16 News

Cricket is on the bounce back to Sydney and cricket fans have won the toss, with integrated ticketing being included with Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) games.

Ensuring the full wicket of Men’s and Women’s Big Bash League games are covered with integrated ticketing will make it even easier for spectators to make the most of the season ahead.

The Women’s Big Bash League kicks off in Sydney on Tuesday October 29, with the Sixers taking on the Adelaide Strikers at North Sydney Oval. The men will start on December 16 with the Sixers facing the Melbourne Renegades at the SCG.

Fans with tickets to attend the five WBBL games at North Sydney Oval will be able to make the most of Sydney’s new Metro, with Victoria Cross Station on the Metro just 350 metres from the Oval’s main entrance. Connecting train and light rail are also included for those heading to the game, with North Sydney station also close-by. 

For Men’s and Women’s matches at the SCG, ticketholders will be able to access all public transport to get to and from the venue.

The inclusion of public transport options extends to all valid pre-purchased tickets at the two grounds, event goers simply need to show their event ticket to transport staff when passing through the opal gates.

Tickets to finals games played at both the SCG and North Sydney Oval will have the same respective public transport options included.

Remember to keep your event ticket safe for your return journey. Your match ticket is valid on the services listed above until 4am the following day. 

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“The game of the summer is back, and I’m delighted to celebrate the start of The Big Bash leagues by making public transport free for anyone attending either a Women’s or Men’s Sydney Sixers game at the SCG or North Sydney Oval.

“Last season 95,000 spectators attended Women’s Big Bash, an 55% increase on the year before.

“Integrated ticketing has been part of Sydney’s sport offering since the Olympics, ensuring people have that little extra incentive to leave the car at home and jump on public transport.

“With the cost of transport now included with your WBBL ticket, it’ll now be even easier for people to make the most of another exciting season.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Nothing beats the action and excitement of a good game of Big Bash cricket on a beautiful summer evening.

“Cricket Australia have launched a welcome plan to get 100,000 girls aged 5-12 playing cricket by 2034, and 600,000 attendees a year filling the stands at Women’s cricket matches.

“We’re doing our bit to help out by providing free public transport to all Big Bash League attendees, whether it be the Men’s or the Women’s league.”

Sydney Sixers General Manager, Rachael Haynes said the inclusion is a huge win for Sixers fans.

“As a club, we want to ensure that our fans have the best possible experience at each of our match days. That extends from their experience at the ground, to each interaction they have with our playing group, through to their travel to and from the venue.  

“Ensuring that our members and fans can travel safely and conveniently to and from our matches remains a top priority for our club, and we’re looking forward to seeing as many of them as possible at our home games this season.”

Central West homeowners impacted by the 2022 floods are invited to apply to rebuild, repair, relocate, raise or buyback homes thanks to the $40 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The program has been developed after intensive community consultation and in partnership with the Central West Community Leaders Forum. It is part of the broader $100 million Central West Recovery and Resilience package, jointly funded by both governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Residents who meet eligibility criteria and are prioritised for inclusion in the program will be offered a home buyback or a grant towards improving the resilience of their home through measures such as relocating, raising, rebuilding or retrofitting.

Building on lessons learned in the Northern Rivers, the program will take individual circumstances into account, with priority given to those facing additional barriers and challenges that could increase their vulnerability or risk in future flooding events.

Eligible homeowners will also be provided with free home assessments and advice on the steps they can take to improve the resilience of their homes, which can help reduce the time and cost involved in recovering from future flood events and mean that people can get back into their homes sooner.

The Program has three streams that include:

• HomeBuybacks – for homes in areas of very high flood risk, where properties may be eligible for voluntary purchase.
• Resilient Measures – grant funding of between $50,000 and $100,000 to eligible homeowners to assist with raising liveable areas of their home, relocating their home, rebuilding a more resilient home or retrofitting their home with more resilient materials and innovative design features. Additional funding through a co-contribution option may also be available if the costs of works exceed the grant funding.
• FreeHome Assessments – a flood resilience expert will help identify opportunities to increase the resilience of a home and provide advice to the home owner.

Eligibility for the program is informed by flood maps that identify future flood risk in each LGA. These are based on flood studies, updated data and input from technical experts, in consultation with councils, SES and others.

