Strengthening safety net for firefighters affected by cancer

Firefighters who are diagnosed with ten cancers will be able to access support more quickly through the workers compensation system under reforms to be introduced by the Minns Labor Government.

The NSW Government will expand the number of cancers where firefighters are presumed to qualify for workers compensation, in recognition of the occupational hazards they are exposed to as first responders.

This removes the worker’s usual burden to prove causation, which can be difficult due to the nature of how these cancers are contracted and firefighting work.

The additional cancers include primary site lung, pancreatic, thyroid and skin cancers, as well as female and male reproductive cancers including cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, vulval and penile.

This will bring NSW into line with other states, while making NSW the first state to recognise two female reproductive cancers (vulval and vaginal) as presumptive cancers for firefighters. This is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to provide equity for male and female first responders.

Under the Workers Compensation Act 1987, qualifying firefighters are already presumed to be eligible where they are diagnosed with other primary cancers including leukemia, brain, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as breast, testicular and prostate cancer. The list of existing presumptive cancers also covers non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, esophageal, colorectal and ureter cancer.

All firefighters must serve qualifying periods to be entitled to the presumption. Under the changes, an expert panel will be established to review volunteers’ claims for the additional cancers against a requirement for the firefighter to have regularly engaged in frontline firefighting activity.

The changes will enhance access for volunteer and paid firefighters with the NSW Rural Fire Service as well as firefighters employed by Fire and Rescue NSW, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, NSW Forestry Corporation and other NSW agencies.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“This is a significant milestone to ensure that people who put themselves in harm’s way for the safety of the community are supported in their time of need. Firefighters work in difficult conditions protecting the community and this reform provides recognition by delivering on our commitment to support frontline workers.

“We know a cancer diagnosis can be devastating for a firefighter and their family, as well as their colleagues and employer. These changes mean these firefighters will be able to easily and quickly access compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions. 

“In developing this reform, we met with firefighters, the union and volunteer firefighter associations and considered work in other jurisdictions to determine how we could best support first responders.

“We are providing a better safety net for frontline firefighters in this state while at the same time reforming workers compensation to make it more sustainable so it can continue to support injured workers, including our emergency service workers.

“I urge the Parliament to support these measures as a priority to ensure these benefits can be provided as quickly as possible.”  

Minister for Industrial Relations Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government has been working tirelessly towards this historic announcement to ensure those who serve and protect the community have access to compensation entitlements through the presumptive cancer provisions.

“We have been working closely with the Fire Brigade Employees’ Union (FBEU) and the Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) and thank their members and families for their ongoing strong advocacy.

“At present, eligible firefighters in New South Wales are entitled to a presumption to workers compensation if they have a diagnosis of any of the 12 primary site cancers listed in the workers compensation legislation. This legislation will also impact National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation workers who are AWU members.

“By including additional cancers, we are acknowledging the occupational exposure to risks that firefighters regularly face and the long latency periods for certain cancers.”

Secretary of the FBEU, Leighton Drury said:

“Professional firefighters have worked hard for this result and we are pleased to see our employer, and the NSW Government, recognise the additional risks of our profession.

“FBEU members keep our communities safe every day and it’s important that our safety at work is recognised in this legislation.”

Scott Campbell AFSM, President of the RFSA said:

“Volunteer firefighters work at the frontline to keep the community safe from a range of incidents, from bushfires to vehicle and structure fires.

“We know that bushfire smoke is a threat to the health of volunteer firefighters. This reform means volunteers who unfortunately suffer cancer as a result of their service will be properly covered.”

2026 NSW Australians of the Year announced

The NSW Government congratulates the NSW Australian of the Year recipients for 2026: NSW Australian of the Year, Dr Alison Thompson OAM, NSW Senior Australian of the Year, Professor Henry Brodaty AO, NSW Young Australian of the Year, Nedd Brockmann and NSW Local Hero, Theresa Mitchell.

The recipients were announced at a ceremony tonight at The Calyx, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

The Australian of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the contributions made by the people in our communities every day.

All 17 nominees have made extraordinary efforts worthy of recognition.

From leading critical research to protecting our coral reefs, to work supporting vulnerable members of our community who need a safe place to stay or someone to talk to in times of need, from passionate advocacy, to keeping kids connected to culture and learning.

