Category: NSW News

The Minister for Transport has announced an ambitious policy reform program to address the key issues facing the freight industry in NSW.

The program will deliver prioritised and practical policy reform focused on the key current and emerging challenges facing the NSW freight task.

It will be led by Transport for NSW under the leadership of an Independent Advisory Panel of eminent experts all who have deep experience in the freight and logistics sector reporting to the Minister who will assist in the development of a new freight strategy for the State. 

The panel will consist of:

• Kerry Schott AO
• Lucio Di Bartolomeo
• Hermione Parsons

This policy reform will focus on the different parts of the supply chain, with ports, rail, road and intermodal facilities all considered as part of a coordinated supply chain to determine the right policy framework to optimise safety, sustainability and productivity.

A more productive freight sector makes it easier for businesses to operate and can also deliver lower retail prices for customers right across NSW.

Immediate priorities for the panel will include consideration of the determination of compensation to be paid by the Port of Newcastle for increasing container operations as part of NSW port policy.

The panel will also review and consult with industry on the recommendations made by Mr Ed Willett’s review of the port regulatory framework and the regulation of the movement of containers at Port Botany.

The program will identify short, medium and long-term actions for Government to support the ongoing improvement of freight transport across NSW.

The freight task in NSW is a complex and evolving with a need to respond to advances in technology and a move toward net zero emissions, the ongoing development of major infrastructure, the changing ports landscape, national harmonisation policies and global trade fluctuations.

The Freight Reform Program will deliver a comprehensive strategic reform agenda to optimise freight transport to benefit NSW communities.

There will be comprehensive stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of this program. It is intended that the first phase will follow release of a Discussion Paper and is expected to occur in in the first quarter of next year. 

Find out more about freight reform

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Safe, sustainable, and productive freight transport is critical to support the people, businesses and industries of NSW. A more productive freight sector can deliver reduced costs for businesses and lower retail prices for ordinary people right across NSW.”

“Our freight network is still too disjointed and inefficient with policy and infrastructure bottlenecks right across the supply chain.

“I am pleased to be able to announce the beginning of this significant reform agenda to inform government policy and provide an evidence-based action plan that will optimise the freight transport network in NSW.

“The appointment of the Independent Advisory Panel will work with my department and provide independent and expert advice on the Program. 

“I have confidence that with their diverse expertise in their fields, the Panel is well placed to lead us through this significant reform in freight transport policy.”

Refunds are on the rise for people who cop a dodgy taxi fare, with data showing a jump in calls and cashback for passengers since the NSW Government made it mandatory for Taxi Fare Hotline stickers to be displayed in and on all vehicles.

The government mandate came into effect in September 2023, making it easier for passengers to report complaints.

This has resulted in a significant surge in Hotline usage, with 679 calls and 874 sticker QR code scans in the months of November-January, compared with 473 and 97 for the same period in the previous year.

In the past five months, 528 refunds have been issued by taxi companies – making up more than half of all refunds issued since the hotline was introduced in November 2022.

An estimated 1 million people are expected to catch taxi and ride share services, known as point to point (P2P) trips, in Sydney this long weekend.

Public holidays and major events traditionally see a spike in opportunistic behaviour from a small minority of taxi drivers who break the rules. Hotspots include the Airport and Sydney CBD.

The P2P Transport Commissioner’s team of on-street Authorised Officers will be out in force this long weekend, conducting plain clothes and highly visible operations to make sure taxi and rideshare drivers are doing the right thing.

All passengers are encouraged to use simple tips to make sure they have a safe and positive experience getting to and from their destinations:

• Always match registration details to your booking.
• Check the driver’s name and photo.
• Never accept a ride from someone who approaches you on the street or at the airport claiming to be a driver.
• Let a friend or family member know you are on your way or consider sharing your location with them.
• Always wait for your ride in a well-lit area.

