Category: NSW News

The long wait is nearly over for train passengers in the Blue Mountains, with new intercity Mariyung trains to begin serving the line within a fortnight.

The Mariyung is the first new intercity train to hit the tracks in two decades and is expected to improve reliability for passengers on the Blue Mountains Line while also providing a smoother ride for passengers at Western Sydney centres like Penrith, Blacktown and Parramatta.

The first Mariyung passenger service is scheduled for Monday 13 October leaving Lithgow Station at 6.24am and stopping at most stations along the Blue Mountains Line including Leura, Katoomba, Blackheath and Springwood, on its way to Central Station.

The botched introduction of the Mariyung under the former Liberal-National government took five years longer than planned, with a range of modifications needed to the trains, platforms and tunnels. 

The Mariyung, which began on the Central Coast and Newcastle line last December, offer more spacious and comfortable two-by-two seating with arm rests, a much quieter journey with modern air-conditioning and modern heating, dedicated spaces for luggage, prams, bicycles and wheelchairs, as well as enhanced safety and improved accessibility. 

The improvements include tray tables, high seat backs and charging ports for mobile devices,on-board digital information screens are easier to read, and CCTV throughout the new trains will enhance the safety and security of passengers and staff and help deter anti-social and criminal activity. 

The introduction of the Mariyung allows for the gradual retirement of the V-sets that have been on the tracks since the 1970s and have become a magnet for vandals and graffiti. The Mariyung has closed-circuit television systems throughout to deter anti-social behaviour.

The Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator (ONRSR) has signed off on the introductio to the Blue Mountains Line.  

The fleet will be rolled out on the South Coast Line in 2026. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said: 

“It has been well-documented just how long these trains spent off the rails under the former government but we are confident of seeing an improvement in reliability compared to the 50 year-old V-sets.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“We are delivering the first Mariyung passenger service on the Blue Mountains, which is exciting for train travellers in the region as far as Lithgow and all through the Mountains. 

“These trains will change the game in terms of comfort on the longer journeys between Sydney and the Mountains, with improved accessibility and increased safety and security.”

Member for Blue Moutains Trish Doyle said:

“The Blue Mountains community have long awaited the introduction of the Mariyung train and are excited to experience many of the features on offer! 

“I’m looking forward to joining commuters, particularly one very keen local, Ed – who uses a wheelchair, on the Fleet’s first passenger service along the Blue Mountains line.”

“I thank commuters for their patience and also the railway workers who insisted on safety measures being addressed before the train entered service.” 

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown OAM said:

“For Penrith residents who use the Blue Mountains train services—whether it’s for work, study, or visiting family—the new Mariyung trains will make a real difference. These modern trains will deliver a much more comfortable, convenient, and connected experience for our commuters.

“These trains include dedicated spaces for wheelchairs, accessible toilets, and easier boarding—so people of all abilities in Penrith can travel with confidence and independence.”

Member for Blacktown, Stephen Bali said:

“The upgraded intercity fleet are about to pull into Blacktown Station for express services east to Sydney and west the Blue Mountains”

“Rail commuters in Blacktown will soon have access to the state-of-the-art Mariyung intercity trains with their improved accessibility, safety, and amenities”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“Thousands of passengers travelling between the Blue Mountains and Parramatta everyday will soon experience the comfort of the new Mariyung fleet.  These trains will provide a much-needed upgrade in quality and comfort for passengers.

“If you are in the Mountains, make your way to Parramatta on the new Mariyung. The amazing food and culture of Parramatta is just a train ride away.”

The Minns Labor Government is delivering on its commitment to build a better NSW, with a game-changing $37.5 million investment to transform more than 470 kilometres of state-managed roads across the regions.

Forming part of the government’s focus to improve the safety, resilience and reliability of NSW roads, Transport for NSW is now undertaking a 10-month spray sealing program.

The initiative is targeting more than 20 state road corridors from Broken Hill to Byron Bay and as far south as Eden.

