Category: NSW News

Hundreds of additional bus services will be available over summer to ensure Sydneysiders and tourists are able to travel to some of the State’s most iconic beaches.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said almost 300 additional services had been added to the timetable this summer so local commuters and tourists were able to enjoy a hassle-free trip to the eastern suburbs. 

“Bondi, Coogee and other surrounding beaches are extremely popular tourist destinations and as Sydneysiders flock to the beach, the additional services are required to meet the summertime demand,” Mr Elliott said.

“The additional services provide commuters with a lot more options to ensure they can not only travel to appointments, entertainment venues, shopping and of course popular eastern suburbs beaches but also eases traffic congestion and parking issues.” 

Member for Vaucluse Gabrielle Upton said these additional 280 weekly bus services each summer are a great boost for local residents who travel between Bondi Beach and Rose Bay.

“These extra services will make it easier to travel between our iconic Bondi Beach during the peak summer season and Rose Bay Ferry Wharf where you can catch a ferry into the city. 

“The services will be added to the existing 362 bus route connecting Sydney’s eastern beaches between Coogee and Rose Bay. Over the summer, services will run every 30 minutes, seven days a week until Thursday 26 January 2023,” Ms Upton said. 

Mr Elliott said public transport patronage had soared across all modes of public transport as Sydneysiders geared up for a blockbuster summer of major events.

“Sydney commuters have again started to embrace public transport with the Sydney Light Rail network leading the way recording more than four million trips over two months,” he said. 

“Public transport use across Greater Sydney was rebounding with patronage at 80 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 70 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.

“The Sydney Light Rail network has been a standout with the L2 Randwick and L3 Kingsford light rail lines hitting record patronage this year exceeding two million trips per month for September and October – proving light rail makes light work of crowds at the Moore Park Entertainment Quarter,” 

Ferries were the strongest performer by mode during November 2022, returning to 98 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekends and 88 per cent of pre-pandemic levels on weekdays.

Buses are at 73 per cent of pre-pandemic levels while rail, including Metro, continues to be the most popular mode with about 873,000 average daily trips taken on weekdays. 

The Illawarra is set to become a renewable energy and clean manufacturing powerhouse, following the release of the draft declaration of the Illawarra Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The NSW Government is leading the transformation of our energy system by building five massive REZs across the State. The development of the REZs under the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap are critical to deliver cheap, reliable and clean electricity to homes and businesses in NSW as coal-fired power stations progressively close over the next 10 to 15 years.

Energy Minister Matt Kean said the Illawarra REZ draft declaration sets out additional transmission network capacity and the geographical area that will make up the Illawarra REZ.

“The Illawarra is well placed to become a renewable energy powerhouse, thanks to its existing energy, port and transport infrastructure, its highly skilled workforce and strong demand from existing industries to decarbonise,” Mr Kean said.

“The Illawarra REZ registration of interest attracted a significant response with 44 renewable generation and storage projects registering, representing more than 17 gigawatts of new projects which could unlock around $43 billion in potential investment.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Wollongong and the Illawarra Peter Poulos said once the REZ has been formally declared, we will begin the next phase of development, including engaging closely with the local community, industry, councils and other stakeholders.

“This REZ will ensure the Illawarra plays a central role in our renewable energy future, powering existing and emerging industries, including in offshore wind, green hydrogen and green steel production,” Mr Poulos said.

The draft declaration is now on public exhibition for six weeks until mid-February 2023 and can be viewed online at the link below. To provide feedback or to contact EnergyCo, please email contact@energyco.nsw.gov.au.
For more information visit https://www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ilw-rez

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government is powering ahead with the $4.5 billion upgrade to the Great Western Highway, announcing Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has been awarded the contract to begin major work at Medlow Bath in the new year.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the Medlow Bath upgrade will mark the first section of major work on the Great Western Highway upgrade between Lithgow and Katoomba.
“The Great Western Highway upgrade is fast becoming a re`ality – major work is due to start as soon as March on this project which will be life changing for the thousands of people that use the road every day,” Mr Toole said.
“The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has worked incredibly hard to ensure this transformative project happens- because we know the difference it will make from the Blue Mountains and beyond.”

As part of the upgrade, 1.2-kilometre section of highway through Medlow Bath will be widened to four lanes with new dedicated right turning lanes and a signalised intersection will be built at Bellevue Crescent including a new left turning bay, and a new pedestrian bridge.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government was pushing ahead with the project because there was a real fear a Chris Minns Labor Government would put it on the chopping block. 