Both the eligibility criteria and consideration of individual circumstances will be used to determine whether households are prioritised for assistance under the Program, and to ensure that support is directed to those whose needs are greatest.

The Program covers the Local Government Areas of Cabonne, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes. Homeowners in Euabalong in Cobar may also be eligible.

For more information visit the NSW Reconstruction Authority website, with applications opening on Monday 28 October via an online form at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram

Homeowners can also visit one of the locations listed on the website to get support with their application.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said:

“We want to make sure that Central West communities are more resilient the next time they face a disaster of this scale. This program has been co-designed with the community, to help residents rebuild, repair or relocate.”

“The development of this program has really been driven by the local community and I want to thank them for working so collaboratively with both our Government and the Minns Government.”

“This is the next step in making sure the Central West is better prepared for future flood events. I encourage eligible homeowners to apply for this funding so we can minimise the impacts on homes and families going forward.”

NSW Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said:

“We’ve designed this program with the community in mind following time I have spent in the region and time spent working with community leaders which is why it offers a range of options to reduce the impact on homes in higher risk locations, if disaster strikes again.”

“As we near the second anniversary of the 2022 flood event, this is a major step forward to building back communities to be stronger than before.”

“I encourage residents impacted by the 2022 floods who may be eligible to apply for assistance under the Central West Resilient Homes Program.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“During my visits to the region I could see the importance of implementing this program to better protect the community against future floods and that is why the Minns Labor Government has made this a priority.”

“I’d like to thank everyone who has shared their story and their insights which have helped shape a locally driven program which will reshape these communities.”

“This program will help communities better prepare for future disasters and we want to encourage homeowners to apply.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“These are important and welcome measures for our flood impacted communities of the Central West. Buybacks will help more vulnerable people to relocate from high risk flood areas, while the grants will allow people to stay in the communities they love in safer, more resilient homes.”

“Free professional advice and home assessments are also essential so people can make informed decisions that best suit their personal circumstances.”

“I commend the NSW and Commonwealth Government for responding to the needs of the community and extending this vital support.”

Member for Orange Phil Donato said:

“This program will provide eligible homeowners with the support they need to make their homes more resilient as they continue to rebuild their lives.”

“This will help people to be better able to withstand future flooding and will mean communities can stay together.”

“We also want to reassure anyone applying that we are here to help and will be providing you with the support you need to participate in this program.”

A pathway to legalising e-scooters and fostering safer use of other micro-mobility devices is spelled out in a new E-micromobility Action Plan released by the NSW Government.

The Action Plan recognises a regulatory blind spot that means e-scooters can be purchased in stores, but can’t be ridden on NSW streets.  

The Action Plan will help NSW realise the benefits of increased e-micromobility use, including reducing people’s need to drive short trips and find parking. These devices will also make train stations, jobs, services and retail precincts easier to access, while also responding to issues and community concerns about e-bikes and e-scooters. 

The latest data shows:

• 1 million NSW residents have ridden an e-scooter
• There are around 570,000 e-bikes and 459,000 e-scooters in homes across NSW
• 91% of people who use e-scooters in Australia find it a convenient way to travel
• 34% of e-micromobility trips are replacing car trips in Greater Sydney, 45% in Regional NSW.

The Action Plan includes 58 actions including key activities like:  

• Reviewing how shared e-bikes are operated in local communities.
• Reviewing the road rules in relation to e-micromobility, including exploring options for the legal use of e-scooters on streets and roads
• Delivering more shared e-scooter trials. 

One action, introducing new safety standards regarding the sale of lithium-ion batteries and e-micromobility devices, has already been implemented by NSW Fair Trading. Sellers of devices like e-scooters and e-bikes will soon face penalties of up to $825,000 if they do not meet strict new device standards.

Another action, a pilot for marked, dedicated parking bays for shared e-bikes, is underway at nine train stations around Sydney: Central, Circular Quay, Wynyard, Barangaroo Metro, Newtown, Sydenham, Marrickville and Bondi Junction. The aim of this new parking trial is to make it easier for riders to know where to safely park their e-bike without creating clutter. 

Community engagement on potential changes to rules for e-scooters is ongoing, and NSW has also learnt from our Shared E-scooter Trials and other jurisdictions that have legalised e-scooters. This will help us get the right regulatory framework in place, making future riding of e-scooters on our streets safe for all road users and pedestrians.  