The advanced technology applies a protective layer of hot bitumen and aggregate that waterproofs roads against heavy rain damage while providing superior grip in all weather conditions – extending road life by up to 10 years.

This investment builds on the Minns Government’s already announced $155 million pothole and road repair blitz on state roads across regional NSW, demonstrating the Government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring communities in the regions get their fair share of infrastructure investment.

The comprehensive spray sealing program, which kicked off this month will run through June 2026, delivering smoother surfaces for the thousands of motorists who rely on these vital regional arteries every day.

As well as providing smoother journeys, the program is boosting safety on some of NSW’s most critical regional routes, including:

• Western NSW ($25 million): More than 300 kilometres including Gwydir Highway, Kamilaroi Highway, Carnarvon Highway, Newell Highway, Oxley Highway, Castlereagh Highway, Mitchell Highway, Golden Highway , Mendooran Road, plus Barrier and Silver City highways (works from September 2025 to June 2026)
• Southern NSW ($8.38 million): Nearly 100 kilometres including Snowy Mountains Highway, Princes Highway, Moss Vale Road, Kosciuszko Road, Hume Highway, Illawarra Highway, Federal Highway, Appin Road and Monaro Highway (works from October 2025 to April 2026)
• Northern NSW ($4.5 million): Over 70 kilometres including New England Highway, Gwydir Highway, and Bruxner Highway (works from October 2025 to March 2026)

Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job of building better communities right across NSW.

“This is Labor delivering on our promise to leave no community behind. These aren’t just roads – they’re lifelines connecting our regional communities to jobs, healthcare, education and each other.

“Our freight operators, farmers, tourism industries, local businesses and communities depend on these corridors every single day. This investment shows the Minns Government understands that strong regional roads mean strong regional communities.

“Work is already underway with crews having started repairs on more than 45 kilometres around Broken Hill in September.

“This smart investment in spray sealing prevents costly road reconstruction while delivering safer, more reliable travel for regional families. From the Barrier Highway to the New England Highway, we’re ensuring our rural and regional communities get the road infrastructure they deserve.”

NRMA spokesperson Peter Khoury said:

“The NRMA welcomes this important funding commitment to improve the safety of regional highways.

“We particularly welcome the use of new technology which the NRMA has previously called for as it will build safer and more resilient roads.”

More than 40 new correctional officers will graduate today at Junee Correctional Centre’s first attestation ceremony since returning to public hands.

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong will attend the Ceremony today to celebrate the cohort’s achievement and unveil a plaque to mark the Centre’s transition back to Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) on 1 April 2025. 

This marks the first time the Centre has been operated by the public sector since it opened in 1993. 

This move has meant better pay and conditions for our frontline staff, but also a better value service for NSW taxpayers. 

CSNSW has worked hard to secure partnerships with local organisations since April. 

These partnerships play an important role in giving back to the local community as well as providing support for grounds maintenance at the facility and other volunteering activities, including a continued partnership with Meals on Wheels. 

Other skills-based training and rehabilitative opportunities for inmates, including the Junee Correctional Centre bakery, will expand their operations to all correctional centre facilities in NSW’s southern region.  

The success of Junee Correctional Centre’s transition to public operations has provided an important blueprint as CSNSW begins the transition of Parklea Correctional Centre from next year.  

Minister for Corrections Anoulack Chanthivong said: 

“Today’s ceremony marks not only the completion of training for our new correctional officers, but the beginning of a lifelong commitment of service and responsibility to keep our community safe.  

“We also take this opportunity to celebrate the success of the transition of Junee Correctional Centre to public ownership.  

“By delivering on its promise to transition Junee back into public hands, the Minns Labor Government is helping to secure jobs for the local community, improve outcomes for workers, and, most importantly, ensure the safety of the community.”  

Corrective Services NSW Commissioner Gary McCahon PSM said: 

“Correctional officers stand on the frontline of justice, holding the keys to community safety and positive change.  

