Making Central Coast beaches safer this summer

People wanting to enjoy the surf on Central Coast beaches this Australia Day Long Weekend will do so more safely thanks to the Minns Labor Government’s fast-tracked installation of emergency response beacons (ERBs).

ERBs directly connect callers to Surf Life Saving NSW’s State Operations Centre, enabling the rapid deployment of lifesaving and emergency services to a potential rescue site.

With most fatalities occurring on unpatrolled beaches, this can reduce response times when every second counts.

The Government has installed beacons at three Central Coast beaches – Bateau Bay, Forresters Beach and Frazer Park – as part of its fast-tracked roll out across 19 unpatrolled locations throughout NSW in 2024.

The state-wide installation of these potentially life-saving help points was almost double the number proposed for the year.

Volunteer life savers across NSW have performed more than 300,000 preventative actions to keep beachgoers safe as more than four million people flocked to the surf since 1 December.

The warm weather has encouraged big beach crowds across the state resulting in more than 1,000 rescues, serious incidents requiring lifesaving action, and first aid treatment for more than 6,000 people in the first month of summer.

More than 10% of the state-wide rescues have been performed on the Central Coast this summer, with 124 rescues and 488 preventative actions on the 450,485 people that have flocked to the region’s famed beaches since 1 December.

As the holidays continue, the NSW Government is urging those taking advantage of our beautiful coastline to play it safe at the beach with the launch of a new online water safety hub.

The hub complements the efforts of life savers by bringing together essential water safety information, featuring tips and guidance from key organisations across NSW to help communities stay informed and safe around the state’s stunning waterways.

Beacons installed in 2024 are now in place at the following locations:

  • Central Coast: Bateau Bay, Forresters Beach, Frazer Park
  • Northern Beaches: Narrabeen Beach, South Curl Curl, Fishermans Beach, North Palm Beach, Turimetta Beach
  • Sydney:  Brighton-Le-Sands, Dolls Point, Gordons Bay, Lake Parramatta, Mahon Pool
  • Hunter: Moonee Beach
  • Illawarra: Woonona Pool, Austinmer
  • Far South Coast: Bar Beach Merimbula, Camel Rock, Pambula River Mouth.

The next generation of beacons are also being rolled out, with 15 expected to be installed during 2025 at key locations up and down the NSW coast.

The new beacons are fitted with flotation devices and enhanced technology like high-definition video live-streaming to provide another set of eyes on the beach.

Currently, there are 53 ERBs strategically located at beaches frequented by both locals and tourists, ensuring quick access to emergency assistance.

The beacons are part of the NSW Government’s record $72 million additional investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

Alongside the ERBs, the NSW Government is delivering 67 jet skis over four years, with 14 delivered to beaches along the state’s coastline for the summer.

The NSW Government continues to work in partnership with Surf Life Saving NSW, local councils and community organisations to deliver initiatives that keep residents and visitors safe.

Visit the water safety hub at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/visiting-and-exploring-nsw/visiting-nsw-waterways

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“Our investment in this life saving technology is a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of all beachgoers across NSW.

“These new emergency response beacons, along with our education programs and simple to use tools like the water safety hub, are here to provide a crucial safety net for communities across NSW, especially for those who are most at risk.

“We are building on the 53 Emergency Response Beacons installed across our beaches, backed by a record $72 million investment in Surf Life Saving NSW.

“With the holiday season continuing, I urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow the guidance of our lifesavers and enjoy our stunning coastline safely.”

Minister for the Central Coast David Harris said:

“The Central Coast has some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, and the installation of emergency service beacons as part of the Minns Labor Government’s record investment in Surf Life Saving NSW ensure they can be enjoyed safely by everyone.

“This investment also gives our wonderful surf lifesaver volunteers more of the top class life-saving facilities they need.”

Minister for the Hunter and Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley said:

“There’s no better place to be in summer than at the beach, but we want everyone to be safe while enjoying our beautiful coastline.

“Not all beaches are patrolled, which is why these beacons are so important.

“They provide direct contact to Surf Lifesaving NSW from unpatrolled beaches like Moonee Beach and Frazer Park, helping to reduce emergency response times when every second counts.”

Member for The Entrance David Mehan MP said:

“Bateau Bay is a magnet for both locals and visitors and we want to make sure people can enjoy them safely. The installation of beacons is a welcome addition to provide another set of eyes on our beaches and waterways to assist our lifeguards.”

Surf Life Saving NSW CEO Steve Pearce said:

“We’ve had an extremely busy holiday period on beaches across the state and are expecting the tempo to remain high for the remainder of the summer. The crowds do put pressure on our volunteers.