The NSW recipients will join the recipients from other states and territories at the national Australian of the Year Awards ceremony in Canberra on Sunday, 25 January 2026.

For more information visit Australian of the Year Awards.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“Congratulations to all of tonight’s nominees and award recipients.”

“Each has a personal story and motivation that drives the work they do, and it’s clear how much passion and dedication they bring to it.

“They should all be proud of what they have achieved.

“It’s a real privilege to recognise Dr Alison Thompson OAM as the 2026 NSW Australian of the Year.

“Her commitment to volunteering and helping others in times of crisis shows the incredible difference one person can make.

“Her leadership and compassion are an inspiration to so many.”

The 2026 Australians of the Year

NSW Australian of the Year – Dr Alison Thompson OAM (Sutherland Shire)

Dr Alison Thompson has deployed over 30,000 volunteers to the world’s worst disaster zones – bringing humanitarian assistance and medical aid to over 18 million people.

It started on September 11, 2001, when as an investment banker, Alison rushed to New York’s World Trade Centre with her first aid kit. She stayed nine months, offering disaster relief arm-in-arm with ordinary, like-minded people.

Galvanising grassroots momentum, Alison founded Third Wave Volunteers – a global movement of first responder volunteers who bring relief to the world’s disaster and war zones, including Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sri Lanka. Following the 2004 tsunami, she set up the first Tsunami Early-Warning Centre and education museum, which continues to thrive.

By mobilising everyday people, 61-year-old Alison is building resilience in local communities through sustainable, locally driven disaster prevention and recovery. Drawing from her upbringing as a pastor’s child, Alison believes that each person’s small skills add up to drive big changes.

NSW Senior Australian of the Year – Professor Henry Brodaty AO (Double Bay)

Professor Henry Brodaty is transforming the diagnosis, care and prevention of dementia – improving countless lives, both in Australia and around the world.

In 1972, Henry’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease at just 52 years old. At that time, dementia was poorly understood and often ignored. People living with dementia and carers had little support and no pathway forward. His father’s experience catalysed a lifetime of work that not only revolutionised Henry’s own field of psychiatry, but also the lives of people living with dementia and their families.

In 2012, Henry co-founded the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing and led internationally significant research that enhanced the world’s understanding of risk and prevention. His large Maintain Your Brain trial demonstrated that straightforward, cost-effective, targeted interventions can profoundly delay onset and even prevent dementia.

Henry, 78, is a leader who has reshaped dementia care from every angle as he navigates toward a future where dementia is better treated and prevented.

NSW Young Australian of the Year – Nedd Brockmann (Randwick)

Nedd Brockmann, a then 23-year-old electrician from Forbes, had a goal – to run across Australia and inspire people to do more for themselves and the homeless.

Nedd’s concern for homelessness was sparked by his journey into TAFE every week where he saw too many people sleeping rough on Sydney’s Eddy Avenue. He wanted to do something to highlight homelessness, its complexities and prove that it’s solvable.

So, in 2022, he ran from Perth’s Cottesloe Beach to Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach, completing a 3,952km journey over 46 days, and becoming the fastest ever Australian to do so. Nedd, 26, raised over $2.6 million from over 37,000 individual contributors.

He went on to start Nedd’s Uncomfortable Challenge in 2024, and with his team, has raised over $8 million for those experiencing homelessness. He also raises funds for his charity partner, Mobilise, to change lives through innovative programs to reduce the number of people sleeping rough.

NSW Local Hero – Theresa Mitchell (Banora Point)

Theresa Mitchell cares for people who are homeless or in crisis, providing a compassionate lifeline for people who’ve fallen through the gaps.

Opening its doors in 2009, Agape Outreach Inc began when Theresa found she couldn’t walk past homeless people on the street anymore. So, she handed out meals she cooked in her own kitchen.

Today, Agape operates throughout the Northern Rivers and Gold Coast with the support of more than 300 volunteers. Together they provide over 1,500 hot meals every week to vulnerable people on the streets and offer capability-building services such as back-to-work programs, psychology and basic life skills.

With kindness, compassion and practical care, 51-year-old Theresa has changed countless lives in the last 16 years. As well as advocating for the homeless and disadvantaged, Theresa has fostered 37 children.

Agape means ‘unconditional love’ – a sacrificial love that transcends and persists, regardless of circumstance. This is Theresa’s gift to her community.

