Category: NSW News

A new ‘beach’ in Penrith, soon to be added to the list of NSW’s most iconic places to swim, will ensure people in Western Sydney have a place to cool off over summer.

In 2020, Penrith earned the title of the hottest place on earth with residents sweltering under a baking 48.9 degrees Celsius and in any heat wave it can be up to 10 degrees hotter than the east.

But access to outdoor swimming spots for Western Sydney residents is limited. It’s 40km to get to Lake Parramatta, 63km to Bondi Beach and 75km to either Cronulla or Manly.

The beach will be open 7 days a week from late December to early March 2024 with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The same length as Bondi Beach, Penrith Beach will offer an unmatched waterside experience in the heart of Western Sydney where people of all ages and backgrounds can safely enjoy the water for free.

Lifeguard services and first aid will be available in the designated and patrolled swimming zone.

This is backed by a $1.7 million investment from the NSW Government for vital construction and safety work to get this major new swimming spot at Penrith Lakes ready to swim over the hottest months of the year.

The site will be managed by the Department of Planning and Environment after an agreement signed with Western Sydney Lakes.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“Penrith Beach is a gamechanger that gives the people of Western Sydney all the benefits of living in the west, with the addition of easy access to their very own beach.

“This is about fairness. For too long Western Sydney locals were neglected as the Liberals and Nationals focused all their energy on investment in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

“The Minns Labor Government made a decision to create this magnificent recreation facility to give Western Sydney residents their fair share with the same access to swimming as Sydney’s east.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“As temperatures rise, access to water near where you live has never been more important –regardless of age, ability, or postcode – everyone should have access to a safe place to cool off.

“Penrith broke records for being the hottest place on earth and another sweltering summer is ahead of us, so a place to swim is important to support public health.

“We’ve always said that communities need infrastructure to support their growth. We took this decision to support the people of Western Sydney.

“This is a location of which the people of Western Sydney can be proud and which will make the rest of Sydney a little bit jealous!”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“I have lived in the Penrith community for over 35 years, so I know what a sweltering summer’s day feels like here.

“Since the day I was elected I have been advocating that this gem is open up for our community.

“I know just how much local residents are going to embrace and enjoy this new swimming spot close to home over Christmas and the school holidays.

“It’s an incredible amenity for families and friends to come and cool off, with the backdrop of the beautiful mountains, and I’m so proud to see this project come to life.”

The NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) have confirmed the detection of three red imported fire ant nests – with surveillance ongoing – in South Murwillumbah in north-eastern NSW, 13 km south of the Queensland border.

This is the first fire ant detection in Northern NSW and presumed to be the most southern report of fire ants from the Queensland infestation.

The detection in NSW triggers the National Fire Ant Eradication Program response which is part of the $600 million eradication plan developed by the Australian governments.

The NSW Government is working closely with the Commonwealth and the Queensland Governments, plus Tweed Shire Council. Experienced teams are on site chemically eradicating the infestation across a radius of 200m from the found sites.

Following detection of the fire ants the National Plan releases four subsequent actions – eradication, control, tracing and communications.

NSW DPI are leading the control, tracing, and communications by implementing an emergency biosecurity order across a radius of 5km from the site in South Murwillumbah.

All businesses and residents within that radius are restricted in how they can move potential fire ant carrier materials without permission. The following types of materials are restricted: mulch, woodchips, compost, sand, gravel, soil, hay and other baled products.

NSW DPI Officers and detection dogs are working on determining the extent of the infestation, undertaking genetic testing of the fire ants, and searching all properties within the control radius.

To date, NSW DPI fire ant preparedness activities have involved stakeholder engagement and training to 67,000 industry and community stakeholders in the northern border zone of NSW, through face-to-face engagements, electronic direct mail and letterbox drops.

Fire ants are dark reddish-brown with a darker black-brown abdomen and range in size from 2 to 6mm. Their ant nests are distinctive mounds of loose, crumbly or fluffy looking soil with a honeycomb appearance, up to 40cm high, with no obvious entrance holes.