“Swimming between the red and yellow flags isn’t just a smart choice – it’s a lifesaver. No drownings have occurred at patrolled locations during patrol hours, so staying where lifesavers and lifeguards can see you is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

“We’re urging 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.”

Repairing damage and restoring power after two waves of storms

Power has now been restored to around 300,000 homes, businesses and other properties which were blacked out when severe storms swept across NSW, and energy crews and NSW State Emergency Service volunteers are working hard to connect the remaining 8,600 customers.

Violent electrical storms late on Wednesday 15 January damaged energy infrastructure and brought down trees and powerlines, before gale-force winds hit on Friday 17 January.

Since Wednesday, the SES has received more than 8,700 call outs, with many incidents involving live power lines. Crews will continue responding to incidents over the next few days.

At the height of Wednesday’s storms 226,000 customers lost power, and on Friday, more than 70,000 were disconnected. Some homes and businesses were hit by both weather systems.

While power has been restored to the vast majority thanks to the work of SES volunteers and Ausgrid, Endeavour Energy and Essential Energy workers, the severity of the damage has caused some prolonged outages. Some of these jobs have required complete re-builds of parts of the network, which have taken several days to complete. Some are in isolated locations.

Ausgrid is advising customers some outages will continue into early this week. Essential Energy workers are now supporting Ausgrid in its clean up and restoration efforts.

As of 6am Monday 20 January, around 8,600 homes and business across NSW were without power.

  • Ausgrid has 8,500 customers without power:
    • 1,500 in Newcastle/Hunter, including 350 in Port Stephens
    • 1,000 Central Coast
    • 6,000 in Sydney

More than 200,000 Ausgrid customers have been impacted by the storms.

  • Endeavour Energy has around 100 customers without power in Sydney.
    This is down from a total of 78,000 Endeavour Energy customers impacted by the storms.
  • Essential Energy has restored all power outages from the storms.
    A total of 31,500 Essential Energy customers were impacted.

The safety of the community and energy crews is the number one priority as crews work to get the power back on.

Residents are urged to follow these safety measures:

  • Always assume a fallen wire is live and dangerous, stay at least 8 metres clear of them.
  • Avoid wires that are hanging low, on the ground or tangled in trees and storm debris.  
  • Never drive across fallen powerlines.
  • Report fallen powerlines immediately by calling your electricity distributor:
  • If you’re using a portable generator for power, avoid deadly exhaust fumes entering your home.
  • If you have an emergency, call Triple 0 (000) or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 for non-urgent matters.

The Australian and NSW Governments have confirmed a Natural Disaster Declaration for select local government areas affected by these storms, and more assessments are underway. Find out more information about the assistance available.

The Minns Labor Government is also waiving the waste levy in many affected local government areas to speed up recovery efforts and reduce the financial burden on households and businesses.

Affected customers should contact their electricity distributor to see if further support is available. For example, Ausgrid customers may be eligible for up to $250 from Ausgrid to cover food spoilage due to power outages.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“It has been a massive task to restore power to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses since these wild storms hit, and we thank the SES volunteers and energy crews who have worked around the clock to make it happen.

“This important but difficult work is still going. There are customers who are still without power, and we know that is incredibly difficult. Crews are working as hard as possible to reconnect everyone.”

Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib said:

“The situation is challenging for communities and emergency responders, but we have also seen the best in people and from our incredible emergency response volunteers and personnel.

“The NSW State Emergency Service and other first responders, including Fire and Rescue NSW, the NSW Rural Fire Service and VRA Rescue NSW, have made a mammoth effort to help communities get back on their feet during these difficult times.

“The NSW Government is working with councils and communities to provide support where it is needed, with joint federal and state funding already available for some LGAs and assessments well underway for others.”

Aluminium to forge Australia’s manufacturing future

The Albanese Labor Government is Building Australia’s Future with a record $2 billion investment in the Australian-made aluminium industry, securing more well-paid jobs for Australian workers in our regions and suburbs.

Supercharging the local metals industry, a new Green Aluminium Production Credit will provide targeted support to Australian aluminium smelters switching to reliable, renewable electricity before 2036.

Facilities will be eligible for support for every tonne of clean, reliable Australian-made aluminium they make over a period of 10 years.

This Credit will provide local aluminium smelters with confidence to invest, paving the way for more secure Australian jobs in our world-class aluminium industry.

Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australian workers to make more things here.

We’ve got all the ingredients right here for a world-leading metals industry – from the best solar and wind resources, to the critical minerals and facilities, as well as a highly skilled workforce.