Stronger laws to stop hate and disorder

The NSW Opposition will again bring on its plan this week to give police and courts stronger powers to stop hate-fuelled rallies and constant weekend disruptions that are costing taxpayers millions and holding Sydney back.
 
On Saturday, more than 60 gutless cowards dressed in black with some hiding their faces gathered outside NSW Parliament, chanting Nazi slogans and calling to abolish Jewish organisations. It was not protest. It was hate. It was also the second time this same group has turned up at Parliament House.
 
Peaceful protest is part of a free society. But what happened on Saturday was not free speech. It was a show of hate and cowardice aimed at intimidating others. The police and courts must have the tools to stop it before it starts
.
Meanwhile, every weekend this year, Sydney has been caught up in protests that block roads, disrupt transport, and disrupt families, workers and small businesses.
 
The Premier himself has admitted these protests are now costing taxpayers more than five million dollars a year in police overtime. That is money that should be going to hospitals, schools and households doing it tough, not to fund repeat protesters clogging our streets.
 
Earlier this year the Opposition introduced reforms that would have made protests fair, safe and accountable. The laws would have required courts to consider the cost, disruption, frequency, economic impact and whether less disruptive routes were available before approving protests.
 
They would have allowed three free protests a year, after which groups could be required to pay for the police resources they use. The reforms also would have banned non-religious face coverings used to hide criminal behaviour or avoid accountability.
 
Labor voted these reforms down. When given another chance to back them, the Premier refused again. By putting factional appeasement ahead of public safety, he has allowed extremists to hide behind masks and our city to be held hostage weekend after weekend.
 
These reforms are not about silencing protest. They are about restoring fairness and balance, protecting public safety and letting Sydney thrive as a global city. Families, workers and visitors should be able to enjoy it without fear, chaos or intimidation.
 
Given the NSW Government’s playbook of saying it will do a review or inquiry that goes no where, the NSW Opposition will move again this week with its own bill to include –
 
Courts must consider real-world impacts before approving a protest, including:
 
The cost to taxpayers
The level of public disruption, including on organisations or religious groups in the vicinity of the assembly
The frequency of protests by the same group
The economic impact on local businesses and workers
Whether there are less disruptive routes or locations available
Public safety
 
Protesters would be given three free protests each year. After that, groups could be required to pay for the police resources they use, such as overtime and traffic control, subject to the implied constitutional freedom of communication on political matters.
 
Non-religious face coverings would be banned during protests if used to conceal identity or avoid accountability.
 
In addition, the NSW Opposition will restore, in a constitutionally valid manner, the move on powers given to Police that were struck down due to the drafting of the Minns Labor Government’s Places of Worship bill.
 
The goal is to keep Sydney open, safe and fair, so locals, families, small businesses and tourists can enjoy the city without being caught up in protest chaos every weekend.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said what happened on Saturday was a disgrace.
 
“It was not protest, it was hate and these were cowards hiding behind masks, trying to frighten people and divide our state. The police need stronger powers to stop them before they strike again,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Attorney General Alister Henskens said we gave Labor the chance to back stronger protest laws that protect public safety and respect people’s right to go about their lives.
 
“They chose factional politics instead. The Premier talks tough but his laws are weak, and the results are there for everyone to see,” Mr Henskens said.
 
Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said “the police are being stretched to breaking point while these extremists create havoc”
 
“These gutless wonders hide their faces and spew hate on our streets. The police need stronger laws, not excuses,” Mr Toole said.

Visit to Australia by the President of the Republic of Indonesia

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will welcome the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, to Australia for an official program on 12 November 2025.

This will be President Prabowo’s first visit to Australia since taking office. President Prabowo most recently visited Australia as Minister of Defence and President‑elect in August 2024.

Prime Minister Albanese met President Prabowo in Jakarta in May this year for the Australia–Indonesia Annual Leaders’ Meeting during the Prime Minister’s first overseas trip following his re‑election.

Australia and Indonesia have a long history of cooperation and friendship, celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations last year.

Prime Minister Albanese and President Prabowo will continue discussions on how both countries can further deepen our partnership.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“I am delighted to host President Prabowo in Australia and to return the warm and generous hospitality he provided when I visited Jakarta earlier this year.

