Category: NSW News

Testing is hitting full throttle as the Sydney Metro City & Southwest line gears up for passenger services to begin this year.

While most of NSW was easing into 2024, testing was ramping up in the 15.5-kilometre twin metro tunnels between Chatswood and Sydenham.

Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 January saw major testing milestones achieved, with 33 of all 45 metro trains in the combined fleet completing at least one return journey between Tallawong and Sydenham.

Eight trains have now successfully travelled on the new track at the same time, double the previous maximum of 4 trains running simultaneously.

Testing up to eight trains at once allows the performance of each train to be monitored closely to ensure the new turn-up-and-go metro timetable of a train every 4 minutes in the peak can be replicated.

Since the rigorous testing and commissioning program started in April 2023, more than 7500 hours of a total of 11,000 hours of required testing have been completed.

Extensive noise trials have been completed inside the trains and new tunnels, with microphones and vibration sensors installed, which are sensitive enough to detect a pin drop. This form of testing confirms noise emitted across the network does not exceed predicted noise and vibration comfort levels.

Over the coming months, final integration testing between the trains, signalling and station systems will continue. This includes assessing passenger help points and trialling passenger information displays, before heading into trial running.

When world-class metro services start deep below the Sydney CBD this year, commuters will have access to easy, fast and reliable public transport service with record travel times including from:

• Castle Hill to Martin Place in 35 minutes
• Macquarie University to Central in 26 minutes
• Chatswood to Gadigal in 13 minutes
• North Sydney’s Victoria Cross under the harbour to Barangaroo in 3 minutes
• Central to Martin Place in 4 minutes
• Central to Sydenham in 7 minutes
• Sydenham to Chatswood in 22 minutes

The next stage of Sydney’s Metro transformation will be the extension of metro from Sydenham to Bankstown. That will not occur until this new city section of the line is up and running, providing a reliable service for commuters from Sydenham into the CBD.

The T3 Bankstown line will be closed for the 12-month conversion project, in order to deliver turn-up-and-go metro services every 4 minutes by late 2025. A comprehensive temporary transport plan, including alternative bus and rail services for passengers, will be released in the coming months.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“2024 is the year of Metro, as Australia’s biggest public transport project powers towards the finish line. Six new stations will open below the CBD, connecting our city like never before.

“World-class metro services starting deep below Sydney’s CBD is on par in significance with the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge – the launch in mid-2024 will be a historic moment in transport history.

“A train will run between Sydenham and Tallawong up to every 4 minutes, doubling our rail capacity between Central Sydney and North Sydney.

“We are entering the home stretch of this city-shaping project, and it’s exciting to see our biggest weekend of testing go off without a hitch.”

Elvis Presley impersonators and fans have kicked off their annual pilgrimage, decked out in their own ‘King’-themed costumes on their way to one of the biggest Elvis festivals in the world.

The 7-hour journey is a celebration aboard the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express as fans prepare to take part in a 5-day festival dedicated to the ‘King of Rock and Roll’.

Around 250 passengers, many of them dressed in outfits including sequined suits and iconic aviator sunglasses, are travelling from Sydney’s Central Station to the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival in the state’s Central West.

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Music and Night-time Economy John Graham farewelled the NSW TrainLink Elvis Express this morning at the starting point of its 365km journey. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison is travelling on the train from Orange East Fork to Parkes.

This festival, which runs until Sunday 14 January, is expected to attract more than 25,000 fans. This year’s theme is ‘Jailhouse Rock’.

It’s estimated that the multi-award-winning event brings around $15 million to the Central West region each year, with all accommodation fully booked in Parkes and flow-on bookings in surrounding towns.

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Jobs and Tourism and Minister for Music and Night-time Economy John Graham said:

“In the tradition of Elvis’ Mystery Train this is a specially branded 5-carriage train service that will be rockin’ and rollin’ Elvis fans all the way to Parkes.