From Gladstone to Portland and Bell Bay to Tomago – Australia is already the sixth largest producer of aluminium in the world and we want to see that continue to grow.

Increasingly the world is looking to import clean, reliable metals – like Australian-made aluminium – which represents a massive opportunity for growth in a decarbonising global economy.

Australia’s entire aluminium supply chain is uniquely located on shore – from bauxite mining to finished products, all produced from generations of Aussie know-how.

Not only will this deliver for economic wins for Australia, it will help significantly reduce emissions at the same time.

Securing the future of the Australian-made aluminium industry is a direct investment in jobs and skills across the country – all the way from Central Queensland to Northern Tasmania.

This is what Building Australia’s Future looks like and only a Labor Government will deliver it.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“Labor’s plan for a Future Made in Australia is very clear: we want Australia to make more things here.

“Investing in the Australian-made aluminium industry is a massive opportunity – to create well-paid jobs in our regions and suburbs, and set Australia up for the future.

“We’ve got the resources, the workers, and the know-how – the only thing we don’t have is time to waste.

“We are building Australia’s future, not taking Australia backwards.”

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic:

“Jobs up, emissions down and a secure future for our world-class aluminium industry – that’s what today’s announcement provides.

“With an entire aluminium supply chain uniquely located right here in Australia, we’re well positioned to capture the rewards of the global green energy transition.

“Communities and businesses rely on aluminium smelters, and we have an opportunity to partner with the private sector to support these secure well-paying jobs into the future

“Backing our strengths, playing to our advantages and building a future for all Australians.”

Assistant Minister for Future Made in Australia Tim Ayres:

“The aluminium sector is a critical value-add industry for Australia and a crucial part of the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia plan.

“This package guarantees good blue collar jobs in the Hunter, Central Queensland, Northern Tasmania, Western Australia and Victoria.

“We know that Peter Dutton’s risky nuclear reactor plan requires the closure of Australian electricity-intensive manufacturing like aluminium refining.

“The biggest risk to aluminium and regional manufacturing is Peter Dutton’s Liberals.”

New Future Industries Facility for Newcastle

A $20.7 million investment for the Future Industries Facility in Newcastle will further establish the city as a hub for innovation.

The Albanese Government has today announced the University of Newcastle is a successful recipient under its regional Precincts and Partnerships program to construct two industrial scale spaces for technology innovation.

The facility will enable the university to provide a problem-solving centre for community and small businesses at a purpose-built innovation facility within its Next Gen Precinct.

It will accommodate up to 16 academic-industry partnerships for rapid technology co-development from research to market across the energy, resources and manufacturing sectors, and the net zero economy.

Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training and productivity solutions, the facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

It will also provide students the experience of working on prototyping products for manufacture, and give small to medium sized enterprises the ability to collocate and test technology.

This project showcases the Government’s commitment to listening to and working with local communities and addressing regional needs.

It is funded through the Albanese Government’s regional Precincts and Partnership Program, which is investing $47.9 million to support the transformation of seven precincts across New South Wales.  

The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program is providing investment to transform regional, rural and remote places. For more information, visit: Regional Australia.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government is building Australia’s future, today announcing we will deliver more than $20.7 million for the Future Industries Facility at the University of Newcastle.

“This project will boost education, employment and training opportunities for Newcastle and the surrounding region.”

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

“The Future Industries Facility will build on Newcastles vital role as an industrial powerhouse and source of skilled workers.

“Our investment will train the next generation in the latest practices in energy, resources and manufacturing, preparing them for a net-zero future.”

Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon:

“The Albanese Labor Government is supporting our city with this new facility set to bolster the University of Newcastle.

“Focusing on accelerating resource sustainability, workforce training, and productivity, the Future Industries Facility will contribute an estimated 740 direct and indirect jobs.

“This investment will secure a bright future for our region, strengthening partnerships between the university and local industry, and equipping graduates with the latest skills and practices, as we prepare for the net zero economy.”

One million safe drivers rewarded with a demerit point removed

One million drivers who remained offence-free on the road over the past 12 months are being rewarded for their contribution to safety with a demerit point scrubbed from their licence.

 

The results of the second year of the Government’s demerit point return scheme show drivers in car-reliant areas of Western Sydney and regional NSW are the biggest beneficiaries this year.

The scheme provides a rare ‘carrot’ for people to drive safely as a counterbalance to the longstanding ‘stick’ of fines, double demerits and the loss of licence.