“We saw what happened in the Federal Budget, funding was deferred to the outer years, a clear sign Labor intends to punt the project to Never-Neverland,” Mr Farraway said. 

“NSW Labor left us with a $30 billion infrastructure backlog bill and in the last 12 years we’ve worked hard to build legacy infrastructure projects that will make a huge difference to the lives of people across our state now and into the future.”

The NSW Government is also inviting community feedback on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Blackheath to Little Hartley tunnel from next month.

More information on the Great Western Highway upgrade is available on the Transport for NSW website.

The Penrith and Blue Mountains communities will soon see the second stage of the $1 billion expansion and upgrade of Nepean Hospital underway, with a main works contractor now appointed.
 
Minister for Health Brad Hazzard today announced CPB Contractors will construct the hospital’s second clinical services building, to deliver additional first class healthcare services in Western Sydney for future generations. 
 
“The NSW Government is delivering a second state-of-the-art clinical services building for the upgraded Nepean Hospital, which will seamlessly connect with the first tower we opened earlier this year. This incredible expansion of Nepean Hospital will provide the very best healthcare for the Penrith and Blue Mountains communities,” Mr Hazzard said.
 
The new clinical services building includes an intensive care unit, in-centre renal dialysis unit, medical imaging and nuclear medicine services, more in-patient units, and a large and welcoming front-of-house for the hospital.
 
Member for Penrith Stuart Ayres said Stage 2 of the Nepean Hospital redevelopment will also provide better community-based healthcare in Penrith to benefit local families and young people for years to come. 
 
“In addition to a second state-of-the-art clinical services building we’re delivering a community health centre in Soper Place, right in the heart of Penrith, where locals can easily access integrated health care and mental health services for families and young people at home and in the community,” Mr Ayres said. 
 
“With both the consultation and designs currently underway, I encourage everyone to have a say in shaping their new community health centre by completing the online survey which is open now.”
 
The redevelopment  team has been focused on Stage 2 enabling works which include relocating some services, repurposing some of the existing infrastructure, and delivering an expanded pathology service on the ground floor of Building E.  
 
Member for Mulgoa, Tanya Davies said Stage 2 construction would ramp up early next year.
 
“The Nepean Hospital campus is buzzing with activity as we prepare the campus for main works in 2023 for the second new clinical services building, creating more job opportunities and ensuring better health outcomes for local people,” Ms Davies said.
 
“The next stage of this major redevelopment builds on the enhanced services and health facilities now available in the hospital’s new clinical tower to provide our region with more high-quality healthcare, making it an even more appealing place to work and live.”
 
Stage 1 of the redevelopment included a new clinical building that opened in 2022 featuring an emergency department, 18 birthing suites, a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 16 operating theatres and more than 200 beds, in contemporary and bright in-patient units. The Stage 1 tower also provides coronary care services and an additional inpatient unit floor, which were fast-tracked from Stage 2 funding.
 
The NSW Government is investing a record $11.9 billion in health infrastructure over the four years to 2025-26. Since 2011, the NSW Government has delivered more than 180 health capital projects across NSW, with more than 130 projects currently underway.
 
To complete the online survey on the new community health centre visit: https://forms.office.com/r/eUs580DxRd
 
For more information about the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment visit: https://www.nepeanredevelopment.health.nsw.gov.au/

Up to 400,000 NSW households could soon be powered by renewable electricity generated at the Phoenix Pumped Hydro station after the project received $7 million in support from the NSW Government to progress feasibility studies.

The Phoenix Pumped Hydro project, located at the Burrendong Dam, near Wellington and within the Central West Orana REZ, will provide 810MW of capacity and storage for up to 12 continuous hours of electricity generation.

Minister for Energy Matt Kean said pumped hydro will form an essential building block of the electricity system of the future. 

“Pumped hydro acts like a giant battery for the electricity system. It works by using surplus renewable energy to pump water up a hill when it is sunny and windy, and releasing the water back down the hill through giant turbines that create electricity when it is still and dark,” Mr Kean said.

“Bringing the grant funding and development access together will play a key role in fast-tracking the development of pumped hydro, which will be critical to replace our ageing coal fire power stations.”

Minster for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said through the WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program, WaterNSW is looking at ways to leverage its land and assets to deliver benefits for future energy security and its customers. 

“WaterNSW is looking to the market to identify renewable generation and storage opportunities on WaterNSW land and assets,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’m really excited by this opportunity for WaterNSW to work hand in hand with government to support the renewable energy transition and at the same time look for innovative ways to keep our customers’ bills as low as possible.” 