“We welcome our latest recruits, as they step into their role with courage and commitment, ready to make a lasting impact on the safety and future of our communities.” 

Junee Correctional Centre Governor Troy Seychelles said: 

“Junee Correctional Centre has had a proud history of supporting the local community, and we’re looking forward to finding more opportunities to support the Junee township.  

“The centre will also continue to provide work, education, programs and training opportunities to inmates, with a goal of reducing their risk of reoffending. 

“We’re also looking forward to maintaining valuable relationships with the local community partners and the Junee Shire Council.”   

The Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver an election commitment to employ an extra 1,000 apprentices and trainees in NSW government departments with applications for the final round of positions now open.

Funding for 432 additional roles across 73 agencies has been approved with positions for 215 apprenticeship roles and 217 trainees across the state, taking the total jobs offered under the program above the original 1,000 target.

The $93.5 million program has been an overwhelming success with 651 apprentices and trainees placed in roles over the last two years with an almost-even split between regional and metropolitan locations and a 94 per cent retention rate.

Importantly there has been a 94 per cent retention rate of apprentices and trainees funded under the program.

Through the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprenticeships and Trainees Program, Trainees are also breaking gender stereotypes, by working in non-traditional roles. Morgan Johnson and Summer Crealy are two trainees working at the Port Authority of NSW, a male dominated industry, with women making up just 5 per cent of the seafarer workforce and 3 per cent of the shore-based maritime workforce, according to the 2020 Maritime Industry Australia Diversity Census.

Agencies offering positions in the third and final round include: National Parks and Wildlife Service, Art Gallery of NSW, NSW Police, NSW Port Authority, Transport for NSW, Sydney Trains, Essential Energy and NSW Health.

The success of the program is just one initiative by the NSW Government to open opportunities for young people in public service and to upskill the state’s workforce.

Other initiatives include:

• 1,000 apprentices to be trained each year in the new Manufacturing Centres of Excellence
• The Fresh Start for Local Government Apprentices, Trainees and Cadets Grants Program injecting $252.2 million to employ new starters over the next six years

The positions will be advertised on 1000 A&T webpage, I work for NSW and generic job search engines.

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

“I am proud to see our election commitment fulfilled with the latest round under the 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program taking us beyond our target.

“Not only does this program show the Minns Labor Government ‘walking the talk’ in offering young people opportunities, it is also ensuring we have a pipeline of skilled workers to continue delivery of essential public services.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Morgan Johnson said:

“The 1,000 Apprentices and Traineeships Program is breaking down barriers to entry by intentionally creating space for women to confidently step into traditionally male-dominated industries they’re passionate about.”

“The Port Officer Traineeship Program is allowing me to gain new qualifications and learn from true professionals while exposing me to possible career paths that I never even knew existed.”

Port Authority of NSW Trainee Summer Crealy said:

“I’d spent time working in harbour charter services and boat rental businesses, but finding a clear path to advance my skills was difficult, until I discovered the female traineeship program.”

“Living in a regional area like the South Coast makes it challenging to access the kind of industry experience needed to grow a maritime career.”

“When I heard about the program, I jumped at the opportunity to pursue structured training with unique industry experiences and build those connections within the industry at Port Kembla.”

The success of the program is just one initiative of the NSW Government to open opportunities to young people and rebuild the State’s skilled workforce.

Botanic Gardens of Sydney Trainee Gretta Mountford said:

“I always loved the environment, but I didn’t actually know much about plants.

“I came across this apprenticeship on social media, and it just clicked. I wanted to work outdoors, be hands-on and develop skills that aligned with my interests. The 1,000 NSW Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Program made that possible.”

High-risk domestic violence offenders will be targeted by a new civil protection scheme in effect from today.

The Serious Domestic Abuse Prevention Order (SDAPO) scheme allows courts to impose any conditions considered necessary to prevent domestic abuse perpetrators from using violence.

