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The most heavily-tolled suburbs in Sydney’s car-reliant west top the list for cash returns under the Minns Labor Government’s $60 weekly toll cap.

More than 6000 motorists who rely on toll roads most are on track to claim an average $4000 each in relief this year.

Toll relief is being provided as the NSW Government works on tolling reform to fix the damage wrought by the toll road privatisation of the former government and ease the burden on motorists.

The second quarterly claim period is open and almost 350,000 motorists are eligible to click and collect their next toll rebate, with $53 million in relief available for the period 1 April 2024 – 30 June 2024.

There is a total of $79 million currently able to be claimed by motorists from tolled trips since January 1.

By volume and value, cash rebates are getting to where they are needed most, with suburbs including Blacktown, Baulkham Hills, Marsden Park, Merrylands, Castle Hill, Quakers Hill and Kellyville at the top of the relief list.

Drivers in Auburn ($554), Lakemba ($513) and Wiley Park ($461) have received the largest average toll relief, with $254 the average rebate for all NSW drivers who claim.

More than 6,000 motorists received more than $1,000 from the first quarter period.

The final report of the Independent Toll Review, led by Professor Allan Fels and Dr David Cousins, described Sydney’s toll road network as a poorly-functioning patchwork of numerous different price structures that will cost motorists $195 billion in nominal terms in tolls over the next three and a half decades on top of the billions they have already paid.

The report notes the lack of a unified tolling system has created complexity, inefficiency, inequities and unfairness, with those in Western Sydney financially impacted the most.

The Government is currently preparing its response to the Toll Review.

Eligible drivers who have spent more than $60 a week on toll trips since 1 January can claim the toll relief via the Service NSW website with the rebate calculated and claimed each quarter.

Once your toll account details are linked to your MyServiceNSW Account, claims can easily be lodged.

Motorists can claim up to a maximum of $340 per week for each tag or licence plate number, as part of a “fair use” provision in place to ensure the program’s integrity.

People can claim their 2024 toll spend until 30 June 2025.  

To claim, visit www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/claim-the-toll-relief-cap and follow the step-by-step instructions including linking your toll account to your MyServiceNSW Account.

Top 20 suburbs ranked by total claim amount (Jan-Aug 2024)

Suburb	Count of claims	Total Claim Amount	Average Claims
Blacktown	2,146	$672,254	$313
Baulkham Hills	2,192	$644,169	$294
Auburn	1,078	$597,484	$554
Marsden Park	1,613	$569,063	$353
Merrylands	1,380	$555,275	$402
Castle Hill	1,792	$497,861	$278
Quakers Hill	1,544	$442,663	$287
Kellyville	1,520	$420,235	$276
Lakemba	753	$386,327	$513
Greystanes	1,249	$346,460	$277
Bankstown	936	$338,985	$362
West Pennant Hills	1,007	$306,736	$305
Glenwood	1,004	$297,734	$297
Schofields	964	$291,859	$303
Glenmore Park	1,167	$287,460	$246
Punchbowl	761	$285,351	$375
Seven Hills	852	$269,548	$316
Maroubra	1,119	$261,742	$234
Wiley Park	561	$258,543	$461
Cherrybrook	808	$258,516	$320

Premier Chris Minns said:

“We know families and households are doing it tough and I’m pleased that the $60 toll cap is having an impact on the people who are impacted the most by tolls.”

“There’s no doubt the NSW Government’s toll cap is fundamentally needed while we look to reform the system when you consider how many toll roads have been privatised, and its important the burden doesn’t disproportionately fall on those that need toll roads to get to and from work.”

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“The toll cap is a cost-of-living relief measure that provides support for those people who do not have the choice to avoid toll bills in getting around Sydney. The most toll road reliant areas have fewer public transport alternatives than other parts of our city.

“An average $253 cash rebate will be welcomed by families from Marsden Park to Merrylands, West Pennant Hills to Wiley Park.

“This is targeted toll relief while we continue to work on toll reform assisted by the final report of the independent Toll Review of Allan Fels and David Cousins.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“I encourage road users to head to the Service NSW website to check if they are eligible to claim for toll relief, and to find out how to link your toll account with your MyServiceNSW Account.”

“Drivers might be surprised by how much they can claim under the $60 toll cap, which can help ease cost-of-living pressures on households.”

The NSW Government is delivering on its ongoing commitment to revitalise Aboriginal Languages, with the announcement of more than $4 million in grants to fund 74 Aboriginal Language projects across the state.

This new funding builds on the $3.9 million delivered in 2023, double the Coalition Government’s spend in 2022. 

The Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris announced the funding while visiting one of the grant recipients, First Linguists, in the town of Brewarrina on Thursday.

First Linguists, supported by Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council, will receive a $15,000 grant to develop workshops to revitalise and preserve the Ngemba, Ualarai, Murrawarri and Kimilaroi Languages.crop_originalImage creditkeyboard_arrow_up

The NSW Government investment, via the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), will empower Aboriginal people and organisations across the state deliver events, initiatives and projects tailored to the needs of their communities. 

Aboriginal languages are central to Aboriginal culture and vital to sustaining traditional knowledge.

The growth and strengthening of Aboriginal Languages and Culture is also a key outcome for Closing the Gap, a national commitment to improve outcomes for Aboriginal people. 

NSW remains the only jurisdiction in Australia to enact legislation that recognises the importance of Aboriginal Languages and establishes mechanisms for a focused investment in their revitalisation. 

In 2023/24 the Aboriginal Languages Trust offered six grant programs, including a new Educational Scholarship Program, which aims to contribute to the growth of Aboriginal Languages by supporting individuals to pursue languages training and education.

Among the many projects the grants will support, include:

• Warren Performing Arts and Language Place Incorporated will record four original songs in the Wayilwan Language and deliver Community Language workshops at Warren in central-west NSW
• Walhallow Local Aboriginal Land Council near Tamworth will create an animation to tell the Dreamtime story of Yurrandaali, the main totem for Aboriginal people of the Liverpool Plains 
• Elders will deliver on country language workshops for Aboriginal young people on Bundjalung Land in northern NSW
• Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council will create four 360-degree interactive videos filmed on country and digitally animated to explore a world using Wiradyuri/Wiradjuri Language in 3D
• Newara Aboriginal Corporation will employ an Anaiwan Language Project Officer and Facilitator, a role vital to supporting Newara as the primary Language organisation and hub for the Anaiwan community in Armidale
• Winangakirri Aboriginal Corporation will employ two Language support workers, a contract Linguist and Archivist, to develop Language learning materials for Community use 
• Blake Cusack will be one of six recipients of the Aboriginal Languages Education Scholarship Program. Blake currently works full time as a Gumbaynggirr language teacher at Gumbaynggirr Giigana Freedom School in Coffs Harbour.

Apply for a NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 grant

Aboriginal organisations and groups in NSW are now invited to apply for grants to hold events and activities celebrating NSW Aboriginal Languages Week 2024 from 20 to 27 October.

Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available for initiatives to celebrate Aboriginal Languages across NSW, including community events, exhibitions, language classes and language workshops.

In its second year, NSW Aboriginal Languages Week aims to celebrate and promote languages with a broad range of stakeholders and audiences through a series of events, programs and promotional activities.

NSW Aboriginal Languages week also recognises the passing of the Aboriginal Languages legislation, which came into law on 24 October 2017.

Applications are open until 6 September 2024. For more information, visit the ALT website, www.alt.nsw.gov.au

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said: 

“Aboriginal communities and organisations are delivering critical work to ensure the first languages of New South Wales are strengthened today, for generations to come.

“Aboriginal languages  are a core aspect of our state’s cultural heritage that must be protected and celebrated.

“It’s pleasing to see the diverse activity happening in this space and to be able to support Aboriginal organisations and people to be change makers.” 


Executive Director, Aboriginal Languages Trust Clare McHugh said:

“Increased engagement by new and returning community organisations demonstrates that funding is leading to a proliferation of activities and programs across NSW that are strengthening Aboriginal languages.

“Each community has their own Language needs and priorities, and their own timeline.

“This year we’re really seeing the positive impact of sustained support for communities, with languages going from strength to strength in numerous regions.

“Other communities seeing that progress have been encouraged to seek funding for the first time, expanding the Trust’s impact.”

First Linguists Director Melissa Kirby said:

“We are very grateful for the NSW Government’s support to allow the Brewarrina community to finally govern their traditional language space.

“The funding enables First Linguists employees to recognise and build the talent in a traditional language speech Pod with the aim to grow more speakers of Ngemba.”

The Minns Labor Government is today opening the new Parramatta Police Station, reaffirming our commitment to ensuring NSW Police has the staff, resources and infrastructure it needs to keep our communities safe.

This is part of the NSW Government’s long-term plan to rebuild our essential services, including addressing the recruitment and retention crisis of frontline workers.

Construction of the new $46.6 million station at 95 Marsden Street is now complete, with a modern, state-of-the-art facility now supporting the growing community.

The new station will accommodate up to 180 officers and replaces the original police station, built on the same site in the 1970s.