“Australia and Indonesia share a deep trust and unbreakable bond as neighbours, partners and friends. Together we are committed to working for a secure, stable and prosperous Indo‑Pacific.

“I look forward to building on our previous discussions about how we can develop the strength and depth of our bilateral relationship.”

In Solemn Silence, We Remember

At 11 am today, Australia will pause as a nation to honour all those who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations – and all who have lost their lives, or carried the wounds of service, in defence of our country. 

We owe them a debt that can never be repaid. 

Remembrance Day marks the moment the guns fell silent on the Western Front in 1918.  It is a solemn reminder of the cost of peace, and of the courage shown by generations of Australia in its pursuit. 

In this 80th year since the end of the Second World War, when peace was won at a terrible cost – we honour the triumph as much as the toll. 

From a population of just 7 million, nearly 1 million Australians answered the call to serve in the Second World War, and around 40,000 never came home. We honour the bravery of those who fought, the resilience of those who served on the home front and the families whose lives were changed forever. 

Today, we also remember the 103,000 Australians who have given their lives in service to their country, and the many more whose service left physical, emotional and unseen scars. Their sacrifice – and the sacrifice of those who loved them – will never be forgotten.  

More than 2 million Australians have worn our nation’s uniform. We honour every one of them for their courage, commitment and duty.  

This Remembrance Day, I encourage all Australians to join together in a minute’s silence at 11am – to remember, to reflect and to give thanks for those who have given so much for us all. 

Lest we forget. 

Joint statement condemning atrocities and violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan

  • Joint statement

This joint statement expresses deep alarm over reports of systematic violence against civilians in Sudan. It is endorsed by foreign ministers and senior officials across multiple countries.

10 November 2025

The Signatories are gravely alarmed by the reports of systematic and ongoing violence against civilians during and after the fall of El Fasher to the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as well as the escalation of conflict across North Darfur and the Kordofan region.

Deliberate targeting of civilians, ethnically motivated mass killings, conflict-related sexual violence, starvation as a method of warfare, and obstruction of humanitarian access are abhorrent violations of international humanitarian law.

Such acts, if substantiated, constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

We condemn all atrocities in the strongest possible terms and demand that the violence stops immediately. We acknowledge the important work to document the nature of violations committed by the RSF in El Fasher. Impunity must end and accountability must be upheld. Protection and justice for the Sudanese people is not only a legal obligation but also an urgent moral imperative.

It is intolerable that widespread starvation and famine persist due to access restrictions. WFP, UNICEF, and other humanitarian agencies must get the necessary permissions to conduct their life-saving work and reach populations in need.

All parties must respect international humanitarian law, which includes an obligation to guarantee rapid and unimpeded passage of food, medicine, and other essential supplies. Civilians must also be granted safe passage. We call on the parties to immediately facilitate this in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2736.

We also call on the parties to the conflict to agree to a ceasefire and a three-month humanitarian truce, as outlined in the Quad statement.

We are concerned about attempts to partition Sudan and reaffirm our support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the country and for the right of its people to live in peace, dignity, and justice without external interference.

We call on the parties to come to the negotiating table. Only a broad and inclusive Sudanese-owned political process can resolve Sudan’s challenges.

This statement has been signed by:

  • Åsmund Aukrust, Minister for International Development of Norway
  • Senator the Hon Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia
  • Maxime Prévot, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Affairs and Development Cooperation of Belgium
  • The Honorable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada
  • Serap Güler, Minister of State, German Federal Foreign Office
  • Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
  • Simon Harris, Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade of Ireland
  • Xavier Bettel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Minister for Development Cooperation and Humanitarian Affairs of Luxemburg
  • Aukje de Vries, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development of the Netherlands
  • H.E. Juraj Blanár, Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Slovak Republic
  • Ms. Tanja Fajon, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Slovenia
  • H.E José Manuel Albares Bueno, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Spain
  • Maria Malmer Stenergard, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden
  • Elsebeth Søndergaard Krone, State Secretary for Development Policy of Denmark
  • Yvette Cooper, Foreign Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom
  • Austria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic), Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Poland (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland) and Romania and Switzerland

Greens move to fix Labor’s planning bill: balance housing needs, nature and scrutiny

The ACT Greens have proposed amendments to Labor’s Territory Priority Projects bill that better balance the ACT’s urgent need for more homes and environmental protection.