It’s modelled on a scheme to combat organised crime and aims to keep relatives, children, and former, current or potential intimate partners of high-risk offenders safe from abuse and harm.

SDAPOs can last for up to five years and require the person who has the order imposed on them to report to a police station at a particular time, notify police when commencing an intimate partner relationship or of any dating profiles they create or use.

People who breach these orders face up to five years’ imprisonment and/or a $33,000 fine.

These orders can be sought when:

• Someone has been convicted of two or more domestic violence offences with a maximum penalty of at least seven years imprisonment; or
• They have been charged with a ‘serious domestic violence’ offence against a relative or a current or former intimate partner. This applies whether the person has been tried, acquitted, or had their conviction quashed or set aside.
   

The NSW Government is investing $9.3 million to implement the SDAPO scheme created as part of amendments to the Crimes (Domestic and Personal Violence) Act 2007 last year. It builds on the reforms we’ve made to build a safer NSW:

• Making it than ever for alleged domestic violence offenders to get bail and introducing electronic monitoring for those who are bailed, overseen by Corrective Services NSW.
• Bringing in tougher penalties for serious, repeat breaches of Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.
   

Attorney General Michael Daley said: 

“Domestic violence offenders are among the state’s most dangerous criminals.

“These tough protection orders provide the strictest possible monitoring and supervision to help keep victim survivors safe from abuse and harm.

“The NSW Government is giving police and the courts every tool possible to hold these perpetrators to account and prevent further offending.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“Addressing domestic and family violence requires a whole-of-government and whole-of-community response.

“These new protection orders give police and the courts stronger powers to keep a close watch on the state’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders.

“We make no apologies for holding domestic violence offenders to account. These reforms are about protecting victim-survivors, preventing further harm and building a safer New South Wales.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said:

“This new civil protection order scheme will put serious domestic and family violence offenders under strict monitoring and supervision.

“It’s another crucial element of our work to build a safer News South Wales and support women and children towards a life free from violence and the fear of violence.

“We’re continuing to strengthen protections for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence and hold perpetrators to account.”

The NSW Government has taken decisive action to address community concerns about water security in Western NSW, by reviewing the designs of fishways so they have no impact on local weir heights.

The $56.8 million Fish Passage: Reconnecting the Northern Basin Project aims to improve native fish migration and boost river health, supporting a 70 GL reduction in water recovery targets in the Northern Basin under the Basin Plan.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building a better NSW with safer and more secure water supply, and acknowledges the communities of Louth, Tilpa, Walgett, and Collarenebri are strongly opposed to any reduction in their local weir heights.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has been working closely with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development – Fisheries to finalise a new design for the fishways.

The new design includes a small capping sill across part of the weir crests that will allow the fishways to operate effectively and maintain the current full supply level.

The work will not just install fishways, it will fix the leaks in the weirs to bring water loss down.

This solution enables native fish to migrate and breed, while also safeguarding local water supplies and meeting the needs of local communities.

Technical investigations will be undertaken to confirm this approach and drop-in community sessions to discuss the updated designs will be held in late October 2025, with exact dates and details to be confirmed soon at this website.

The project is funded under the Australian Government’s Northern Basin Toolkit: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/water/policy/mdb/northernbasin/northern-basin-toolkit

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“This is a great example of why getting boots on the ground and taking time to have conversations directly with locals is a critical part of the decision-making process.

“I have attended dozens of meetings with stakeholders to listen and understand the different perspectives. While residents understand the need to improve native fish movement, they have been abundantly clear that it cannot be at the expense of their town water storage.

“That’s why I have stepped in to get this issue sorted. It’s great that we’ve been able to find a potential compromise that suits all parties without reducing the weir height at all and still delivering the fish passage we need.

“While we’ll still need to do the regular checks and balances, we believe we’ve found the answer and we’re looking forward to returning to the community in the coming weeks with this design.”