In the 2022-23 financial year in NSW:

• More than 68 million P2P trips, a return to pre-pandemic levels
• 6541 taxi licenses
• P2P transport compliance team conducted around 5500 checks of taxis and ride share vehicles
• 2300 complaints passed onto taxi companies, with 90 per cent resolved
• 570 fare-related fines issued to drivers by on street Authorised Officers
• 30,000 taxi hotline stickers issued.

Since the Taxi Fare Hotline launched in November 2022 to December 2023:

• 892 refunds issued
• 53 drivers suspended
• 33 drivers fired.

Read the Point to Point Transport Commissioner’s Annual Review 2022-23 

Passengers can report complaints and issues by calling the 24-hour Hotline on 1800 500 410

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“No matter where and how you’re traveling around this long weekend, we want every ride to be a safe ride.

“Public transport is a great, cheap option – but for those taking a taxi or ride share service, there will be Authorised Officers out on the streets to keep you safe and ensure drivers are doing the right thing.

“We know people feel like they’re paying more for everything right now – and the last thing we want is to see passengers get taken for a ride by dodgy drivers.

“If you’ve been ripped off, you deserve that money back in your pocket. That’s why our government mandated Taxi Hotline stickers being displayed and increased the fine for those caught doing the wrong thing from $300 to $1000.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner Anthony Wing said:

“There are more than 15,000 taxi drivers in NSW and I want to thank the majority of them who do the right thing.

“Over this long weekend my message to the minority of drivers doing illegal activity is – you’re on notice. I have more officers out conducting compliance operations than ever before.

“This long weekend, and every day, I want everyone to receive a fair fare. The Hotline allows passengers to talk to our helpful staff and report any issue, which is passed on directly to the taxi company.

“Fare compliance rorts to watch out for include not using the meter, overcharging, or refusing a passenger if they don’t agree to a fixed fare or because the trip is too short.”

A new preschool on the site of the Eugowra Showground was officially opened today by NSW Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Orange Phil Donato.

Funded by the NSW Government and managed by Cabonne Shire Council, the new facility features a modular classroom with space for almost 50 children, 15 full-time teachers as well as storage space, play facilities and an office.

Replacing the original facility in Nanima Street, which was lost in the floods, today’s opening represents another significant milestone for the community of 700 as they continue their journey towards recovery.

Although temporary, until a new permanent site is established, the opening of the preschool gives families the support they need to return to work and local children a safe space to play, learn and enjoy.

NSW Premier Chris Minns, said:

“We’re focused on supporting communities recover from natural disasters and I’m so pleased to be standing here today to see something a lot of us take for granted.

“I’ve said this before, access to early education is so important for children and families because it establishes lifelong learning practices and it’s the key to getting parents back into the workforce.

“Today, we’re not only seeing that, but we’re also seeing a community take another step towards getting back on their feet.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“Supporting communities like Eugowra recover from disaster and build back stronger are key priorities for the NSW Government.

“Opening the preschool today is another sign that we are in this for the long-haul.

“I’d also like to acknowledge the work of the local member Phil Donato in advocating for support for his community.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“The opening of the preschool is a key milestone as the community continues to deal with the devastating 2022 floods.

“The community will benefit from having the temporary preschool in place and we will push for a permanent facility to be built and opened as soon as possible.”

Recreational fishers are encouraged to avoid the heat from a fine or prosecution by following the rules fishing this summer.

A recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in NSW waters, both freshwater and saltwater, even if you only fish occasionally.

If you are fishing in NSW and aged 18 years and over, you need to be able to show your licence card or licence fee receipt to a Fisheries Officer upon request.

Exemptions do apply for Aboriginal persons, pensioners and when fishing on a charter boat.

The current rules and regulations can be found through the FishSmart app or by downloading the freshwater and saltwater fishing guides from the DPI website. 

Responsible fishers can also assist DPI in reporting anyone not following the rules, by making a report to the Fishers Watch phoneline.