Red imported fire ants can damage electrical and agricultural equipment, sting people, pets and livestock, kill native plants and animals, and damage ecosystems beyond repair.

Those who breach the emergency biosecurity order could face significant penalties with fines for breaches reaching up to $1.1 million for an individual and up to $2.2 million for a corporation.

Minister for Agriculture, Minister for Regional New South Wales and Minister for Western New South Wales, Tara Moriarty said:

“We are prepared for this discovery of fire ants in northern NSW and have immediately implemented our response plan which is part of the $600 million national program.

“I have spoken with my counterpart in Canberra, Senator Watt, and local parliamentary representatives across governments so that we are all aligned and actioning our prepared plans.

“I am in contact with our teams on the ground who are enforcing the emergency control order, tracing where this infestation may have originated from and monitoring the immediate chemical eradication of the fire ants.

“Our teams are focused on limiting further spread, and encouraging reporting and compliance through a targeted communications campaign.

“Red imported fire ants are a terrible invasive pest, which cause serious social, economic, and environmental harm, which is why the Minns Government this year committed $95 million towards the National Fire Ant Eradication Program.

“Biosecurity is a shared responsibility, and as our fire ant response ramps up in northern NSW, I encourage everyone to continue to check their properties for these pests. With the Christmas cross-border travel season approaching, we all must be careful of what we’re moving and where.

“Finding fire ants early and alerting NSW DPI, just like the community member has done in this instance, will increase our chances of a successful eradication effort.

“We will continue to keep the community informed of progress and will continue working closely with industry, the local community and our state and federal counterparts.”

Fire ant information

For more information about red imported fire ants, visit the NSW DPI websitelaunch.

Residents and businesses in northern NSW should report any sign of fire ants to NSW DPIlaunch or call 1800 680 244launch.

Upgrades to Unanderra, Bellambi and Dapto Stations are now complete, providing rail commuters with greater accessibility.

All 3 stations were officially opened by Transport Minister Jo Haylen and Illawarra MPs today.

Three new lifts are part of the Unanderra Station upgrade, finally making it accessible to people with a disability, limited mobility, parents or carers with prams and passengers with bikes or luggage.

In addition to the 3 new lifts, the upgrade includes a new footbridge and stairs with canopies, new kiss and ride zones, accessible parking spaces and bus zones on both sides of Berkeley Road.

The existing station building has been upgraded with new family accessible and ambulant toilets, and new seating has been added with improved accessible paths.

At Bellambi, the old station building was removed and replaced with a new building that includes new accessible bathrooms. Wider and safer platforms were made possible by constructing the new building further down the platform.

The upgrades include a new entry ramp, 2 accessible parking spaces, a kiss and drop zone, a new bike shelter and upgraded lighting.

Commuters at Dapto will notice upgraded kerbs and ramps, a formal kiss and ride zone, a wider platform 1, re-levelled surfaces on platform 2 and a new accessible path to both platforms.

The upgrades include more accessible bathrooms, new seating in the waiting room and a water bubbler on the platform.

In a NSW-first, Bellambi Station has had VeloSTRAIL installed at the level crossing, involving hard-wearing rubber panels that fill the gaps between tracks. The product will also be installed at Dapto Station early next year.

For more information about station upgrades, call 1800 684 490launch, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.aulaunch or visit the Transport for NSWlaunch website.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:

“The Transport Access Program is transforming stations across our state, ensuring everyone has safe, accessible access to our train stations.

“The transformation of Unanderra and the small, but important, upgrades to Bellambi and Dapto will ensure that commuters with disabilities, parents and passengers with luggage or bikes are able to make the most of our public transport network.

“We’re expanding the benefits of this important program by investing an additional $300 million, to build even more accessible stations across the state.”

Minister Ryan Park MP said:

“These are brilliant new updates to stations across the Illawarra that my colleagues and I have campaigned hard for alongside our community.