The new Parramatta Police Station will service suburbs within the Parramatta Police Area Command including Parramatta, Winston Hills, Northmead, Westmead, North Parramatta, Pendle Hill, Toongabbie, Old Toongabbie, Constitution Hill, North Rocks and Wentworthville.

The building is designed to address the growing needs of Parramatta and includes:

• General Duties officers;
• Criminal Intelligence Team;
• Domestic Violence Team/Operatives;
• Traffic and Highway Patrol Command;
• Bicycle and High Visibility Policing Teams;
• Police prosecutors.

New and improved facilities include:

• Specialist support rooms for victim-survivors of sexual violence;
• Improved audio-visual link suites/capability for persons in custody, victims and witnesses;
• Increased custody capacity;
• Basement parking for more than 40 police vehicles and motorbikes; and
• Improved staff facilities.

This new facility builds on the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to attract more people to the force to address the chronic shortage of officers left by the former government by:

• abolishing the wages cap;
• setting up a new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer, which has already seen applications surge by 50 per cent; and
• two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our government is committed to attracting more people to these vital roles.

“Part of that is ensuring police have the facilities they need to keep the community safe.

“Police dedicate their lives to protecting their community, and these new facilities will help make that work a little bit easier.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“This new station gives officers the resources and facilities needed to continue to fight crime and support this growing community.

“A world class police force requires world class facilities and that’s what we’re delivering.

“Addressing domestic and family violence is, and will continue to be, a top priority for the NSW Police Force and the NSW Government and I am pleased that the new facilities support both police and victim-survivors in this effort.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“The previous police station was built more than 50 years ago and now our officers have a new purpose-built home which provides state-of-the-art facilities.

“As part of the new design, there are specialist support rooms for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, which represents the NSW Police Force’s continued commitment to supporting victims of crime.

“Today represents a significant milestone in the working lives of Parramatta police and provides them with cutting-edge technology to enable them to respond more effectively to the needs of the community they serve.”

Member for Parramatta, Donna Davis said:

“This is an important upgrade for our community, as one of the fastest growing in the state.

“A big part of keeping the community safe is making sure we have the best facilities.

“I want to congratulate the police of the Parramatta Police Area Command. Welcome to your new home.”downloadDownload as PDFprintPrint this pagesha

The NSW Government is today announcing the appointment of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry Action Plan, which will outline the path NSW will take to ensure a sustainable timber industry that aligns with the government’s key environmental priorities.

The Independent Forestry Panel will be chaired by Peter Duncan AM who has more than 40 years’ experience in primary industries, infrastructure and regional NSW.

Professor Mary O’Kane AC and the Hon. Mick Veitch will also sit on the Panel.

The Panel will be tasked with consulting with a broad range of stakeholders and report to Government on the best options to achieve the balance between sustainable supplies of timber and our environmental commitments.

Stakeholders include representatives from the timber industry, forest growers, environment groups, unions, Aboriginal communities, local government, business, related industries, tourism, scientific experts and the Commonwealth Government.

The Plan will address the following key areas:

• Sustainability of current and future forestry operations in NSW;
• Environmental and cultural values of forests, including threatened species;
• Community demand for timber products, particularly as relates to NSW housing, construction, mining, transport and retail;
• The future of softwood and hardwood plantations and the continuation of Private Native Forestry in helping meet timber supply needs;
• The role of State Forests in maximising the delivery of a range of environmental, economic and social outcomes;
• Opportunities to realise carbon and biodiversity benefits and support carbon and biodiversity markets, and mitigate and adapt to climate change risks; and
• Greenhouse gas emission impacts of different uses of forests and assessment of climate change risks to forests.

The former Coalition Government neglected to plan for the future of this industry, so the NSW Government is taking action to give certainty to communities, workers and industry.

To stay informed on the Independent Forestry Panel’s process, please register your interest at www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/forestry-industry-action-plan

Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe said:

“The NSW Government is consulting on the future of forestry in NSW.

“Whether it’s hardwood, softwood or private native forest, our forests and the native species which call them home have faced challenges including bushfires, floods and the ongoing risks due to climate change.

“We want your input on what forests and a sustainable forestry industry will look like in the next 30 years.

“The expert panel will consult a wide range of stakeholders and we encourage everyone to have their say.”

Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“We need both trees and wood, and we must strike the right balance for communities and our environment in regional NSW.

“Timber is a crucial part of our everyday lives, with timber needed for community and government priorities such as housing, transport infrastructure, electricity distribution, and freight transport.

“The families, businesses and communities that make up this industry will be considered for the Action Plan. Their knowledge and experience will be essential for understanding the issues and finding the solutions.