Member for Barwon Roy Butler said:

“I’d like to thank Minister Rose Jackson and Federal Minister Murray Watt for hearing the concerns of these communities.

“It’s still fresh in our minds how devastating the drought in 2018 was and it’s understandable these communities were opposed to any reduction in the capacity of the weir pool.

“This new proposal allows for a very important passage of fish but also acknowledges community concerns about water security.”

Planning for the future use of more than 500 blocks of flood buyback properties is underway thanks to a partnership between the Minns Labor Government and Lismore City Council.

Since devastating floods hit Lismore in 2022, the NSW Reconstruction Authority has voluntarily purchased properties at the highest risk of repeated flooding, protecting households and reducing long-term disaster risk.

This amounts to 50 hectares of land in the city that can now be repurposed, with Council and the community having a direct say in its future. 

While the land can no longer be used for housing, a risk-based approach will be used to determine future uses that are compatible with flooding. Planning will consider how the space connects with surrounding areas, supports community needs and complements the CBD and local economy. Making sure that any future use will not increase flooding risks for neighbouring properties is also critical. 

Lismore Centre will be the first precinct plan to be developed from early 2026, followed by North Lismore, South Lismore and East Lismore.

Expressions of interest for planners, engineers and other experts to work on this project will open soon.

Community members will be invited to have their say through a mix of in-person and online engagement opportunities throughout 2026. Details about the timing and format of consultation will be announced later this year.

For more information and to keep up to date go to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/nsw-reconstruction-authority/our-work/resilient-homes-program/home-buybacks/future-buyback-land-use

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is the start of another important journey for Lismore, one more positive step towards a safer and more resilient future.

“The Home Buyback Program has given certainty to hundreds of families and reduced the risk of repeat flooding impacts on residents in some of the most vulnerable areas of Lismore.

“Now we have an opportunity to reimagine this land, creating beautiful neighbourhoods that build community connectiveness and resilience as well as support and grow the local economy.

“Planning for the future use of this land must be carefully and sensitively managed, and the voices of the whole community — those who live, work and own businesses there – will be central to the process.”

Executive Director Reconstruction Graham Kennett said:  

“The buyback program has provided long-term security for more than 500 Lismore households impacted by the 2022 floods. This next stage is about working together with the community to create a shared vision for land that can no longer be residential but can still deliver lasting benefits for the city.

“This is about building a safer, more resilient Lismore for the long term. By carefully planning each precinct and involving the community, we can create spaces that enhance connectivity, provide amenity and support local economic activity.”

“We will be taking a similar approach with other areas of the Northern Rivers working collaboratively with Councils and communities to plan for the use of buyback land.”

Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg said:

“The Lismore Precinct Plan is a crucial milestone in the recovery of our city and our community as we build in resilience to future weather events.

“Lismore City Council has partnered with the State Government to reimagine Lismore’s future following the buyback program and ensure the views of the community inform that vision.

“It’s about setting Lismore up for the future as a great place to work, invest and raise a family.”

The Minns Labor Government has announced the successful recipients of Round 7 of the Prevention Research Support Program (PRSP), with $12 million in funding awarded to three research groups.

The funding will support the formation of new research streams, or groups of organisations who will collaborate and focus on three key priority areas.

This investment will build the State’s research capacity and will enable the translation of evidence from research into policy and practice to improve health outcomes.

The research will focus on three key priority areas:

Stream 1: Preventive health – Obesity, diabetes and physical activity.

Led by Professor Philayrath Phongsavan from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on embedding a population health and preventive care approach to obesity and diabetes prevention and management. It will also focus on primary and secondary prevention approaches for adults and children to increase physical activity.

Stream 2: Infectious disease capability, preparedness and response.

Led by Dr Jen Kok, Centre for Infectious Disease and Microbiology – Public Health at Western Sydney Local Health District, the stream will focus on resilient surveillance for respiratory viruses with human pandemic or epidemic potential.

Stream 3: Maternity and the first 2000 days.