“I’m so pleased to see these upgrades officially opened and to be able to see some of the finer details up close.

“The artwork concepts at Bellambi carry on from the work done at Towradgi, reflecting the stories and themes of significance to the local Dharawal people.

“Perforated metal screens along the access ramp depict the ray and Wobbegong shark, which are native to Bellambi Point and an important part of the story of Bellambi Point, which was recognised by Heritage NSW as an official Aboriginal Place in 2012.”

Member for Wollongong Minister Paul Scully MP said:

“The community was ecstatic to see the lifts at Unanderra Station officially opened earlier this year. To join the community in campaigning for this vital upgrade, and then to watch it spring to life, piece by piece, has been fantastic.

“I have had an enormous amount of positive feedback from the community about the lifts and improved access at Unanderra Station since they opened to the public – it’s great to see how happy people are that this station is finally accessible to everyone.

“The upgraded Unanderra Station features intricate design patterns on the lift shafts and footbridge that reflect the faulting and joint work of the sandstone cliffs and escarpment west of the station.  

“The dark strips on the side of the lift shafts mimic local waterfall features, and footpaths at the lift entrances also feature sandblasted artworks resembling Aboriginal meeting places, family and closeness.” 

Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson MP said:

“It’s brilliant to see Dapto Station get the love and attention it needs.

“Making the platforms wider, adding shade and upgrading the footpaths is fantastic. Making it more accessible will ensure everyone can access our local train services.

“I’m excited to see VeloSTRAIL will be installed at the Bong Bong Road crossing in months to come. That will make the path easier to navigate for passengers, but also anyone else using the gap-free footpath to cross the rail line.”

Federal, state and territory governments have met to discuss a national information sharing scheme to better combat child sexual abuse.

Participants at the one-off National Ministerial Forum on Child Safety on Friday reaffirmed commitment to nationally consistent child safety reforms in response to the shocking allegations brought to light in August by Operation Tenterfield.

The Australian Federal Police investigation led to a former childcare worker being charged with 1623 child abuse offences against 91 children. The alleged offences took place in New South Wales, Queensland and overseas.

Following the revelations, the NSW Premier Chris Minns, NSW Minister for Families and Communities Kate Washington and the Queensland Government called for a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen national information sharing arrangements, and to deliver better outcomes for children and young people. 

The National Ministerial Forum on Child Safety was hosted by the Commonwealth Attorney General, Mark Dreyfus.

At the Forum, NSW led discussions seeking jurisdictions’ agreement to improve information sharing across agencies and jurisdictions, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

Minister Washington highlighted the need to work towards national reform and consistency to improve child safety across Australia.

The NSW proposals were unanimously supported by all jurisdictions at the Forum.

Jurisdictions reaffirmed commitment to a suite of child safety reforms, emphasising the need to ensure national consistency to protect Australia’s children. This included:

• prioritising working with children check harmonisation, ensuring this work complements broader worker screening reforms
• adoption and alignment of reportable conduct schemes
• renewed commitment to embedding the National Principles for Child Safe Organisations in legislation, as NSW has done with amendments to the Children’s Guardian Act 2019
• raising awareness and understanding of child safety issues
• possible legislative and administrative arrangements for an information sharing scheme as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.

It is essential that all jurisdictions partner together to educate, prevent and respond to child protection matters.

The Ministerial Forum provided an opportunity to prioritise and shape future policy discussions. This includes commitment to aligning existing reforms to ensure national consistency, and tasking officials to consider additional reforms.

NSW Minister for Families and Communities, Kate Washington said:

“The NSW Government welcomes the agreement by all ministers to strengthen information sharing across agencies and jurisdictions, as recommended by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse.”

“Whilst NSW has some of the strongest laws in Australia to prevent child abuse in organisations, there’s still some confusion and complexities when it comes to sharing information across borders.

