tourists alike and I look forward to seeing it complete.”

NSW Member for South Coast Liza Butler said:

“The commencement of these works is such an exciting milestone for this vital project. I join with the entire community of the South Coast in looking forward to this work progressing and the benefits it brings and I thank Vincentia Matters for their advocacy to make this happen.

“This intersection is the busiest between Nowra and the Victorian border and this upgrade will make it safer for locals, visitors and all who are passing through.”

Disaster assistance is now available in the Bega Valley, Eurobodalla and Queanbeyan-Palerang Local Government Areas (LGAs) following impacts of flooding from 25th December 2023.

The assistance measures are being provided by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

Support includes:

• Support for affected local councils to help with the costs of cleaning up and restoring damaged essential public assets, like bridges and roads.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt said the heavy rain and subsequent flooding affected the Christmas plans of many residents of South-East NSW.

“The rainfall was intense and I want to thank those who put their own Christmas plans on hold to start the clean-up efforts,” Minister Watt said.

“This assistance will ensure Councils, businesses and residents have access to the funds they need to clean up and undertake important repairs, so the region can bounce back as quickly as possible.

“The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Minns Government throughout the recovery process.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said flood impacted Local Government Areas will be supported in their clean-up and recovery.

“The South-East took an unwelcome hit at Christmas, but the good news is that having now completed their assessments, local government can use Disaster Recovery funding to clean up and get much needed roads and bridges back in working order,” Minister Dib said.

“It was a difficult time for everyone in the region who know only too well the impact of natural disasters and we want to reassure them we will continue to help.”

For information relating to financial assistance, replacing lost documents, location of your nearest recovery centre and more, please contact Service NSW on 13 77 88 or visit nsw.gov.au.

To apply for a concessional loan or primary producer grant, contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or visit raa.nsw.gov.au.

Further information on disaster assistance can be found on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website.

The NSW Government has confirmed Goulburn Correctional Centre will continue to play a critical role in the NSW prison system well into the future.

While visiting the centre today Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong was briefed on operational changes to the way prison beds are being used at the facility.

The Minister also had an opportunity to see work being done this year on a new 20 bed segregation unit.

While the inmate population is still low following the pandemic, CSNSW is organising operations to house inmates in the most modern facilities available.

Goulburn will continue to operate as a mixed security facility.

There are no job losses associated with these changes and staff are able to continue working at their current complex.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“This facility has been the heart and soul of the region for more than a century, and that isn’t changing.

“The entire community in Goulburn is right to be proud of the contribution this facility makes to keeping people in NSW safe.

“When I visited last year, I saw firsthand the incredibly tough job staff are doing. It isn’t made any easier when they’re working from outdated facilities built in the 1880s.

“Goulburn continues to house some of the state’s toughest inmates in the supermax facility as well as lower security inmates in other sections of the jail.

“We’ll engage closely with the local community and staff as we continue to build a better justice system, here in Goulburn and across the state.”

The NSW Opposition joined fed-up Hawkesbury residents today to call on Chris Minns and Transport Minister Jo Haylen to urgently intervene in the rolling Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) ferry strikes that have left the community stranded.
 
The MUA has cancelled Monday services with minimal notice, with a 24-hour strike that will affect thousands of people trying to get to work, school and medical appointments.
 
The cancellation of ferry services at Wisemans Ferry, Webbs Creek and Sackville will force people to drive up to an extra five hours on remote roads.
 
Shadow Minister for Transport and Roads Natalie Ward said the Minns Labor Government needed to put the community needs first.
 
“The Hawkesbury ferry routes are an essential service, with the local community having no alternative options when union industrial action stops them from operating,” Mrs Ward said. “Monday’s strike means workers miss shifts, kids miss school classes and families are forced to bear the brunt of both.”
 
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope slammed the Minns Labor Government for inaction in the face of this strike that already has businesses reporting financial losses.
 
“Chris Minns and Jo Haylen need to fix this ferry fiasco – they need to stand up to their union mates, and help keep these vital community services operating,” Mr Tudehope said. “It is far past the point when the Minister should have intervened.”
 
Member for Hawkesbury Robyn Preston said the local community was at their wits end with local households and businesses severely hurt by these strikes.
 
“Every day I am getting feedback that the union seems to have no regard for the communities that rely on these ferry services,” Ms Preston said.
 
“It isn’t good enough that residents are being held to ransom. I am very concerned that emergency services are being delayed during time-critical incidents. Police, firies and ambulance cannot be kept waiting for a ferry service to resume operation. Transport Minister Jo Haylen needs to resolve this stand-off urgently.” 

The NSW Government is today releasing a discussion paper and seeking community input which will inform a comprehensive review of Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) in NSW.

This is an important next step as the NSW Government continues to look at ways to address the housing crisis in NSW.

Led by the Minister for Housing, Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson, the four-week public consultation opens today with the release of a discussion paper and an online questionnaire.