The draft e-scooter rules include the need for riders to always wear an approved bicycle helmet and be at least 16 years old.

An E-micromobility Interagency Group, set up in May 2024 and made up of 15 NSW Government agencies, is coordinating delivery of actions across NSW.

For more information on the potential changes to e-scooter use, see: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-scooter-changes.

For more information on the E-micromobility Action Plan, visit: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/e-micromobility.

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“There are already 1.35 million e-micromobility devices in homes across NSW. Almost 460,0000 of these are e-scooters. But only 22% of people across the state know it’s illegal to ride e-scooters on our roads and streets. 

“It’s a strange regulatory blind spot, and it has to change.    

“E-bikes and e-scooters aren’t without controversy, which is exactly why we’re taking action. It’s clear we need a regulatory framework that will allow people to make the most of this transport option, without compromising on community safety.  

“Allowing people to ride an e-scooter to the shops or nearby train stations will take pressure off our roads and lessen competition for parking. It’s a big win for everyone, we just have a bit more work to do to get the balance right.” 

Tuggerah Station’s accessibility upgrade has marked a significant milestone with newly-installed lifts open to the public today.

The lifts are part of $547.5m 2024-2025 NSW Budget funding over four years to continue to deliver and develop station accessibility upgrade projects around the state, in turn a part of the $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program.

The opening of the lifts, which will provide access to the new footbridge and concourse, will allow for the demolition of the old ramps and pedestrian footbridge.

The lifts are a key milestone in the ongoing $40 million Tuggerah Station upgrade due for completion in mid-2025.

The upgrade will also feature:

• New and extended canopies at station platform
• A family accessible toilet and ambulant toilets
• A widened platform around the entrance and installation of the Boarding Assistance Zone for improved customer accessibility
• Upgraded station entrances, including new and improved footpaths
• New public restrooms
• Revamped station manager’s offices and station entrances
• Fifteen accessible parking spaces in the commuter car park
• Upgraded bus stops and facility for private to pick up and drop off passengers easily with a dedicated drop off zone
• Improvements to CCTV, lighting and wayfinding signage.

Transport for NSW will continue to keep the community informed as the project progresses. 

For more information about the program, visit transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/programs/safe-accessible-transport-program  

Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said:

“Public Transport should be safe and accessible places for everyone. That’s why the NSW Government is investing $800 million in the new Safe Accessible Transport Program, to make sure our public transport is as safe and inclusive as possible for passengers across the state.

“Tuggerah is making exciting progress, and with design and investigations underway, we look forward to seeing Tascott Station upgrades underway next.”

Minister for the Central Coast and MP for Wyong David Harris said:

“This a great day for Central Coast commuters who have been waiting patiently for the Tuggerah Railway Station upgrade.

“The opening of the new lifts will ensure more equitable journeys by improving accessibility and inclusivity for commuters of all abilities and ages, including for babies in prams.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is investing and delivering important upgrades to our regional communities across the state.”

MP for The Entrance David Mehan said: 

“This is a major win for Central Coast commuters because once complete, the upgrade will enhance connectivity between the station and the Tuggerah Precinct and improve the public domain. 

“Rail travellers will enjoy a train station that is safe, inclusive and easy to use for all passengers – especially people with disability, older people, people with prams or luggage and others who might be experiencing mobility problems.

“The community has campaigned long and hard for these lifts and it is good to see this has been delivered by a Labor government.”

Private health insurer HCF has agreed to resume paying the correct room rate when using the public system.

Following ongoing dialogue, the not-for-profit fund has notified the NSW Government of its intention to recommence paying the gazetted single room rate.

The decision from HCF leaves the nation’s three biggest for-profit private insurers, Bupa, NIB and Medibank, continuing to refuse repeated requests to pay their bills in full.

Instead, these private funds are persisting with a public fear campaign threatening premium hikes as their profits rise.

This campaign has been backed by the Liberal Party, which is arguing for ongoing taxpayer subsidy of the private health insurance sector even as people endure a cost-of-living crisis.

In the last financial year, the single room rate in NSW was gazetted at $892.

• NIB only paid $491.  This cost NSW Health $17.6 million per annum.
• Bupa only paid $501.  This cost NSW Health $35.8 million per annum.
• Medibank only paid $515.  This cost NSW Health $33.4 million per annum.