“I hope the train full of fans from all walks of life will enjoy the music and the beautiful view as they travel from our harbour city to the big dish.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“This partnership between NSW TrainLink and the 2024 Parkes Elvis Festival enriches the festival experience and reinforces the significance of regional events in showcasing the diversity and charm of our communities across the state.

“The Elvis Express is more than just a train ride; it is also an experience that offers passengers the chance to celebrate and enjoy a nostalgic journey in the vibrant and festive atmosphere of the Presley era.

“Through special event services such as these, as well as its regular scheduled services, NSW TrainLink remains committed to regional communities and passengers who are looking to enjoy the ride to events all over NSW.”

Mayor of Parkes Shire Council Neil Westcott said:

“We are honoured to be hosting the 31st Parkes Elvis Festival in 2024 and the passion for our event grows every year.

“We’re grateful for our ongoing relationship with Transport for NSW and their support in enabling the unique travel experience from Sydney to our festival.

“As soon as you board this train you’ll quickly realise the next few days are going to be an experience you’ll treasure for a lifetime!”

In the first state-wide compliance blitz of the new year, Operation Stay Afloat, NSW Maritime officers have stressed to jetskiers a good time should be a safe time for everyone on the water.

As part of the safety and educational campaign aimed at driving home the importance of responsible riding on the state’s waterways, NSW Maritime crews conducted more than 2000 vessel safety checks.

While 87% of boat and jetski operators were found to be complying with all license and safety requirements, NSW Maritime issued 186 official warnings and 81 penalty notices.

31.4% were issued for not wearing or carrying a lifejacket, 27.7% were for unlicenced drivers or unregistered vessels and 11.2% were for speeding. 

It follows a year where jetski-related offences were on the rise. There were a total of 1560 jetski offences recorded in NSW during 2023, up 53% on the previous year’s 1023 jetski infringements. Speeding made up almost 30% of offences recorded.

More jetskiiers are found to be non-compliant in Sydney waters compared to other parts of NSW, with the George’s River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking taking the top spots for illegal activity leading to infringements.

The popularity of jetskis and personal watercraft has soared over the last 4 years, with over 90,000 licenced riders in NSW, an increase of over 35% since 2020.

The largest jump in jetski licences has been among Generation Z, those born between 1995 and 2010. There are more than 23,000 licenced riders aged between 13 and 28 in NSW, an increase of 22% on this time last year.

The top 5 Local Government Areas for newly issued licences are Canterbury-Bankstown, Sutherland Shire, Central Coast, Lake Macquarie and the Northern Beaches.

A spate of serious injuries involving personal watercraft, including jetskis, has authorities on high alert a week into the new year. Locations of particular concern to authorities are Brighton Beach and Georges River in Sydney.

For more information on jetski safety, check out the Personal Watercraft (PWC) Handbook.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“Jetskis are a lot of fun, but they’ve got to be used responsibly.

“The best way to enjoy a day out on a jetski is to plan your adventure, pack essentials like water, food and sunscreen, wear a lifejacket and stick to the rules.

“It’s great to see a new generation enjoying our beautiful waterways, but inexperience means they need to be extra vigilant when it comes to safety.

“Dangerous driving can be deadly, so ski carefully and look out for yourself and others.”

Member for East Hills Kylie Wilkinson said:

“The George’s River is South-West Sydney’s very own water wonderland where locals from Picnic Point to Bankstown come to cool off and create fun memories with the whole family. Everyone has a role to play in making it a safe place for boaters, swimmers and jetskiers alike.

“We’re lucky to live on the banks of one of NSW’s most beautiful and accessible inland waterways, the George’s River. Compliance blitzs like these keep our waterways safe. It’s important that everyone knows the rules, behaves sensibly and is looking out for each other so people can keep making happy memories here for generations to come.”

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

“Speeding and unsafe riding on a jetski is a recipe for disaster on our waterways.

“Jetskis are overrepresented in serious injury incidents, if you have an accident on one, it’s highly likely you’ll suffer a serious injury.”

“They are fast and they don’t offer much protection. Use common-sense if you jump on one.