 

Almost 1.5 million drivers were eligible to have a demerit point removed when the second year of the trial started on January 17, with just over one million drivers (1,003,610) remaining offence-free. 

There are now more than 420,000 drivers who have had a demerit point wiped two years running. Topping the list of suburbs was Blacktown where more than 6000 drivers are getting a point wiped. Castle Hill, Merrylands, Auburn, and Maroubra round out the top five suburbs, each with 4500 or more drivers to benefit. 

Regional drivers were also doing the right thing in great numbers with motorists in Orange, Dubbo, Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour notching up over 16,000 demerit points removed. 

Motorists will begin to see their licence demerit tally updated from the second quarter of 2025. 

As the scheme enters its third year, the NSW Government is making an important adjustment to the end date of the 12-month period which will in future run to 31 January starting in 2026. This means that drivers who are close to benefiting with a point will need to drive safely and offence-free throughout the critical month of January which has in the past been marred by holiday crashes and deaths. 

There are 1,483,926 drivers eligible to benefit if they stay within the rules until 31 January 2026.

 

The NSW Government introduced a range of new road safety measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025. 

They include: 

    – The trial of average speed cameras for light vehicles in 2025

    – Doubling roadside enforcement sites used for mobile speed cameras, with an additional 2,700 new sites where a camera can be deployed. Total enforcement hours will remain the same 

    – Seatbelt enforcement via the state’s existing mobile phone cameras

    – Removing a loophole to force all motorists driving on a foreign licence to convert to a NSW licence within six months 

    – Implementing recommendations from the Demerit Point Integrity Taskforce to stamp out rorting of the system by mainly visiting foreign nationals 

    – Releasing more ratings for bicycle helmets as part of the star rating system 

    – Signing the National Road Safety Data Agreement with the Commonwealth 

The demerit point reward scheme is open to eligible unrestricted and professional licence holders with active demerit points.

Man charged after pursuit; weapons located – Merewether

A man has been charged after an alleged pursuit near Newcastle today.

Just before 2.30pm (Monday 20 January 2025), officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were conducting patrols of the Merewether area when they attempted to stop an Audi allegedly speeding.

When the driver allegedly failed to stop, a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit was soon terminated, due to safety concerns.

A short time later, officers attached to Newcastle City Traffic and Highway Patrol located the vehicle on Wilton Street, Merewether, where it crashed into a brick wall.

The driver, a 23-year-old man, was uninjured and arrested nearby after a short foot pursuit.

During a search of the vehicle and the man, officers allegedly located and seized a knife, a firearm and machete.

He was taken to Newcastle Police Station where he was charged with,

  • police pursuit – not stop – drive dangerously,
  • hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty,
  • acquire etc pistol-subject to firearms prohibition order,
  • possess unregistered unauthorised pistol in public place,
  • not keep firearm safely – pistol,
  • not stop at stop line (intersection with no lights),
  • possess or use a prohibited weapon without permit,
  • use prohibited weapon contrary to prohibition order,
  • custody of knife in public place, and
  • carry cutting weapon upon apprehension.

He was bail refused to appear before Newcastle Local Court tomorrow (Tuesday 21 January 2025).

$1 billion to build critical Western Sydney infrastructure

Today the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are taking another important step in building Australia’s future, announcing $1 billion to better connect Western Sydney to the word.

Jointly funded by both governments, the project will upgrade Fifteenth Avenue to create a critical transit corridor from Liverpool to the new Western Sydney International Airport.

Over 22,000 vehicles per day travel along the congested two-lane Fifteenth Avenue, with around 8 per cent of those being trucks. Liverpool City Council predicts a significant increase in housing in the areas immediately around Fifteenth Avenue, which could see as many as 63,000 additional people living there by 2041.

Fifteenth Avenue will connect the new Bradfield city centre, the new Metro, and the airport, enabling multi-modal travel including fast and easy public transport along the route.

It will also unlock jobs and housing in key growth areas and provide better access to education and opportunities for Sydney’s growing west.

Western Sydney is the fastest growing region of New South Wales, and this funding is part of both governments’ ongoing investment in the future of the region. This adds to existing major investments in Western Sydney, including the $10.4 billion Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport, $2 billion M12 Motorway, $1 billion Mamre Road Stage 2 Upgrade and $800 million Elizabeth Drive – Priority Sections Upgrade.  

The Australian and NSW governments are each committing $500 million to this project.

The Australian Government is investing nearly $18 billion towards transport infrastructure projects in Western Sydney. 

For more information on projects funded under the Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au. 

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“My Government wants Western Sydney to be a gateway to the rest of the world.