The public is encouraged to report illegal or suspect illegal fishing activity to the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536 or alternatively report it online via the submission form at dpi.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:

“By following the recreational fishing rules, anglers are doing their part to ensure the sustainability of NSW’s world-class fisheries resources.

“As we enjoy fishing over summer, all recreational fishers must make themselves aware of the rules, including bag and size limits, fishing closures and the location of sanctuary zones in Marine Parks.

“Fisheries Officers will be continuing to conduct covert patrols and covert operations over the coming months to ensure fishers are following the rules, and anglers who break the rules may face a range of sanctions including fines and court action.”

Attorney General Michael Daley today announced the appointment of 2 highly respected barristers, Grant Brady SC and David Barrow SC, to the District Court.

Mr Brady has been a legal practitioner since 1990 and was admitted to the NSW Bar in 2000 becoming Senior Counsel in 2015. He has appeared in numerous District Court and Supreme Court trials in NSW and other Australian jurisdictions. He has appeared in the Court of Criminal Appeal as well as appearing as Counsel Assisting for the Independent Commission Against Corruption and in the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Mr Brady has also coached advocacy for the past 20 years all around Australia as well as in England, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and India.

Mr Barrow comes to the bench after an esteemed career with Legal Aid. He was recently appointed as a Senior Counsel and has extensive court experience that includes appearing in criminal trials and sentence proceedings in the Local, District and Supreme jurisdictions.

In the Coroners Court, he has appeared as Counsel Assisting the Coroner and represented family members and interested parties. Mr Barrow has also appeared as junior counsel in the High Court and appeared in numerous matters before the Court of Criminal Appeal.

The 2 appointments will support the expansion of the Child Sexual Offence Evidence Program to all District Court locations in NSW. A third judge will be appointed in due course.

The program provides crucial support to child complainants and child prosecution witnesses in sexual offence proceedings. It allows them to have their evidence pre-recorded, with the recording later played in court. This approach aims to reduce the stress and trauma experienced by these children and enables them to complete their evidence at an early stage of the trial. It is expected that more than 140 extra pre-recorded evidence hearings will take place each year.

Grant Brady SC will be sworn in at a ceremonial sitting at 9am on Friday 9 February 2024.

David Barrow SC will be sworn in at 9am on Monday 12 February 2024.

Quotes attributable to the NSW Attorney General Michael Daley:

“I would like to congratulate Mr Brady and Mr Barrow on their appointments to the District Court.

“They are highly credentialed, and their deep experience will be extremely valuable to the Court. I would like to thank them for agreeing to join the bench.”

The NSW Government has today unveiled the draft plans for the new Penrith Stadium, which will transform the precinct into a modern venue for sporting and entertainment.

The NSW Labor Government committed $309 million to the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium as part of the 2023 election. Today marks the first step in delivering on that promise.

The significant stadium upgrade has been designed to improve the game day experience for fans and players and is set to attract visitors from far and wide, creating a superior venue for sports events, live music and entertainment.

The redevelopment will include a new western grandstand and a significantly redeveloped eastern grandstand increasing the ground capacity to 25,000. Grandstands have been reconfigured to maximise seating with premium views between the try lines to be steeper to bring fans closer to the action.

In a win for fans, more food and beverage outlets and amenities will reduce wait times on game days and improve customer experience, as will new scoreboards, sound systems and upgraded lighting.

New player facilities including 4 new change rooms will help grow female representation in rugby league and other sporting codes.

The hills at the northern and southern end of the playing field will be retained, reflecting feedback from over 3000 fans, families and community members. Additionally, the training field to the west of the stadium will be remodelled to create a stadium precinct with quality open space for outdoor community, sporting and entertainment events.

The project will be a boost for Western Sydney and will support local jobs during construction and once it is operating.

The community has been actively involved in shaping the stadium design, which will be placed on exhibition for public comment in coming months, as part of a State Significant Development Application process.