“We want our Illawarra and South Coast communities to feel safe and relaxed when using all of our beautiful waterways, including Lake Illawarra. If jetski riders are making others uncomfortable, Maritime will take action.”

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“A fun day on the water shouldn’t turn into a tragedy.

“It’s great we’re seeing locals enjoy our Hunter waterways on jetskis, including young people. But we need them to look after themselves, and each other. Safety and compliance are the priorities.

“When you take out a jetski, just like anything on the water, follow the rules so everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said:

“The Central Coast’s beautiful waterways are one of the things that make the Coast such a wonderful place to live. While we are out and about on the water this summer, it’s important to remember that our beaches and waterways are there for everyone to enjoy.

“I am always thrilled to see people get out and enjoy the water in new ways and encourage everyone to get out and enjoy our stunning maritime landscapes. However please remember, safety always comes first. Be mindful of those around you in the water, making sure that everyone can stay cool and safe on our beautiful waterways this summer.”

Jetski Club member Wahib Gereige said:

“Spending a day out on your jetski with friends is what summer’s all about. Ruining it for others by being reckless or irresponsible, isn’t.

“There is a stigma about jetski riders which is giving us all a bad reputation. Rules and regulations are there for a reason, respect them and everyone can have a great time out on the water.”

Leader of the NSW Opposition Mark Speakman has called on Premier Chris Minns to put the people of NSW first in 2024 and make some New Year’s resolutions to fix his Government’s many failures.
 
“There is a long list of New Year’s resolutions Chris Minns should make, and it should start with removing his two of his embattled Ministers from their critical portfolios,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“Jo Haylen’s ‘jobs for Labor mates’ scandal continues to distract from the important task of delivering on our state’s transport needs. Yasmin Catley has failed to comprehend the most basic elements of her job as Police Minister.”
 
“Chris Minns should also resolve to address the ongoing cost-of-living crisis with better support for families and households. He should immediately adopt the Coalition’s energy relief plan which would see every household in NSW eligible for $250 off their bills.”
 
“Chris Minns went to the election saying he would ‘roll over’ important cost-of-living programs including Active Kids, Creative Kids and back-to-school vouchers. Instead, he viciously cut these programs leaving many families worse off in the middle of Labor’s cost-of-living crisis.”
 
Chris Minns’ New Year’s resolutions list, for starters:

1. Remove embattled Ministers Jo Haylen and Yasmin Catley.
2. Restore cost-of-living support for families and households.
3. Come clean on impact of union wage deals.
4. Reverse heartless cuts to palliative care.
5. Involve local communities in addressing housing supply.
6. Outline new infrastructure plans to match new housing proposals.
7. Reverse attacks on community clubs.
8. Reverse parking charges for hospital staff.
9. Address the state’s rising road toll.

 
The NSW Opposition will continue to hold the Minns Labor Government to account in 2024, put families and households before unions and deliver the vision and drive that NSW deserves.

The NSW Opposition has called on the Minns Labor Government to ensure that the Electrical Trades Union industrial action does not drive up energy costs for NSW households and small businesses.
 
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations Damien Tudehope condemned the energy union for a power grab at the expense of families and businesses across New South Wales. 
 
“After raiding the public coffers for unfunded public sector wage rises totalling $9.5 billion, the unions are going after private businesses, and they risk holding the people of NSW hostage in the process,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
The Union rejected a pay rise of 13% last year and is now striking in a way that will affect and delay crucial renewables and transmission projects. Any such delays ultimately hurt households and small businesses through energy shortages and increased power bills.
 
“Families and small businesses across our State are doing it tough, and the last thing they need is to be caught up in the crossfire of a union power grab. 
 
“Chris Minns needs to tell his union mates to stop using NSW people and businesses as pawns in their games.
 
“The Minister for Energy needs to urgently guarantee that union disruptions will not lead to delays and cost blowouts for critical energy projects,” Mr Tudehope said.

NSW Health is advising people who have been in the Sydney CBD area in the past 10 days to be on alert for symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease after 7 people who have developed the disease spent time in the area in the last 3 weeks.