“Working together with the Commonwealth, States and Territories, we want to ensure that any loopholes that could be exploited by perpetrators of child abuse are closed for good.”

Christmas shoppers have been warned about the dangers of charging Lithium-ion products and to beware of sub-standard Lithium-ion battery-powered devices as fires surge across the state.

Consumers are advised to shop safely as well as for value, to ensure the gifts under the tree do not ruin the festive season.

The latest Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) statistics show an increase of nine per cent in Lithium-ion battery fires to date, compared with the entire year of 2022. There have been 180 battery related fires so far this year, already outnumbering the 165 Lithium-ion battery-related fires to which FRNSW responded to last year.

The NSW Government is raising awareness of how to prevent these potentially deadly fires and save lives. Households are urged to use, store and dispose of batteries safely to combat the surge in house, garbage truck and waste facility fires.

To help ensure batteries are used safely, FRNSW also advises to:

• not over-charge Lithium-ion batteries or leave them charging overnight unattended
• not charge Lithium-ion batteries on beds, sofas or around highly flammable and insulating materials
• always use compliant and approved charging equipment for Lithium-ion batteries, don’t mix and match components and voltage
• avoid dropping, crushing or piercing the Lithium-ion battery cells
• store Lithium-ion batteries in a cool, dry area away from combustible materials, and larger devices like e-bikes and gardening tools should be stored outside of bedrooms and living spaces
• not charge or use Lithium-ion batteries that show signs of damage

Find out more about battery and charging safetylaunch.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Firefighters are responding to an average of more than three battery fires a week from in-home charging issues or incorrect disposal. Batteries are featuring more prominently in fire statistics, with lithium power packs and charger fires an increasing concern for fire crews.”

“When shopping for gifts this Christmas don’t cut corners when buying Lithium-ion battery-powered products, we don’t want a gift under the tree to ruin the festive season.”

“These batteries are used to power everything from mobile phones and laptops to vacuum cleaners and e-scooters. We would encourage people to choose carefully and consider how they use them in the home.”

“These fires can cause significant damage to a home and we encourage homeowners to take care when charging devices, follow charging instructions and dispose of used battery products safely.”

“If you are unsure about using batteries, our firefighters are part of the local community and I encourage you to ask their advice.” 

Minister for Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“Since March 2023, NSW Fair Trading has conducted inspections of 166 retailers selling electrical articles, including 39 models of e-bikes and e-scooters powered by Lithium-ion batteries. Inspectors found 30 models with non-compliant chargers and the retailers were instructed to remove them from sale.”

“When these products fail, it can come at terrible cost. I’m reminding buyers to store batteries safely and if they have concerns they should reach out to the manufacturer or NSW Fair Trading.”

“NSW Fair Trading is continuing to inspect products and businesses to inform the public of any concerns and to educate consumers about the dangers of Lithium-ion batteries.”

Minister for Climate Change and the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“Bins are not the place for batteries. When damaged or crushed, such as in a garbage truck, they can start fires that are difficult to put out.”

“More dedicated battery recycling points are popping up in shopping centres and office blocks, and at many council facilities, so do the right thing and take them to a drop off point for safe disposal.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said:

“If a battery is compromised through damage or overheating, it can go into what we call ‘Thermal Runaway. It will pop and crackle, then give off toxic gas before exploding in intense flames that are extremely difficult to extinguish.”

“If you’re buying presents that require Lithium-Ion batteries this Christmas, make sure those batteries are manufactured by a trusted company. You’d want peace of mind…if the price is too good to be true or there’s no recognised brand on the batteries, steer clear and ensure you’re shopping for a quality product.”

The Rozelle Interchange will open to traffic in the early hours of Sunday morning, marking the final completion of WestConnex.

After four years of construction in which 20,000 skilled workers built one of the world’s most complicated underground interchanges, the project was officially opened on Saturday ahead of first vehicles expected by 6am on Sunday morning.