ACT Greens Deputy Leader Jo Clay said the Greens have consulted with the housing industry, community housing providers, environment organisations, Labor, Liberals and the Independents on the amendments.

In May, the Committee on Environment, Planning, Transport and City Services found significant flaws in Labor’s proposed legislation. Territory Priority Projects waive third party appeal rights but currently require pre-development application consultation and Parliamentary scrutiny.

Labor’s bill removed early consultation and Parliament oversight from public housing and health projects that are declared Territory Priority Projects, in addition to removing community housing from a development which can be put on the fast track through this process.

The ACT Greens amendments will fix the issues raised by the committee by allowing community housing to be declared a Territory Priority Project and add in essential environmental and First Nations cultural protections for all Territory Priority Projects.

“Canberra’s public housing waitlist has increased from 3,000 to 3,500 so far this year. We’ve seen the ACT Labor Government revoke the Rent Relief Fund before their replacement program is available, pushing more and more people towards homelessness,” Ms Clay said.

“The ACT Government’s current level of investment in public housing is not meeting the demand. We need proper investment in public housing, in addition to supporting others who are providing affordable, secure homes — community housing providers.

“The bill the Labor Government introduced excluded community housing from becoming a Territory Priority Project. The Greens have proposed, and secured agreement from Labor, to put community housing into this legislation.

“These amendments also ensure that Commonwealth-funded public, community and social housing is prioritised, and that our environment and First Nations cultural rights are looked after while we do this.

“As our city continues to densify, we also need to ensure people have access to green spaces and nature. Our amendments also ensure there is a degree of scrutiny without delaying new public and community homes from being built.”

Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Canberra, Frances Crimmins:

“YWCA Canberra welcomes the ACT Greens’ decision to support sensible planning reforms that will facilitate the delivery of much-needed social, community and public housing in Canberra. 

“Our city is facing an unprecedented housing and homelessness crisis, and meaningful change is long overdue to address the critical need for housing for low-income earners.

“Canberrans now face a clear choice: do we continue to see people experiencing homelessness on our streets, or do we choose to ensure they have a place to call home in our neighbourhoods?

“We can no longer afford to overlook practical and effective legislative reforms that will expedite the construction of public, social and affordable homes. 

“This amendment makes sense. It supports low-income Canberrans and brings us closer to a community where everyone has a safe place to live.”

Ms Clay’s amendments and explanatory statement are available on the ACT Legislative Assembly website.

Labor’s secrecy eroding democracy and corporate ‘politics as usual’ driving young people away, says Greens

The Australian Greens say a new report showing a collapse in confidence in democracy is a consequence of a system that is increasingly closed, captured by corporate interests, and leaving young and regional Australians behind.

The McKinnon Index of Australian Democracy found confidence in Australia’s democratic system is weakest among young people and those living outside major cities.

The Greens have repeatedly called for reforms to strengthen Australia’s democratic institutions, including removing the influence of big money in politics, stronger freedom of information laws, greater political donation transparency and a national integrity system with real teeth.

Senator Steph Hodgins-May, Australian Greens spokesperson for democracy:

“When both major parties spend decades protecting corporate profits over improving people’s lives, it’s no wonder Australians are losing faith in the democratic institutions that are meant to serve them.

“Labor came in the door promising transparency, but instead we’ve seen a downward spiral into secrecy that fuels distrust and cynicism, especially among younger Australians who already feel disengaged.

“How can young people trust the government when all they see from both major parties are backroom deals, corporate capitulation and laws that continue to sell out their future for private profits?

“The climate crisis is getting worse, the housing market is dystopian and basic rights like education are becoming further out of reach. In the PM’s own words, this approach is ‘delulu with no selulu’.

“People in regional and rural communities watch corporations make billions and use tax loopholes to skip out on paying their fair share, while their local services close and the government tells them there’s no money for public housing or healthcare. 

“This isn’t apathy, it’s a natural response to seeing your government work so hard for Gina and Clive and do the bare minimum for everyone else.

“If our government is serious about restoring faith in democracy, it should start by breaking the stranglehold of corporate money on politics and prioritise integrity over political ambitions.

$110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment reaches completion milestone

Construction of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is now complete, marking a major milestone in the delivery of new and enhanced healthcare services to Cowra and surrounding communities.