The Minns Labor Government passed legislation last week that mirrors the approach taken by then-Treasurer Mike Baird when the Liberal Party confronted the same issue in 2013.

The NSW Opposition refused to support the reintroduction of this bill, with the Member for Vaucluse instead signalling the Liberals support for private insurers to walk away from their bills with no recourse.

The NSW Government remains open to further dialogue with for-profit private health insurers to resume paying the gazetted single room rate.

Treasurer Daniel Mookhey said:

“HCF has decided to do the right thing and return to paying its fair share in the public health system.

“This is significant progress in our ongoing negotiations with the private health insurers.

“However the three big for-profit private health funds, backed by the Liberal party, are continuing to argue for taxpayer subsidies to their businesses during a cost-of-living crisis.

“This is wrong – they should just pay their bills.”

Health Minister Ryan Park said:

“We commend HCF for doing the right thing and paying their fair share of their use of public hospital beds.

“It should serve as an example to the large for-profit health insurers and the NSW Liberals who are holding out on the people of NSW.

“It is inexplicable that these big health insurers are expecting NSW public hospitals to subsidise their record profits.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to ensure families and children across Western Sydney have access to quality public education infrastructure, with a major upgrade for one of the area’s most overcrowded schools commencing today.

Premier Chris Minns and Deputy Premier Prue Car are turning the sod for the long overdue upgrade of Girraween Public School, where three-quarters of the school’s classrooms are in demountables after years of neglect and broken promises from the former Liberal National government.

The school was promised an upgrade in 2017 after enrolments soared to three times the capacity of its permanent buildings, but the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver any progress. As a consequence, students continued to learn in temporary demountable classrooms that now make up 76% of the school’s teaching spaces. 

This upgrade will see 38 demountable classrooms on the site replaced with new, fit for purpose permanent classrooms as the Minns Labor Government continues to deliver on their plan to end the former government’s reliance on temporary classrooms.

Further works at the school will include:

• An extended and refurbished school hall
• Extensions to the covered outdoor learning area and the library
• A refurbished school carpark with improved access
• New and upgraded amenities, and new landscaping and play areas

To minimise the impact of construction on the school community the upgrade will be delivered in two stages, with students and staff expected to begin learning in the new fit-for-purpose classrooms by day one, term one, 2026. All upgrade works, including the removal of demountables, are due to be complete later in the same year.

This project is part of the Minns Labor Government record $3.6 billion investment in new and upgraded schools across Western Sydney, as the Government continues work to ensure families in growing communities have access to a high quality, free public education.

Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales said:

“For years this school community has had to rely on temporary classrooms that aren’t fit for purpose, as promises of an upgrade were left unfulfilled by the former government.

“We are making targeted investments to ensure, no matter the post code, families in New South Wales have access to a quality, free, public education.

“This upgrade is long overdue, and we know there is still work to be done to ensure growing communities have the infrastructure they need but I’m thrilled that we’ve reached this milestone.”

Deputy Premier Prue Car, Minister for Education and Early Learning and Minister for Western Sydney, said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring public school students and staff across NSW have access to the high quality school facilities they need and deserve.

“We are rebuilding public education in NSW after 12 years of neglect and broken promises by the former Liberal National Government, who committed to upgrade Girraween Public School in 2017 but did nothing to progress it.

“Students and staff at Girraween Public School were left to teach and learn in ageing demountables that became a permanent fixture under the Liberals and Nationals.

“It took the election of a Labor government for this much-needed upgrade to finally be delivered.

“These new facilities will provide the modern learning tools to help develop students’ skills and set them up for academic success, and I look forward to seeing them complete in 2026.”

Member for Prospect Hugh McDermott said:

“I am extremely proud the NSW Government is helping to deliver upgraded facilities where they are needed most.

“We know that well designed schools and classrooms can have far-reaching benefits for both staff and student performance, recruitment and retention.

“Western Sydney is growing at a rapid rate and these new facilities will future-proof Girraween Public School as a modern, flexible and comprehensive public school offering for families in this community for generations to come.”

Girraween Public School Principal Jodi Warner said:

“This school holds a special place in our community’s hearts, and I am thankful the NSW Government is helping to deliver the upgraded facilities our students and staff need and deserve.

“These new facilities will provide a modern learning environment for students in our community now and into the future.

“I look forward to seeing construction take shape, and I cannot wait to see the finished product in the not-too-distant future.”