The Rozelle Interchange solves one of Sydney’s enduring traffic bottlenecks, connecting motorists to the M4 and M8 tunnel extensions, Anzac Bridge, the City West Link, the Western Distributor, a toll-free underground bypass of Victoria Road and the future Western Harbour Tunnel.

The interchange will provide faster access to the CBD and the inner-west for millions of people from west and south-west Sydney, as well as those heading out of the city to the west and south-west.

Around 100,000 vehicles a day are expected to use the Rozelle Interchange, completing the WestConnex project that began in 2015 with the new M4 tunnel.

The Rozelle Interchange is part of the $16.8 billion WestConnex Project which was jointly funded, with $1.5 billion from the Australian Government, and a $2 billion concessional loan, and with NSW Government contributing $1.8 billion.

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

“The opening of the Rozelle Interchange is fantastic for the residents of Sydney, who will enjoy faster access to the CBD, and reduced traffic around notorious bottlenecks.

“Infrastructure such as this is vital for our cities, improving access for residents right across the city and cutting down on time spent waiting in traffic.”

NSW Roads Minister John Graham said:

“On behalf of the many millions of motorists who will use this impressive piece of Australian engineering, I want to thank the 20,000 workers who built the Rozelle Interchange, moving 6.5 million tonnes of earth in the process to create these 16.6 kilometres of road tunnels that complete WestConnex.

“There has been a total of 65,000 people who have worked on WestConnex over its life which has created a highly-skilled, highly-experienced workforce that will go on to other infrastructure and construction projects as the Minns Labor Government delivers the state’s biggest ever infrastructure spend through Budget 2023-24.

“The Rozelle Interchange is a game-changer for motorists in Sydney’s west and south-west, providing access to the CBD and inner-west without the traffic lights.

“We are warning motorists that there is expected to be some impacts on surface roads around the interchange post-opening which Transport for NSW will monitor and seek to alleviate over the coming weeks and months.”

Assistant Minister for Trade and Manufacturing Senator Tim Ayres said:

“Today’s opening is fantastic news for the people of Sydney, better connecting residents across Western Sydney with our CBD and inner suburbs.

“Not only will the Rozelle Interchange bust traffic for millions of residents in our city, it represents the final culmination of the long-awaited WestConnex project.”

In 2024, it will be easier for people suffering from certain skin conditions to access prescription medicines, as part of the NSW Government’s pharmacy prescribing trial.

It marks the next phase of the trial which sees participating pharmacists authorised to supply certain medicines without a prescription, after having a consultation with a pharmacist.

The trial is designed to safely expand the capacity of pharmacists in order to relieve pressure on general practitioners and other primary care settings.

From late March next year, pending ethics approval, the trial will include treatments for impetigo (school sores) and shingles.

Impetigo is a relatively minor condition but one that disproportionately impacts First Nations and Pasifika children. Recurrent infections of it can lead to increased risk of Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD).

One in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime. Pharmacists will be able to provide first line medicines for the management of straightforward herpes zoster (shingles) in patients over the age of 18.

Under the trial, additional topical treatments for dermatitis and mild plaque psoriasis will also be included.

In May, the Minister for Health Ryan Park announced the commencement of stage one of the initiative, which trialled the prescribing of treatment for uncomplicated urinary tract infection (UTI) at 100 participating pharmacies.

In September, it expanded to more than 900 pharmacies and extended the trial to the prescribing of the resupply of the oral contraceptive pill (OCP).

The trial has now expanded to over 1,100 community pharmacies – or around 60 per cent of pharmacies around the state.

More than 6,000 women have benefited from this trial so far with improved access to essential health care and improving timely access to care.

The skin condition treatment component of the trial will run for 12 months.

For information about the clinical trial and for a list of community pharmacies participating in the triallaunch.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Everyone knows it is sometimes difficult to get in to see our very busy GPs.

“And people know where to find a pharmacy and this trial offers patients who can’t see their GP another treatment pathway.’