“Our timber workers also play a crucial role, when we need it most, to protect our forests and our communities during bushfires. They are part of our frontline in those difficult times, where their skills and equipment are critical in the fight.

“The consultative work that is set to go into this Action Plan will ensure all stakeholders are listened to and we arrive at the best future for the timber industry and sustainable state forests.”

Sydney Gateway, the toll-free, time-saving connection to Sydney Airport, will open to traffic from the motorway network on Sunday 1 September.

The new five kilometres of motorway will transform access to the airport, saving motorists an estimated 17 minutes between the airport and the St Peters Interchange which connects to the M8, and the main routes to Western Sydney – the M5 and M4.

A driver joining the motorway network at Campbelltown, Liverpool, Penrith or Parramatta will now have a traffic light-free run all the way to the domestic terminal and just one traffic light into the international terminal at Sydney Airport.

Sydney Gateway, which employed 8000 workers over almost four years of construction, will also provide an alternative route for up to 10,000 trucks per day travelling to the airport and Port Botany, reducing the number of trucks on local streets in and around Mascot.

After the local traffic impacts that resulted from the opening of the Rozelle Interchange, motorists are urged to be as prepared as possible for how the new road works. Driver animations released in July provide a valuable guide of signage, lanes and exits on the new road.

For the first time on a big motorway project, signage and road markings were tested in advance with members of the public, resulting in 100 changes pre-opening.

Transport for NSW is conducting final commissioning this week and establishing a Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre to monitored and react to congestion and traffic incidents as the new motorway integrates with the network.

Sydney Airport will have in place kerb-side management measures at the international and domestic terminals to manage traffic flow through the airport.

Since November last year, the $2.6 billion Sydney Gateway has opened in stages to maximise construction efficiency and minimise disruption. This included the unveiling of the Deborah Lawrie Flyover into the airport’s domestic terminals, two stunning twin arch bridges close to the international terminal and a new and improved Airport Drive.

Minister for Roads John Graham said:

“A driver in Western Sydney joins the motorway network and the next set of traffic lights they stop at may well be in Melbourne, Brisbane – this is the real dividend of the toll-free Sydney Gateway.

“Sydney Metro was a transformational infrastructure project for Sydney and the opening of Gateway is now going to transform that familiar car trip to the airport, whether it is to depart on holidays, return on business or picking up the family.

“Transport for NSW is working closely with Sydney Airport for the smoothest start, but I urge all Sydney drivers to take a moment to familiarise themselves with the animations, know their route and expect some initial traffic impacts as fellow drivers also get familiarised

“I want to thank the 8000 workers who built Sydney Gateway, part of the most skilled and experienced infrastructure workforces we have in Australia or anywhere around the world.”

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said: 

“There are always impacts when opening large infrastructure projects as drivers get used to new conditions.

“We have been working hard to ensure we are well prepared to welcome motorists onto the newest section of Sydney Gateway, with the Joint Operations Centre at the Transport Management Centre crucial to this.

“We want people to reap the benefits of the new road connections straight away, so we are eager for as many people as possible to watch the in-car driver animations as these provide a perfect opportunity to see what is coming before opening.

“The animations include the signage and road markings that drivers will see in the M8 tunnels and on the new adjoining surface roads, helping them to navigate the new routes to and from the Sydney Airport precinct.” 

The NSW Government will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers across the state.

In a speech to the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue, Health Minister Ryan Park will announce that 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

It forms part of the Minns Labor Government’s budget investment of $53.9 million to improve patient flow and support discharge planning by identifying patients that are suitable to be discharged home with the appropriate supports in place.

These roles will support clinical staff to facilitate patient flow and better co-ordinate the discharge processes.

This will enhance patient communication and experience, including for patients awaiting discharge who are National Disability Insurance Scheme recipients or residential aged care residents.

This is just one of a range of measures included in the Minns Labor Government’s $480.7 million emergency department relief package announced in the state budget in June.

The ED relief package also included $15.1 million for an Ambulance Matrix that provides real time hospital data to enable paramedics to transport patients to emergency departments with greater capacity and reducing wait times.

The nation-leading initiative is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

Other measures in the ED relief package include:

• $171.4 million to introduce three additional virtual care services helping 180,000 avoid a trip to the ED;
• $100 million to back in our urgent care services to become a mainstay and key instrument of the health system in providing a pathway to care outside of our hospitals for an estimated 114,000 patients;
• $70 million to expand emergency department short stay units to improve patient flow to reduce ED wait times by nearly 80,000 hours; and
• $31.4 million to increase Hospital in the Home across the state allowing over 3,500 additional patients each year to be cared for in their home rather than a hospital bed.

Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“Having people and their loved ones waiting around in our hospitals for lengthy periods of time is not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“Today we can announce that we will rollout 86 dedicated patient flow concierge officers, and 18 of them will be deployed in Western Sydney.

“Discharging patients from hospital is often an admin-heavy task, taking clinicians away from seeing patients.

“We’ve created this new role to help get patients home as soon as possible once they’re ready to be discharged – freeing up our doctors, nurses and other staff to get on with seeing patients.  

“And today, I’m also pleased to announce that nation-leading initiative real time ambulance matrix is making strong progress with rigorous testing of the “NewGen” matrix commencing next month.

“The growth in presentations in Western Sydney and South Western Sydney emergency departments has outpaced the state average over past 10 years.  I know this pressure is tough on the system but it’s also tough on our staff.

“The benefits of these key initiatives will be most strongly felt right here in Western Sydney.”

Western NSW Local Health District’s (WNSWLHD) dedicated staff have been recognised at an annual awards ceremony held at the Dubbo Rhino Lodge overnight.

The WNSWLHD Awards recognise the hard work and outstanding success of teams, projects and health professionals across the region. The Awards program recognises, supports and promotes innovation in the provision of quality care, patient experience and clinical care, while providing an opportunity for the workforce to connect, learn and celebrate achievements together.

The 2024 Awards were presented across 18 different team, project and individual categories, following the District’s annual symposium which featured presentations from all the categories’ finalists.

The Symposium also provided an opportunity for attendees to vote for the People’s Choice Award, while the Chief Executive’s Award and the Board Choice’s Award have also been presented.

2024 WNSWLHD Award recipients:

• Staff Member of the Year Award: Jasmin Jones (Registered Nurse, Grenfell Multipurpose Service) and Tammy Jones (Support Services Manager, Narromine Health Service)
• Volunteer of the Year Award: Elizabeth Allen (Dubbo)
• Chief Executive’s Award: Circular recycling program Orange
• Board’s Choice Award: First experience, lasting impression – Paediatric clothing pool Dubbo
• People’s Choice Award: Occupational Therapy in the Emergency Department
• Senior Leader of the Year: Jo Lemmich (WNSWLHD Patient Safety Manager)
• Agency for Clinical Innovation (ACI) Rural Innovation Award: Public Health Analytics Dashboard
• Excellence in Aboriginal Healthcare Award: Right time, Right place: Innovative collaboration to connect women from Western NSW to world-class cancer treatment
• Health Innovation Award: Scan – Reuse – Reduce
• Inspiring Teams Award: Mudgee Health Service, food service team
• Keeping People Healthy Award: Cervical screening during pregnancy Dubbo
• Excellence in the Provision of Mental Health Services Award: Tuning in to kids
• Transforming Patient Experience Award: Oral health waiting list reform
• Patient Safety First Award: Changing the slippery slope of deteriorating patients
• People and Culture Award: Allied Health Rural Graduate Program
• Health Research Award: Intrapleural fibrinolytic therapy in regional NSW hospital
• Excellence in the Provision of Multicultural Healthcare Award: Arogya: Co-designing solutions to healthcare disparities in Dubbo’s migrant community
• Environmental Sustainability Award: Excess PPE Management Success

More information, including profiles of all Award recipients and finalists, is available on the WNSWLHD website.

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Western NSW is unique as a Local Health District, and with a huge geographic footprint which includes some of the most remote towns and most vulnerable populations in the state, the workforce faces different challenges every single day.

“However, our dedicated staff continue to rise to those challenges and provide innovative, world-class care to the people of western NSW, doing so with incredible drive and commitment.”

Labor Spokesperson for Dubbo Stephen Lawrence MLC:

“These awards are an opportunity to celebrate the valuable contributions these special individuals give to our health system all over western NSW.

“I wholeheartedly congratulate all of Western NSW Local Health District’s Award recipients and finalists who are thoroughly deserving of this recognition, and I also want to thank the entire workforce for their ongoing dedication.”

WNSWLHD Chief Executive Mark Spittal:

“Every year this event allows us to see and appreciate the amazing work our staff do right across our District. Importantly, it gives us an opportunity to come together to celebrate and recognise those achievements.

“I look forward to seeing and hearing from our finalists at the Symposium every year, the passion they have for their projects, improvement and above all the communities they are engrained in is nothing short of inspiring.

“I thoroughly congratulate all our winners and finalists, there were so many worthy projects that were submitted for consideration across the District. Our entire District is so proud of our staff’s work and the care they provide.

“We are truly grateful to have such dedicated healthcare professionals in western NSW, of whom our communities can be justifiably proud.”