Through this review the NSW Government will work with all stakeholders to ensure outcomes contribute meaningfully to increasing housing affordability, and stability in NSW. 

Specific feedback which will be sought and considered throughout this process includes:

• The adequacy of the STRA planning and regulatory framework, and options for improvement.
• Potential policy options, including measures to incentivise property investors to make properties available for long-term rental accommodation.

In NSW, housing affordability and availability are at their lowest levels in decades.

Even though NSW has the largest population, it is last on the east coast when it comes to housing completion.

Building approvals and construction activity have slowed while build costs have skyrocketed.

Rental vacancies are low and there are more than 55,000 people on the waitlist for social housing.

This week alone, two independent reports highlighted the magnitude of the housing crisis facing Australia’s most populous state.

The Productivity Commission reported that Sydney was at risk of becoming a city with no grandchildren if we do not meaningfully address the housing crisis.

Whilst an analysis by Homelessness NSW showed that homelessness has risen across 58 of the state’s 128 local government areas in the past year alone.

The NSW Government is taking action to strike the right balance between supporting our local communities, supporting the visitor economy and jobs, whilst addressing the homelessness, housing and rental crisis.

Whilst the review and potential reform of STRA alone is not a silver bullet, it is an important step towards fixing existing structural issues in the housing market.

All options are on the table in this review and the NSW Government looks forward to seeing extensive feedback from industry as well as the community.

Have your say on short and long-term rental accommodation

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re hoping to better balance housing availability for the people of NSW with the benefits that tourism brings to local communities.

“We’re in a housing crisis, so it’s important we look at every available option to boost housing supply, including a shift from non-hosted short-term rentals to long term rentals.

“We’ve already endorsed the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) recommendation to tighten the cap on some non-hosted short-term rentals in Byron Shire, and other recommendations made by the IPC will be considered as part of this broader STRA review.”

Minister for Housing and Minister for Homelessness Rose Jackson said:

“We’re determined to do everything we can to tackle the housing crisis and put every part of the housing market under the microscope for options to encourage a greater supply of long-term rental accommodation.

“All options are on the table and we are keen to hear from the community on how various aspects of regulatory and revenue measures can be designed to get the best outcome.”

“This review will inform our approach to make better use of all forms of housing, including short term rentals, vacant property and holiday homes.

“This includes looking at ways to move some of this housing to the long-term rental market and to minimise its negative impacts on the housing market as well as what we can do to support homelessness services across NSW.”

More than 3000 jobs at The Star will be protected after Treasurer Daniel Mookhey signed a formal Jobs Guarantee Agreement with the casino overnight.

The agreement is a critical piece of new arrangements at The Star, which see the casino pay more tax while protecting the livelihoods of workers.

The government’s guarantee to protect these jobs was contained in the Casino Control Amendment Act 2023 which passed through the parliament last year.

Under the Jobs Guarantee, The Star is legally bound to maintain more than 3000 jobs through to 2030 and faces stiff penalties for any breaches.

The Star Jobs Guarantee includes:

• More than 3000 jobs at The Star will be protected through to 2030.
• The Star will maintain a minimum headcount for 3 categories of workers.
• The headcount will be reported quarterly.
• If the actual headcount is less than the required number, The Star will be required to pay the NSW Government $25,000 for each headcount shortfall in a quarter.
• The Star will be required to maintain ratios of full-time, part-time and casual staff within certain ranges.
• Where ratios are not maintained within a quarter, an amount of $1 million will be payable to the NSW Government each quarter.
• The United Workers Union will oversee the Jobs Agreement and it will be closely monitored by the government.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“Hard working people should not have to pay the price for mismanagement at The Star.

“This agreement not only protects thousands of direct jobs at The Star, it also supports thousands of indirect jobs and the many businesses that provide goods and services to the casino.

“The government listened to workers, unions and management and we’ve delivered an agreement that will protect thousands of workers while also seeing The Star pay more tax.

“We have cleaned up the mess of the previous government’s bungled casino policy with an agreement that increases casino tax while protecting the livelihoods of more than 3000 workers.”

The NSW Labor Government is equipping the next generation of chefs and bakers in the Illawarra with the technology skills to bridge the digital skills gap for hospitality workers.

For the first time, apprentices and students studying Certificate III in Baking and Commercial Cookery at TAFE NSW Wollongong will complete technology units, helping students build the digital literacy skills they need to succeed in their studies and in the workplace.

The pilot program will see first-year students complete a Statement of Attainment in Use Personal Digital Technology.

The rapid pace of digital transformation across industries is driving demand to deliver a workforce with the skills to thrive in a digital economy.

With a 22 per cent increase in demand for chef roles in the last 12 months in the Illawarra, which is triple the national average, TAFE NSW Wollongong is proudly providing hospitality support to the entire region.

TAFE NSW Wollongong campus has a number of hospitality courses including:

• Certificate II in Cooking
• Certificates II and III in Baking
• Certificates II and III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery
• Certificate III in Cake and Pastry
• Certificate III in Bread Baking.