The 3 women and 4 men, ranging in age from their 20s to 70s, independently visited locations in the CBD between Bathurst Street, Sussex Street, Elizabeth Street and Circular Quay in the 10 days prior to their symptoms. All have been admitted to hospital for treatment of pneumonia.

All 7 people have been identified with the Legionella bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease, which is often associated with contaminated cooling towers of large buildings.

People can be exposed to the bacteria if contaminated water particles from a cooling system are emitted into the air and breathed in. Legionnaires’ disease cannot be spread from person to person.

Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease can develop up to 10 days from the time of exposure to contaminated water particles in the air and include fever, chills, a cough and shortness of breath and may lead to severe chest infections such as pneumonia.

People who develop this disease are diagnosed by a urine or sputum test and chest X-ray and usually require antibiotic treatment in hospital. Those most at risk are people with underlying lung or other serious health conditions and people who smoke.

NSW Health environmental health officers are working closely with the City of Sydney Council to inspect cooling towers. Review of maintenance records of cooling towers in the CBD area will also help determine further towers to be inspected and sampled. 

Managers of buildings with cooling towers are being contacted and informed of the cluster. Building owners should ensure that their cooling towers are operated and maintained in compliance with the NSW Public Health Regulation 2022.

Public health units in local health districts across NSW follow up cases of Legionnaires’ disease and work closely with local councils in the management of cooling towers.

Routine monthly testing of cooling towers allows the early identification of contaminated towers and allows for prompt additional cleaning and corrective actions.

For more information about water cooling systems management contact your local public health unit on 1300 066 055 or visit the Legionella controllaunch page.

For more information on Legionnaires’ disease access the Legionnaires’ disease fact sheetlaunch.

Volunteer lifesavers and lifeguards are reminding people to take care on our waterways and swim at patrolled locations, with more than 646 rescues conducted since Christmas eve.

Since the start of the patrol season in September, Surf Life Saving NSW volunteers have conducted 1360 rescues, with almost half (646) of those since 24 December 2023 during the busy holiday period.

As people head to coastal waterways over the warmer months, the NSW Government is also urging people to practice water safety like swimming at patrolled beaches and between the flags.

To support lifesavers, 14 new jet skis have been deployed to NSW beaches, following the Minns Labor government’s record $23 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW).

Accounting for roughly 13% of rescues conducted by SLSNSW volunteers last year, jet skis play a key role in keeping people safe. The arrival of these new jet skis supports an expected surge in beachgoers this summer.

Jet skis can be used in a range of rescue missions, including offshore searches for missing persons and rescues in proximity to rock platforms.

In September 2023, the NSW Government announced the biggest funding commitment ever made to SLSNSW, pledging an additional $23 million over 4 years to help keep NSW beaches safer.

As part of this package, $18 million will be allocated through the NSW Rescue Capability Grant for additional resources and equipment, including 67 new jet skis to be delivered over 4 years.

The new jet skis will replace a large part of the current fleet, ensuring standardisation across NSW and providing modern watercraft for surf life savers.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“The festive season is one of the busiest times of the year for surf lifesavers, and I’d like to thank our volunteers who help keep beach goers safe.

“We want to ensure a day at the beach is safe and enjoyable, and I’d encourage swimmers to follow the advice of lifesavers and swim at patrolled locations.

“With 14 new jet skis, our 300 trained Surf Life Saving NSW jet ski operators will also be better equipped to keep our shores safer during the festive season and beyond.

“As more and more people head to the beach, the Minns Labor government is committed to helping volunteer organisations like Surf Life Saving NSW focus on their important work.”

Surf Life Saving NSW Chief Executive Steve Pearce said:

“We’re just really urging potential beachgoers to take heed of those basic safety messages; don’t swim at unpatrolled locations – look for the red and yellow flags because if our lifesavers can’t see you they can’t save you, and understand your limits when entering the ocean.

“Jet skis are the backbone of our support operations response capability, especially away from patrolled locations and in search and rescue situations.