“Through this trial, we are making it easier and more convenient for people to access the medications they need but working hard to ensure their care is not fragmented.

“By bolstering the capacity of pharmacies, we can take pressure off other parts of our primary care system, so that those who need them can access them.

“Where we can do things better, we should, and these are the kind of innovative initiatives that I am keen for our health system to embrace.”

The Albanese and Minns governments today announced a further 147,400 fee-free TAFE places will be available in NSW over the next 3 years, giving more people the opportunity to study for future jobs in areas where the economy needs them most.

The places are made possible through Commonwealth Government funding of $130 million, as the governments partner-up to address persistent skills shortages.

The investment also builds on the success of Fee-Free TAFE in 2023, which attracted record enrolments in NSW. As at 30 June 2023, there were:

• over 20,700 enrolments in the care sector  
• over 6400 enrolments in the technology and digital sector
• over 5800 enrolments in the construction sector, and
• over 5200 enrolments in agriculture.

Fee-Free TAFE has resulted in considerable savings for students in NSW. 

Students studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care or a Certificate III in School Based Education Support could save up to $1600, and those looking to build a career pathway through a Certificate III in Individual Support could save up to $1450.  

The investment comes less than a month after a national agreement between the Albanese and Minns governments was reached that will unlock billions of dollars to build the skills and prosperity of NSW.

The landmark 5-year National Skills Agreement (NSA) – which will take effect from January next year – was developed under principles agreed by National Cabinet and will embed national cooperation and strategic investment in NSW vocational education and training sector.

The Albanese government is prepared to invest $3.8 billion, to support the Minns government to expand and transform access to the VET sector, support quality training and implement reforms to address critical skills needs.

Minister for Skills and Training Brendan O’Connor said:

“Fee-Free TAFE and VET has been such a success that the Albanese Government is committing to a further 300,000 places starting next year, with 147,400 of those places in NSW.

“This is a $128.9 million Commonwealth investment in skills and training in NSW and comes in addition to the National Skills Agreement which will see $3.8 billion invested into the state VET sector by the Federal Government.

“This is what genuine collaboration and partnership can achieve – real results for everyday Australians – and we couldn’t deliver it without the support of the Minns government.”

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

“This is great news for anyone who’s been thinking of trying vocational education and training in NSW – they now have the opportunity to upskill for free in industries aligned to priority skill areas.

“And if you’re studying the Certificate III in Civil Construction, you could save up to $2100 in fees. Thousands of NSW students will have more money for essentials because of this initiative.

“Businesses across the state will also find it easier to find the skilled workers they need to fill vacancies – this program supports our state’s economy, our students and our businesses.”

A transport milestone for the record books has been achieved, with a metro train completing the 3-minute railway crossing under Sydney Harbour, from North Sydney’s new Victoria Cross Station into the Sydney CBD.

The milestone journey was realised as part of a rigorous testing program underway on the Sydney Metro City and Southwest line, which has recently accelerated into the next testing phase involving multiple trains being tested at higher speeds.

Next year, turn-up-and-go metro trains will take passengers from Victoria Cross Station to Barangaroo Station in just 3 minutes and reach speeds of up to 100km/h in the Sydney Harbour metro tunnel.

Victoria Cross Station is 1 of 6 new city stations that will open in 2024 and will provide commuters with unrivalled connectivity when travelling between the bustling North Sydney business district and the Sydney CBD.

Progress to construct Victoria Cross Station is powering ahead, with the station more than 85% complete.

Work to deliver the station’s platform level built inside Australia’s largest railway cavern, 31m below ground, is now finished.

All 14 new lifts and 19 new escalators to take commuters down to the platform are installed with final commissioning being progressively completed. All 22 of the Opal gates across the 2 entrances are installed, ready for passengers.

Final touches to North Sydney’s newest transport hub will be made in coming months, including to station entrances and adjoining retail and public domain areas. All station works are expected to be completed by early 2024.