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

“Hospitality workers play a critical role right across the Illawarra, for locals and tourists alike.

“We know that digital innovation is changing the landscape of our tourism industry. Digital skills are vital to future-proof the workforce, ensuring the Illawarra remains a premier tourist destination.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“Getting a great digital education opens up so many opportunities for young people, this training provides a fantastic new way to educate our community.

“It’s great for employers too as access to quality, industry-relevant training creates a pipeline of skilled workers ready, willing and able to support the growth and development of local businesses and economy.” 

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

“Every worker in every industry now needs digital skills. This includes trade workers having to add digital skills to their toolbox.

“We are committed to rebuilding TAFE NSW after a decade of deliberate neglect by the previous Liberal National government.

“It is wonderful to see TAFE NSW Wollongong supporting the demand for local chefs in the Illawarra.”

The NSW Government is responding to community calls for greater transparency around the Rozelle Interchange, with the release for the first time of travel time data to help motorists plan their trips.

The journey time data tables are designed to assist motorists and public transport commuters to understand trip times based on days of the week and the dual peaks that have been noted since the Rozelle Interchange opened in late November.

Transport for NSW has identified a ‘tradie peak’ around 7am, particularly on the City West Link, and a later commuter peak that is busiest between 8.15am and 8.30am on Victoria Road and City West Link.

Travel times, which will be published weekly on a Friday for about the next three months, will allow motorists and bus users to plan journeys and allow people to avoid the periods of heaviest traffic.

The journey times to be published are:

• Victoria Road from the Gladesville Bridge to Anzac Bridge
• City West Link from Ramsay Street to Anzac Bridge
• Average weekly bus journey times for dedicated routes on Victoria Road
• Average travel times on WestConnex to Anzac Bridge from Parramatta and Beverly Hills

The Transport Management Centre is using travel time monitoring equipment to collect journey times as the performance of roads has fluctuated since the opening of the interchange.

In the first week after Rozelle Interchange opened the average travel time on Victoria Road between Lyons Road at Drummoyne and Anzac Bridge during the morning peak was 62 minutes. Last week, the same trip and time was 30 minutes.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“This is a practical intervention to help people plan their trips.

“We are working to bring travel times down on the roads around the interchange.

“While many motorists from Western Sydney are benefiting from large reductions in travel time since the opening of the Rozelle Interchange, the Inner West community has been adversely affected, that is the reality.

“The advice to me from Transport for NSW has been that the road system can take up to six months to settle after the opening of a large new piece of infrastructure like this. As that happens we want people using this available trip time data to inform their journey planning in the AM peak.”

Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:

“We’ve been advocating for the release of this travel time data to give us an evidence base for which mitigations are working around the Rozelle Interchange and so that the community has information to plan their commute.

“It’s a good thing that the NSW Government has listened and this transparency will help give our community confidence that everything possible is being done to fix the congestion we have been dealing with.”

It is alarming to see the unemployment rate rise to 4.1 per cent today, the worst result in two years and an indication the Albanese Government needs to get serious about jobs.

The January Labour Force figures released today show there are 581,000 Australians without a job in the middle of a cost of living crisis. That’s 5200 more unemployed Australians than in the previous month.

Shadow Treasurer Angus Taylor said: “Australians are paying the price for a government that’s been asleep at the wheel when it comes to economic management. 

“Jobs have been all that have kept people afloat during Labor’s cost of living crisis. And now, Labor’s policies to increase to the cost of everything is coming home to roost.

“This is a government that thinks it can spin and spend its way out of a cost of living crisis. But Australians have been left to pay the price. 

“After spending $450 million on their failed referendum and adding $209 billion of extra spending, the government will now spend $40 million to try and justify their broken promise on stage three tax cuts.

“This is a consequence of a government without a proper economic plan.” 

Shadow Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Senator Michaelia Cash said: “The problem we have is that the Albanese Government keeps making decisions that do nothing to help create jobs.”

“Business has been very clear in their view that Labor’s radical industrial relations agenda, the latest of which was rammed through the Parliament last week, will mean fewer jobs and higher costs for all Australians,’’ Senator Cash said.

“The latest industrial relations changes allow union officials to enter any workplace without notice, replace the current clear law on who is a casual with three pages and fifteen factors, and a range of other measures that will be detrimental to the economy, productivity and jobs,’’ she said.

“Labor has put industry and employers in an unworkable position. Rather than respond to stakeholder feedback, Labor has instead chosen to pursue nonsensical changes as part of a union agenda and alliance with the Greens,’’ Senator Cash said. 

Labor’s latest legislation is estimated to see prices for food delivery or rideshare services increase by up to 35%

“This Government just keeps putting the job creators of this nation under pressure with their complex and costly workplace laws and will end up sending some small businesses to breaking point,’’ Senator Cash said.