To find out more visit the Penrith Stadium redevelopment project page on the Infrastructure NSW website.

To facilitate the redevelopment, the stadium is expected to close after the 2024 NRL season, and re-open in 2026. Construction timeframes are subject to planning and procurement processes.

Venues NSW will operate the stadium once completed. Venues NSW have a strong track record in successfully operating similar venues across NSW, including Accor Stadium, the SCG, Allianz Stadium, McDonald Jones Stadium, WIN Stadium and CommBank Stadium.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“I am delighted to see the upgraded Penrith Stadium brought to life in these exciting new designs.

“This is a very welcome upgrade to a stadium that has been well loved by the passionate Western Sydney community.

“I cannot wait to see the seats filled as fans come roaring in to enjoy Panthers’ games in the upgraded stadium.”

Minister for Sport and Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“When complete, Penrith Stadium will be a first-class sporting and entertainment venue for everyone to enjoy.

“The upgraded stadium will be the new beating heart of Penrith, attracting visitors from far and wide, providing a boost to the local economy and building upon the already strong entertainment and sporting culture in Western Sydney. 

“Whilst this stadium will be purpose-built to host women’s and men’s NRL games, it will also cater for rugby union, soccer, live music and other entertainment events.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I’d like to thank the 3000 fans and families who provided their input to the design process, and I – along with every fan of Western Sydney sport – am so excited to see that the iconic hills at either end of the ground have been saved.

“As Penrith continues to grow, the new Penrith Stadium precinct will be an active hub that the whole community can enjoy.”

Ryde and surrounding communities are a step closer to accessing an enhanced range of health services with the building contractor for the $479 million Ryde Hospital Redevelopment appointed.

The NSW Government investment will deliver a world-class health facility to meet the future health needs of the growing community.

AW Edwards has been appointed the building contractor for the project. Construction is expected to start in mid-2024 and will include the demolition of old buildings, construction of new hospital buildings and refurbishment of existing hospital spaces.

The NSW Government will work closely with the contractor to minimise construction impacts and ensure the hospital remains open throughout the redevelopment.

NSW Health will ensure staff, patients and the community continue to be informed as works progress.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“I am really pleased the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment is moving ahead and will transform healthcare for the local community, providing the growing community the latest facilities and models of care.”

“This project will expand capacity at the hospital, delivering more adult overnight beds, plus it’ll feature a brand-new ED, ICU, operating theatres, a custom-built ambulatory care centre and a paediatric short stay unit.”

“This is a major redevelopment which will provide new and enhanced services within a modern, contemporary facility to ensure patients continue to receive the best possible care.”

Get more information on the Ryde Hospital Redevelopment 

Recovery efforts in the Central West will be boosted under the joint Commonwealth and State Government $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience Package with a range of programs set to get underway next month. 
 

NSW Premier Chris Minns joined Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib and Member for Orange Phil Donato in Eugowra on Tuesday to make the announcement and update the community on the package.

Community consultation sessions across the flood affected communities of the Central West will commence in February ensuring local community members have the opportunity to influence the design of the $40 million housing program.

The NSW Reconstruction Authority, working with the 4 local councils, will lead the consultation stage of the housing program, engaging with communities through information sessions, workshops and online communication tools.

Community members will be briefed on technical data and flood modelling and will be asked to share their experiences and insights from the November 2022 floods to help build a shared understanding of risk in the region.

The $40 million housing program could offer a range of products to eligible households, including raisings and retrofits to floodproof existing dwellings as well as buybacks and relocations.

$57 million of the funding will be used for a Community Asset Program and a Regional Transport Resilience Fund – funding allocations for both will be released in February and both will also be open for applications from local councils.

The Regional Transport Resilience Fund will see vital transport infrastructure like bridges and flood crossings replaced and roads improved while the Community Assets Program will focus on places that bring communities together, like sporting fields, parks and playgrounds, recreational centres and libraries.