Led by Professor Dharmintra Pasupathy from the University of Sydney, the stream will focus on preventive care, management of alcohol and substance use, and service interventions to prevent the primary causes of low birth weight.

Round 7 grants will run from July 2026 to June 2030, with $4 million allocated to each of the research groups over the four-year period.

Each funded stream includes a range of academic organisations and partners who will work closely with NSW Health organisations and other health services in NSW, bringing together a breadth of expertise to ensure research is translated into policy and practice.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“We are investing in research to improve preventative healthcare, helping keep people healthy and out of hospital.”

“These grants bring together some of our best and brightest minds from across more than 20 academic, policy, health service and community organisations to help translate research into practice to improve health outcomes and reduce inequities.”

Minister for Research David Harris:

“By bringing together researchers from a diverse range of expertise, this program will help foster the knowledge and evidence needed to influence both policy and practice.

“We are proud to be investing in research in these prevention priority areas, which will improve system and community outcomes in NSW.”

The Minns Labor Government has doubled down on shutting the successful Business Connect program tomorrow, one day before Small Business Month begins this week. 
 
Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey will spend Small Business Month claiming to celebrate enterprise, spinning out token announcements and blaming everyone but themselves, when the truth is they shut down the one program that delivered real help. 
 
 Business Connect has delivered free, expert advice to more than 60,000 small businesses, supported over 40,000 jobs and returned $1.50 for every $1 invested. In one survey 96% of participants reported satisfaction and 98% said they would recommend the program. 
  
Forecasting shows that if Business Connect had continued, more than 13,500 small businesses a year would have been supported by 2032, with each year almost 7,000 full time jobs backed and more than $5 million in net economic benefit delivered. 
  
Instead of backing small business, Chris Minns, Janelle Saffin and Daniel Mookhey have axed a program with a proven record of growth and survival. At the very time Business Connect ends, according to the latest Business NSW Business Conditions Survey data shows: 
  
97% of businesses are struggling with productivity 
65% are hit by rising costs 
42% face skills shortages 
41% are weighed down by red tape 
  
NSW is now the worst state in the country for business insolvencies, both in total and per head. In 2024-25 a record 7,643 businesses were forced into insolvency – a 26% rise in just one year.
 
NSW Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said small business is the backbone of our economy.
 
“Axing Business Connect the day before Small Business Month insults every mum, dad and young person giving it a go. The Premier found $7.9 million for a political deal for a new taxpayer-funded gun lobby advocacy body, but nothing for small business.” Mr Speakman said.
  
Shadow Treasurer, Damien Tudehope said Business Connect returned more than it cost. For every $1.00 invested, it delivered $1.50 back.
 
“At a time when insolvencies are at record highs, this is exactly the wrong program to axe,” Mr Tudehope said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Small Business, Tim James said Business Connect is practical, personal and proven.
 
“It gives small business owners real advice on planning, finance and resilience. Instead of standing with the people who keep our communities going, Labor has axed a lifeline and left families to fend for themselves,” Mr James said.  
  
Shadow Minister for Jobs, Industry, Innovation, Science and Technology, Mark Coure said from start-ups to advanced manufacturing, every thriving industry relies on programs like Business Connect.
 
“Labor has cut jobs, cut growth and chosen politics over people,” Mr Coure said.  
  
The closure comes as the majority of Business Connect clients were micro businesses with fewer than four employees and 60% were women, most seeking advice on business planning, marketing and starting up. 
  
Even in September alone, Business Connect ran practical events across the state, from tender readiness workshops for start-ups, to Aboriginal business procurement for government pitches seminars in the Hunter, to small business planning sessions in Western Sydney and digital marketing workshops for creative professionals. All of that ends on the eve of Small Business Month. 
  
Instead of supporting small business, the Minns Labor Government has found $7.9 million for a deal with the Shooters Party to set up a new gun lobby dominated Conservation Hunting Authority that will be required to promote hunting regardless of evidence.