The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment will provide modern, enhanced and purpose-built health facilities to meet the health needs of the community, both now and into the future.

The new hospital is expected to open in late 2025 after operational commissioning is complete, to ensure the new building and staff are well prepared and ready to welcome patients.

The $110.2 million project includes:

  • ​an Emergency Department
  • a general medical and surgery inpatient ward
  • a perioperative service
  • a maternity unit with a dedicated nursery
  • ambulatory care
  • a dental clinic
  • renal dialysis
  • oncology
  • community health and mental health, drug and alcohol services
  • the hospital’s first CT scanner.

The project has already provided a significant boost to the local economy during construction, supporting regional employment, and creating opportunities for local trades and suppliers in the region. More than 25 local trades have been engaged in the surrounding region.

Ahead of the opening, residents are being invited to tour the Cowra Hospital Redevelopment, as part of a community open day offering locals a first look at the new facilities and services.

Members of the project team will be available to answer questions about the Redevelopment, with site tours taking place every 15 minutes on Saturday 29 November 2025 between 11.00am-3.00pm.

Places for the site tours are limited, and registration is essential. Registrations are now open and will close at 5.00pm on Thursday 27 November 2025. For more information and to register for the community open day, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cowra-hospital-redevelopment

The Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is being delivered by Health Infrastructure and Western NSW Local Health District, in partnership with Richard Crookes Constructions.

For more information on the project, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/cowra-hospital-redevelopment

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“I’m absolutely thrilled to see the completion of this modern and purpose-built health facility that will be a game changer for residents of Cowra and surrounding communities.

“These upgrades will make a massive difference to the experiences of staff, patients and their families while better meeting the health needs of the region now and into the future.”

Labor Spokesperson for Cootamundra, Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“I’m delighted to see the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment finally completed and soon ready to accept patients, which will deliver high quality contemporary and accessible health care, closer to home.

“I encourage the community to head along to the community open day to see the new building and take a first look at the hospital that will serve our region for generations to come.”

Building a better coast: Avoca Drive upgrade powers ahead

The Minns and Albanese Labor Governments are building a better future for the Central Coast, with planning for the long-awaited upgrade of Avoca Drive in full swing and the first stage of the project now prioritised for delivery.

A joint $130 million investment, including $100 million from the Federal Government and $30 million from the NSW Government, will upgrade one of the Coast’s most congested corridors, improving safety and travel times for the thousands of motorists who rely on it each day.

The priority first stage will focus on a one-kilometre section of Avoca Drive between Bungoona Road/Carrak Road and Joalah Road/Killuna Road in Kincumber, easing traffic and delivering safer access for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

The project will see Avoca Drive widened to two lanes in each direction, upgrade key intersections, and include new shared pathways and bus stop improvements to make it easier for locals to walk, ride and catch public transport.

Community feedback will continue to shape the project, with the concept design and environmental assessment expected to be displayed for comment in early 2026.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King said:

“This is a great day for the Central Coast. The upgrade of Avoca Drive has been talked about for years, and now it’s happening.

“This is about building safer, more reliable connections for the 26,000 motorists who travel this route every day, as well as the parents, students and local businesses who depend on it.

“The Albanese Government is proud to partner with the Minns Government to deliver the infrastructure Central Coast communities have been waiting for.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid said:

“The Central Coast is growing fast, and our infrastructure needs to keep up.

“The Avoca Drive upgrade will not only ease congestion but also support active transport and public transport connections, making it easier and safer to move around our community.

“I’m proud to see all levels of Labor Government working together to deliver this vital project for our region.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery – building safer, better and fairer transport connections right across NSW.

“Avoca Drive is one of the Coast’s most important east–west links, and this upgrade will help people get where they need to go faster and more safely.

“This is another example of our commitment to improving everyday journeys through better infrastructure.”

NSW Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“This upgrade has been at the top of the list for locals for a long time, and we’re getting on with the job.

“By working hand-in-hand with the community, we’re making sure the Avoca Drive upgrade delivers real benefits for residents, businesses and visitors.”

NSW Member for Gosford, Liesl Tesch said:

“This is fantastic news for Kincumber and the surrounding community. Locals have been calling for this upgrade for years, and today’s announcement shows our government is listening and delivering.

“The improvements to safety, congestion and access will make a real difference for families, schools and small businesses.”