Importantly, both programs focus on building back better to ensure communities are better prepared in the face of natural disasters.

To help oversee delivery of the landmark $100 million package, Mayors from Cabonne Shire, Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan will join representatives from the NSW and Federal Governments at a Community Leaders Forum, to be chaired by the Member for Orange Phil Donato.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know people just want to get back into their homes, that’s why flood recovery remains a key priority for the NSW Government.

“We’re committed to ensuring the community remains at the centre of recovery efforts.

“This is not about a simple fix, it’s a concerted effort making sure that communities in the Central West can build back stronger and an acknowledgement that the NSW Government is standing with them for the long-haul.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Recovery doesn’t happen overnight – it’s a long-term issue that requires evidence-based planning and community leadership.

“I’m proud to say the NSW Government is committed to delivering practical action on the ground to help people get back on their feet, with the involvement of local leaders and their communities.”

Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:

“We know a wide range of recovery and reconstruction work still needs to be done across the region and I am glad the work is progressing to make this happen.

“It is critical that the communities that are still dealing with the after-effects of the 2022 floods will remain at the centre of flood recovery efforts.”

The NSW Opposition is urging the Minns Labor Government to light up the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House in red again this year, to mark the Lunar New Year celebrations.
 
Lunar New Year celebrations is a highly significant occasion, with the Year of the Dragon being considered to be particularly important.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Mark Speakman said that Sydney is one of the most diverse cities in the world.
 
“Multicultural communities across NSW, like our Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean communities, have made great contributions to this state,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“As in previous years, it’s appropriate that we show our respect and support for these communities by lighting the Opera House.”  
 
Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure, said this has become a Lunar New Year tradition in NSW, one that has been ongoing for decades.
 
“From Hurstville to Chatswood to Liverpool to Fairfield, we have some of the largest Lunar New Year events in the world outside of Asia,” Mr Coure said.
 
“This year is particularly important as it is the Year of the Dragon, representing honour, good fortune and nobility for 2024.”
 
“I call on Premier Chris Minns to continue this wonderful display of unity and friendship by lighting up the Sydney Opera House to mark the beginning of Lunar New Year on Saturday, 10 February 2024.”
 
Celebrations for the Year of the Dragon are set to take place over 16 days, from Saturday 10 February 2024 to Saturday 25 February 2024.

The NSW Opposition is calling out Premier Chris Minns spin on the delivery of transport infrastructure in Western Sydney.
 
The former Liberal and Nationals Government together with the Coalition Federal Government invested over $15 billion to build the future transport infrastructure for the Western Sydney Airport and Aerotropolis including:

Projects	Total Investment
Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport	$11 billion
M12	$2 billion
The Northern Road	$1.6 billion
Bringelly Road	$500 million
Elizabeth Drive Upgrade	$200 million
Werrington Arterial Road Upgrade	$52 million

While Chris Minns takes the credit for the former Government’s investment, Labor’s own budget[1] reveals the transport and infrastructure capital spend is forecast to drop by 25% in four years.
 
The Opposition is also calling out Chris Minns’ claim of $600 million in road investment over the next five years, asking if it’s an appropriate level of funding:
 

• What portion of the $600 million is for delivery and/or planning funding?
• Is the $600 million a new allocation of funding from the Labor’s first budget or is the funding provided by the former Government’s final budget?

 
Shadow Minister for Transport Natalie Ward commented “I don’t know how Chris Minns plans to deliver transport infrastructure with a cut of 25% in overall funding in the future.”
 
“Chris Minns is all complaints and no responsibility, in order to deliver the positive future Western Sydney deserves you need to invest in its future.”
 
“It is easy to claim credit for infrastructure projects you don’t have to plan, fund and start delivery on, what is difficult is managing the NSW Budget in order to be able to consistently fund infrastructure investment.”
 
“The Government needs to stop the spin and actually outline and commit to which roads in the region are on their infrastructure priority list, no answers can only mean no investment.”