“It’s great to see our operator numbers expanding and in particular more female jet ski drivers coming on board.”

Beach safety tips

• Always swim between the red and yellow patrol flags, for your nearest patrolled beach check the BeachSafelaunch app or website
• Read the safety signs for information about the beach and ask a lifesaver or lifeguard for safety information.
• Always swim with someone else so you can look out for each other, and always supervise children around the water.
• Never swim under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• If you need help in the water, stay calm and attract attention by raising one arm.
• In an emergency, dial Triple Zero (000).

For information about patrol times, weather, and beach locations visit the Beachsafelaunch website or download the applaunch.

The new jet skis will be stationed at key locations across the NSW coastline, including:

• Brunswick Heads
• Nambucca
• Scotts Head
• Blackhead
• Pacific Palms
• Hunter – Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie
• The Lakes
• Dee Why
• Freshwater
• Malabar
• Coledale
• Windang
• Tuross Beach
• Tathra.

Public transport was the way to go to ring in the new year, with data from Transport for NSW revealing more than 700,000 journeys were made to and from Sydney’s CBD on train, bus, ferry and light rail services for the big night.

With most harbour vantage points not ticketed this year, Sydneysiders and travellers flocked into the city to watch the world-class New Year’s Eve fireworks. 

The vast majority of revellers caught public transport to and from the CBD, as passengers took the operational advice to leave the car at home, leave plenty of travel time,  and hop on services to get  where they needed to go.

Transport for NSW had an extra 1000 trains running day and night on New Year’s Eve, plus an extra 1200 buses, and light rail services were running every 10 minutes until 4am.   

Metro services  doubled in frequency with services running until 4am.

Key statistics

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 416,049 trips into Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

• Bus – 59,873
• Ferry – 22,158
• Light Rail – 44,794
• Train – 289, 224
• Total – 416,049

From 4am on 31 December 2023 to 4am on 1 January 2024, there were 325,613 trips out of Sydney’s CBD and surrounding precincts, based on Opal data:

• Bus – 46,510
• Ferry – 22,279
• Light Rail – 45,443
• Train – 211,381
• Total – 325,613

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“New Year’s Eve is by far the biggest day on the Transport calendar. This year, we saw a 20% increase in the number of people arriving into our city by train, compared to last year’s celebrations.

“Moving hundreds of thousands of people in and out of the city over a small period of time isn’t easy, but everyone was patient, in good spirits and listened carefully to our staff on the ground.

“I want to thank the thousands of Transport for NSW staff at stations, on trains, buses, ferries and light rail who kept people moving. I also want to thank the Maritime teams who were out on our harbour, ensuring everyone on the water could enjoy the incredible display safely.

“New Year’s Eve was a big test for Sydney’s public transport and follows months of important work our Government has been doing to improve reliability and performance. I’m thrilled to say our New Year’s Eve public transport network, like the incredible fireworks display, was a roaring success.”

Secretary of Transport for NSW Josh Murray said:

“The big crowds that built up over more than 12 hours on Sunday were safely dispatched home in around an hour and a half from city stations, with 1000 extra trains and 1200 extra buses.

“Revellers overwhelmingly caught public transport and we want to thank our passengers for leaving the car at home, for treating our transport workers with patience and respect as they worked through the night to get everyone to their parties or vantage points and back again.”

NSW Health is reminding people to protect themselves from mosquitoes when they are out and about during the summer holidays.

NSW Health’s Acting Director of Environmental Health, Paul Byleveld, said with more people spending time outdoors, it was important to take steps to reduce mosquito bite risk.

“Mosquitoes thrive in wet, warm conditions like those that much of NSW is experiencing,” Byleveld said.

“Mosquitoes in NSW can carry viruses such as Japanese encephalitis (JE), Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE), Kunjin, Ross River and Barmah Forest. The viruses may cause serious diseases with symptoms ranging from tiredness, rash, headache and sore and swollen joints to rare but severe symptoms of seizures and loss of consciousness.