“We want it to thrive as the engine room for jobs, economic growth and opportunity.

“This half a billion dollars’ worth of new funding from the Australian Government is part of our commitment to delivering more resilient infrastructure for all Australians.”

Premier of NSW Chris Minns:

“This critical investment is a game changer for Western Sydney that will connect thousands of jobs at Western Sydney Airport and the Aerotropolis with Liverpool.

“We promised to deliver fifteenth avenue and I’m very proud that together with the Albanese Federal Government – we are delivering this project.

“The Aerotropolis has the opportunity to transform Western Sydney and this road link is critical to delivering the jobs of the future in Australia’s fastest growing region.

“Without this critical road we couldn’t deliver the growth and jobs the Aerotropolis has the potential to deliver.”

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

“We’re connecting Sydney to Western Sydney, and Western Sydney to the world, by investing in infrastructure that will boost jobs, unlock housing, and shape the way we live. 

“From Liverpool to Parramatta, Bankstown to Cabramatta, we’re not just building roads, we’re building Australia’s future.”

NSW Deputy Premier Prue Car:

“Together with the Commonwealth Government, the Minns Labor Government is committed to building better communities in Western Sydney and connecting our local community.

“We are investing in the suburbs where the former Liberal National government allowed development to occur but failed to deliver essential roads and infrastructure.

“We are ensuring the necessary investments to improve access to the new airport, which is a key part of Western Sydney’s economic future.”

NSW Minister for Roads John Graham:

“The jobs and investment being brought by Western Sydney Airport will be squandered if Fifteenth Avenue remains a two-lane road from a time gone by.

“With this substantial investment in the road infrastructure of Western Sydney we are building a highway to economic opportunity.”

Member for Werriwa, Anne Stanley:

“I have been advocating for an upgrade of 15th Avenue for more than 15 years from the time that Austral Housing developments were approved by Liverpool Council and the NSW government.

“Now with the opening of the Western Sydney Airport less than 2 years away, it has taken a Federal and State Labor Government working together to deliver the much needed upgrade.

“More than 10 years of Liberal governments did not recognise how important this upgrade was, and it has meant that residents have been putting up with long delays in traffic jams because development has far outstripped the road network upgrades.”

Regional NSW community to have a say on proposed coach timetable

The regional NSW community is invited to have a say on proposed NSW TrainLink coach timetable changes that are due to come into effect in mid-2026 to better meet the needs of the travelling public.

NSW TrainLink is the state’s long distance regional public transport provider.

Its coach network services an area including the state’s north coast, north west, western NSW and southern NSW, connecting communities and providing links to rail services and larger centres.  

The proposed changes to NSW TrainLink coach services include adjusted timetables to meet passenger needs, new routes, additional services on some existing routes, new stops to improve local access and connections to rail and reduced travel times.

The planned changes are based on extensive community and stakeholder feedback from a range of sources including regular customer and operator feedback, and the NSW Bus Taskforce. The proposed coach timetable would not impact train times or services. 

Following public consultation, a final service plan will be developed and coach operators will be able to apply for new NSW TrainLink contracts that are proposed to take effect from mid 2026. 

Community members can find details of the proposed routes and provide feedback at haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/trainlink-coach-network-review until Friday, 14 February. 

Across the NSW TrainLink network there are currently 571 coach services each week across 39 routes, with over 420,000 passenger journeys made each year.  

Man charged with attempted murder over assault, hit-run crash – Cardiff

A man will face court today over an alleged assault and hit and run crash in the Lake Macquarie region on Friday.

About 1.20am Friday (17 January 2025), emergency services were called to Harrison Street, Cardiff, following reports a man had been located injured.

On arrival, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District located a 36-year-old man injured on the roadway.

He was treated at the scene by NSW Ambulance paramedics before being taken to John Hunter Hospital, where he remains.

Initial inquiries suggested the man was struck by a vehicle, which failed to stop.

Police established a crime scene and commenced enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, with the assistance of specialist officers attached to the Crash Investigation Unit.

Following enquiries, police located the vehicle believed to have been involved in the incident on Devon Street, Wallsend. It was seized for forensic examination.

A 24-year-old man was also arrested at the location and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with attempt murder, dangerous driving occasioning grievous bodily harm – drive manner dangerous, fail to stop and assist after vehicle impact causing grievous bodily harm, proceed through red traffic light (not toll booth), drive motor vehicle while licence suspended and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court today (Sunday 19 January 2025).

Police will allege in court the younger man assaulted the older man before striking him with a vehicle and leaving the scene.