The project will be funded by the NSW Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program and a Development Agreement under WaterNSW’s Renewable Energy and Storage Program.

It’s expected to be operational by 2030 and would play a key role in providing dispatchable, long duration storage to support energy market security.

The NSW Government committed a further $24 million to the Pumped Hydro Recoverable Grants Program in the June Budget. This funding is expected to expand the pipeline of pumped hydro projects that can make competitive bids for Long-Term Energy Service Agreements for long duration storage.

The NSW Government will also invest $23.5 million to undertake feasibility studies to develop pumped hydro projects on key WaterNSW assets throughout the State. The outcomes of these feasibility studies and the potential opportunities will be made available to the private sector in early 2023. 

Plans to futureproof the M7 and M12 motorways have been approved by the NSW Government, providing a major boost to the road network in Western Sydney.
 
WSO Co will deliver the proposed works, which include widening the M7 between the M5 at Prestons and Richmond Rd at Oakhurst, and building a new interchange between the M7 and M12 and an upgrade to Elizabeth Drive to connect it to the M12.
 
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the project would provide a vital connection to the new toll-free M12 motorway and support the projected growth of the region. 
 
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which is why our Liberal National Government is investing in the transport and infrastructure now, to support this projected growth and ensure the region and its residents continue to thrive,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“The M7 will be widened to six lanes between Prestons and Oakhurst, meaning drivers will be able to travel along this major Western Sydney road more quickly and safely, benefitting both commuters and business that rely on this key freight route. 
 
“The project will also include integrate the M7 with the new M12, a 16 kilometre-long toll-free motorway that will connect to the new Western Sydney International Airport and Western Parkland City.
 
“This will support workers and families across Western Sydney by cutting travel times and improving access to industrial hubs including Bradfield.” 
 
The agreement is subject to final planning approval. There will be no change to existing toll prices on the M7. 
 
The M12 Motorway is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and is scheduled to open in 2026.
 
For more information go to: 
M12 motorway: M12 Motorway – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW
M7 widening: Westlink M7 Widening – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW

Step out of the city and into one of 890 national parks and reserves around NSW these summer holidays, which offer a diverse range of accommodation options and activities for all ages and abilities.
 
NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said families are spoilt for choice these school holidays, with a huge range of spectacular landscapes to explore.
 
“There’s no better way to wind down from a busy year and wear the kids out during school holidays than by getting into nature in a national park,” Mr Griffin said.
 
“Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a multi-day adventure, we have hundreds of national parks and reserves to choose from, offering a range of accommodation options and activities for explorers young and old.
 
“Paddle in crystal-clear lagoons, explore war-time fortifications, go on guided bush tucker tours with an Aboriginal ranger, or discover the hidden lives of nocturnal native critters – you’ll find the perfect playground in a national park.
 
“Pitch a tent in one of our hundreds of campgrounds, or check out the coastal cabins, heritage-listed cottages and lighthouses, where you can eat, play and sleep in comfort.” 
 
National parks have walks for every style of bushwalker, whether you need something suitable for prams or are after a longer, more challenging walk. 
 
NPWS also offers a range of exciting, ranger-guided education activities, specifically designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. They can explore the ancient Gondwana rainforest, become an insect detective, or join an Aboriginal Guide.
 
NSW national parks contribute about $18 million and 74,000 jobs to the NSW economy every year, and tourism to regional and rural national parks supports economic recovery, helping communities that have endured drought, bushfires and flooding.
 
The NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024. 
 
Visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to plan your next weekend or holiday.

Women and girls are being asked to share their experiences and as part of a $30 million initiative by the Perrottet Government to improve safety on our streets, in parklands and at public transport hubs across NSW.

Treasurer Matt Kean said the Safer Cities Program will put female voices at the forefront of infrastructure design and is part of a wider $100 million investment in women’s safety. 

“We want to hear from women and girls about how they feel in our towns, suburbs and cities. As part of the program we’ll also be partnering with 10 local councils to pilot safety-boosting initiatives,” Mr Kean said. 

“We’re backing this program with a $30 million commitment that could go towards better lighting, wayfinding, smart technology and landscaping to create safer connections through streets, public spaces and around transport hubs.”

Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said $12.3 million would go towards initiatives including public space precinct improvements around Waitara, Stanmore and Redfern train stations, and in Parramatta Park and The Rocks, where extensive co-design with women and girls is already underway.

“We can only make cities, suburbs and towns better for women and girls by asking about their experiences and what their ideas are to improve the design of public spaces and parklands and transport infrastructure moving forward,” Mr Stokes said. 