“People should take extra care to protect themselves against mosquito bites and mosquito-borne disease, particularly after the detection of JE in a sentinel chicken in Far Western NSW.

The NSW Health sentinel chicken program provides early warning about the presence of serious mosquito borne diseases, like JE. Routine testing in late December revealed a positive result for JE in a sample from Menindee. 

A free vaccine to protect against JE infection is available to those at highest risk in NSW and people can check their eligibility at NSW Healthlaunch.

People are encouraged to take actions to prevent mosquito bites and reduce the risk of acquiring a mosquito-borne virus by:

• Applying repellent to exposed skin. Use repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Check the label for reapplication times.
• Re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming. Be sure to apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent.
• Wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks.
• Avoiding going outdoors during peak mosquito times, especially at dawn and dusk.
• Using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitoes (mosquito coils should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas)
• Covering windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no gaps.
• Removing items that may collect water such as old tyres and empty pots from around your home to reduce the places where mosquitoes can breed.
• Using repellents that are safe for children. Most skin repellents are safe for use on children aged three months and older. Always check the label for instructions. Protecting infants aged less than three months by using an infant carrier draped with mosquito netting, secured along the edges.
• While camping, use a tent that has fly screens to prevent mosquitoes entering or sleep under a mosquito net.

Remember, Spray Up – Cover Up – Screen Up to protect from mosquito bite. For more information go to NSW Healthlaunch.

The Minns Labor government is taking a major step forward in putting an end to the former government’s toll mania that saw Sydney become the most tolled city on earth, with a $60 weekly toll cap officially starting today.

Across the state, almost three-quarters of a million motorists are expected to benefit from the toll relief scheme, a key initiative to support families with the rising cost of living.

Motorists in Western Sydney, who are paying some of the highest toll rates in the state will benefit the most, including more than 60,000 eligible accounts in Lakemba, Kellyvillle, Baulkham Hills, Winston Hills, Greystanes, Moorebank and Blacktown.

Customers eligible for the scheme can register and claim rebates through Service NSW from April 2024.

The scheme assesses spend on a weekly basis. Quarterly rebates will be transferred to an account holder’s nominated bank account and toll relief will begin accruing from today.

This includes any private trips taken on a NSW toll road, excluding those on the M5 South-West for customers registered for the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme at the same time.

Drivers who spend on average $200 per week from their individual tag or licence plate on tolls can expect to receive approximately $7280 in rebates per year.

A “fair use” provision will ensure the integrity of the scheme, with motorists able to claim up to $400 in tolls – or a maximum rebate of $340 a week. Anything above this limit will not be refunded.

Rideshare, taxis, cars registered with businesses and heavy vehicles are not eligible for the rebate.

To assist in getting trucks off local roads and to prioritise the efficient movement of goods, a truck multiplier also comes into effect from today.

The ‘truck multiplier’ rebate includes all NSW and interstate registered trucks that travel on the M5 East and M8 with a valid E-Toll, Linkt or Eastlink account.

These trucks will receive a rebate for a third of their trip travelled on the M5 East and M8, costing an estimated $54 million over the 2-year trial.

Customers registering for the truck rebate from April 2024 will automatically see the toll cap credits applied to their toll account each quarter.

To find out if you are eligible for the $60 toll cap rebate visit Service NSWlaunch.

The $60 toll cap scheme is set to run as a trial for 2 years.

The NSW Government continues to undertake an independent review of toll roads, led by Professor Allan Fels AO and Dr David Cousins AM who will report back with recommendations to make the NSW toll system simpler, fairer and more efficient into the future.

Acting Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“The Minns Labor government’s number 1 priority is helping people across NSW with the rising cost of living.

“Capping tolls to $60 a week is a key part of our commitment to ease the financial burden being faced by many families.

“This toll cap will provide toll relief where it is needed most, to families who are doing it tough, particularly across Western Sydney.”

Acting Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The $60 toll cap was a key election promise. Nearly three-quarters of a million people will be better off as we’ve delivered on our promise.

“This is another initiative the Minns government has put in place to help people with reducing the cost of living.”