The construction of Victoria Cross Station has been nothing short of a logistical triumph requiring ingenuity from Sydney Metro delivery partners Lendlease. Workers built the station by manoeuvring all materials, supplies and equipment through the site’s only access point – an area of just 2.5m², or the size of a standard garage door.

More than 5000 people have worked on the delivery, design and construction of the station, with more than 50,000 employment opportunities created throughout the life of the City and Southwest project.

About 15,150 passengers are expected to pass through Victoria Cross Station during the morning peak when it opens to the public. The station will take pressure off the existing North Sydney Station and provide fast and reliable transport service for passengers in the North Sydney business, education and residential areas. Once open, passengers will have fast metro travel times into the city from Victoria Cross, including to Barangaroo in 3 minutes, Martin Place in 5 minutes and Gadigal in 7 minutes.

Learn more about Sydney Metro Victoria Cross Station.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said: 

“Seeing this incredible station today and experiencing the 3-minute metro ride under the harbour brings home how truly incredible this city-shaping metro will be when it starts into the Sydney CBD next year.

“World-class metro services will be the fastest express lane in town when travelling across the harbour from the city’s north.

“When Sydney Metro City and Southwest opens in 2024, metro services will move more people across the Harbour in the busiest hour of the peak than the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel combined.

“Sydney Metro will extend the CBD, with the bustling North Sydney business district only a quick few minutes on the metro away from the city centre.

“Extensive testing has been underway on the City and Southwest metro line since April 2023 and so far more than 2500 hours and 12,500 kilometres of testing has been completed as we countdown to the opening of the next exciting stage of metro.”

Members of the community are being encouraged to sign up for the free GoodSAM app which could potentially save lives.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said NSW Ambulance bringing the GoodSAM program to the community will give people who are in cardiac arrest a better chance of survival by alerting nearby registered community members who are willing to perform chest compression – also called cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) – until paramedics arrive.

“This is an internationally recognised program which has improved survival rates for people who have a cardiac arrest outside of hospital,” Mr Park said.

“As we all know, every minute counts when someone is in cardiac arrest.

“By integrating with the Triple Zero (000) dispatch system, the GoodSAM app alerts registered volunteers that someone nearby needs CPR.

“The NSW Ambulance Emergency Medical Call Taker will step the volunteer through providing CPR, while paramedics are on the way.

“I am really impressed to hear that since the 6-week pilot began involving 1600 NSW Ambulance clinical and corporate staff 4 lives have been saved.”

NSW Ambulance Acting Commissioner David Dutton said research shows the first minutes after someone suffers a cardiac arrest are the most crucial to survival, and everyone can help.

“When someone goes into cardiac arrest outside of hospital, they only have an 11% chance of surviving, but the survival rate improves significantly if chest compressions begin in the first few minutes,” Mr Dutton said.

“For every minute that a patient is in cardiac arrest and does not receive CPR, their chance of survival drops by 7% to 20%.

“Anyone who feels able to provide chest compressions can join, and the more people who register to be a GoodSAM responder the better because it increases the odds that someone nearby can provide immediate CPR and save a life if someone is in cardiac arrest.

“I’d like to thank the NSW Ambulance workforce for getting behind this program and extend my appreciation to community members, staff and volunteers from our various partners, including other emergency services, NSW Government departments, volunteer organisations and NSW Health stakeholders, who have signed up in the lead up to today.”

In 2022, the NSW Government announced a $2.5 million partnership between NSW Ambulance and the GoodSAM responder app.

The GoodSAM app works by alerting registered responders when someone near them goes into cardiac arrest and a Triple Zero (000) call has been received. Responders can opt whether or not to accept the alert and respond, while at the same time, an ambulance is dispatched.

You can register as a GoodSam responderlaunch if you’re 18 years old or over, and able and willing to perform CPR. Chest compressions are easy and safe to do. You don’t need to have formal first aid or CPR training to sign up. A video is available on the NSW Ambulance website.