“That’s why we’ve invited students from Parramatta high schools to a workshop and walking tour around Parramatta Park to give us ideas and help us understand what makes them feel safe or unsafe and how we can invest to improve the experience.” 

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the Government is inviting women across the state to complete a short online survey to better understand their experiences around cities and towns.

“As we continue to design and plan for our growing cities, we need to hear from women to truly understand the experience through their eyes and to ensure the solutions we come up with, work for them,” Mrs Ward said.

“I’m alarmed that a recent survey found most women and girls think twice about walking at night in Sydney, which is why we are acting to ensure everyone has the right to move about their city the way they choose.”

Ten local government areas will also have the opportunity to share up to $10 million in funding through the program. 

Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside, Cumberland, Fairfield, Lismore, Griffith, Blacktown, Wollongong, City of Sydney and Central Coast councils are eligible to sign up for pilot initiatives to help our cities and towns feel safer. 

The Program will set a best practice framework for public space interventions for women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety.  A public education campaign focused on safety and reducing harassment will complement the infrastructure improvements to help educate and change behaviour. 

The NSW Government will release further details on how the remaining funding will be spent over the coming months. 

Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities until 8 February 2023 to take the survey.

Drivers are being urged to log into FuelCheck before hitting the road this Christmas after the nation-leading app identified the cheapest petrol on routes in and out of Sydney and in popular holiday spots across the state.
 
Treasurer Matt Kean said the FuelCheck app can help NSW drivers save up to $800 a year by filling up at cheaper petrol stations.
 
“This time of year, many people hit the road to join family at Christmas celebrations and to holiday within the state. FuelCheck is free and can slash your petrol bill,” Mr Kean said.
 
“FuelCheck is easy to use and allows customers to compare prices at local petrol stations to find the best deal by location, price or fuel type with just the touch of a button.
 
“The numbers have been crunched and FuelCheck has found the cheapest petrol stations on major highways in and out of Sydney and in holiday hotspots like Byron and Batemans Bay.” 
 
Customers can compare the prices of Unleaded 91 (U91), Ethanol 10 (E10), Premium 95 (P95) and Premium 98 (P98) as well as Diesel and Premium Diesel. 
 
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said  
customers going to or through Canberra can now access cheap petrol prices with the FuelCheck app or website with 60 servos added in the ACT in the last month. 
 
“Cheaper petrol is in the palm of your hand, so please take advantage of it heading into the holidays,” Mr Dominello said.
 
“Last week we saw a price difference of 34c between petrol stations just 1.5km apart, so jumping on the app can really make an impact. 
 
“FuelCheck is just one of more than 70 ways people can save through the NSW Government these holidays.”  
 
If motorists notice the price at the pump in NSW does not match what is shown on the FuleCheck app, they can make a complaint directly to NSW Fair Trading.  
  
The FuelCheck website was launched in 2016 and has received 23 million visits, while the app has now had more than 2.3 million downloads.
 
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit:  fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app       

Sports and entertainment fans travelling to the new Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will have even more to cheer about with public transport now included in all event tickets. 

Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said this is a huge victory for fans, ensuring they can get to and from both venues safely and seamlessly.   

“There is nothing better than a live event experience, and to help provide greater access to some of our world class stadiums is an outstanding result for the supporters of the teams that call Allianz Stadium and the SCG home,” Mr Henskens said. 

“Sports fans can make the most of it this Thursday with the return of the Big Bash League, when the Sydney Sixers take on the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG, which promises plenty of big-hitting action on-field and family-friendly entertainment – the perfect event to bring the whole family along to.” 

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said catching public transport was the best way to get to the Moore Park area with world class transport infrastructure, including light rail, train and buses servicing the precinct. 

“After an extraordinary Socceroos performance at the FIFA World Cup, now’s the perfect time to lock in your Christmas Eve entertainment at Allianz Stadium with the Sydney FC’s A-League Derby double-header,” Mr Elliott said. 

“So whether you’re a cricket, football, AFL, league or rugby fan, or off to see Elton John at Allianz Stadium in the New Year, we’ve got you covered as you won’t need to tap on and off with your Opal or contactless card, you just need to carry a copy of your event ticket.”

This has been made possible thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government and the Moore Park sports teams and bodies including NSW Waratahs, Sydney FC, Sydney Roosters, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Swans, Football Australia, Cricket Australia and Rugby Australia. 

Travel on public transport to the precinct is covered on match-days only for patrons with a valid ticket, club or stadium membership until 2025, on public transport servicing the Sydney metropolitan area.