$1 billion Mamre Road upgrade moves ahead: Design released and open for community feedback

Critical road link Mamre Road will be widened to two lanes in each direction as part of a $1 billion upgrade by the Minns and Albanese Governments to ease traffic and improve safety in Western Sydney.

Early designs and an environmental assessment for Stage 2 of the Mamre Road upgrade between Erskine Park Road and Kerrs Road have been released today, showing its transformation from suburban road to major arterial link across the west.

Also released was a flythrough that shows how the 6.1 km route from St Clair to Kemps Creek will be developed to support the growth of local communities. Some 20,000 vehicles currently use the route daily and this is expected to double by 2041.

Mamre Road is a key link to Western Sydney’s growing employment areas, including the future Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, and the upgrade will support more reliable travel as the region continues to expand.

This project builds on the $290M, 3.8 km Mamre Road Stage 1, already underway, and will improve the connection between the M4 Motorway and Elizabeth Drive.

The community has been asked to have their say on the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) which considers project impacts including noise, traffic, air quality, flooding, biodiversity and heritage. Community feedback on the REF will help shape the final design and reduce potential impacts.

The Mamre Road 2 upgrade is proposed to include:

  • New traffic lights with pedestrian crossings at Abbotts Road and Darrabarra Avenue 
  • Safer shared paths for walking and cycling 
  • Improved bus stops and drainage 
  • A smoother, safer drive with less congestion in peak times

Pending planning approvals, construction is expected to get underway in 2026 with construction expected to be completed in 2029.

This is one of several major road projects transforming travel in Western Sydney, including:

  • The new toll-free $2.1 billion M12 Motorway (opening 2026) 
  • $800 million in upgrades to Elizabeth Drive 
  • A $1 billion overhaul of Fifteenth Avenue between Cowpasture and Devonshire roads

The local community is invited to the view plans and environmental report, and have their say by visiting www.transport.nsw.gov.au/mamreroadupgradeS2, emailing mamreroadupgradeS2@transport.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 696 564 (option 2 – toll free).  

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“This upgrade is about future-proofing Mamre Road to meet the demands of a growing Western Sydney.

“We’re turning a single-lane road into a safer, higher-capacity route that supports local communities, connects workers to jobs, and keeps traffic moving as the airport and surrounding areas continue to grow.”

Acting Minister for Western Sydney, Courtney Houssos said:  

“Western Sydney is booming, and this investment ensures our infrastructure keeps up.  

“We want to get this right, and that means hearing from the people who use Mamre Road every day. Community feedback on the environmental assessment is critical and will help shape the final design to best meet local needs.” 

Largest public preschool construction program in NSW history takes off

Construction of some of the first public preschools to be delivered by the Minns Labor Government is officially beginning today as the government works to deliver the biggest expansion of public preschools in NSW history.

This year, 25 public preschools that are co-located on public school sites will commence construction, with work starting today at Cartwright Public School in South West Sydney.

When built, the new preschools will offer a high-quality early learning to support childrens’ transition into kindergarten and schooling, as well as ease pick up and drop off for parents with older students at the same school.

In addition to state-of-the-art learning areas, each new preschool will include staff facilities, a kitchen, toilet facilities and landscaped outdoor areas.

This is part of the NSW Government’s $769 million commitment to build 100 new public preschools.

The investment doubles the number of public preschools in the state, the largest expansion of public early learning in NSW history.

Once complete up to 9,000 children will benefit from access to fee-free, high quality early education in their local community. Of the 100 new public preschools, 51 are in metropolitan Sydney and 49 in regional NSW, prioritised in areas of highest need based on a rigorous selection process.

The NSW government is making historic investments to giving every child across NSW the best possible start to their education, including:

  • $100 million to help community preschools provide more hours and welcome more children
  • $60 million to build and upgrade 50 preschools at non-government schools
  • $200 million to support Aboriginal-led early learning
  • $17 million for capital works at early childhood services in areas of need, and
  • More than $29 million for scholarships to increase the number of early childhood workers.

The Minns Labor Government’s work towards delivering universal preschool access across the state is in sharp contrast to the former Liberal National government, who over twelve years failed to build a single public preschool.

With the one new public preschool already open to students, the first built in NSW in almost 20 years, the Minns Labor Government is on track to deliver its commitment of 100 public preschools in full by 2027.

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“I don’t think there’s a more important investment we can make than in our kids’ education. These 100 new public preschools will give thousands of children across NSW the best possible start in life.

“For too long, families have struggled to find affordable, high-quality early learning close to home. We’re changing that, building public preschools right alongside public schools to make life easier for parents and give every child the opportunity to thrive.

“The former government didn’t build a single public preschool in twelve years. We’re building one hundred, because every child in NSW deserves access to early learning, no matter where they live.”

Acting Minister for Education and Early Learning Courtney Houssos said:

“The Minns Labor Government is delighted to be kicking off construction on the first tranche of new public preschools, marking a historic expansion in access to early learning for families across NSW.

“For far too long, families in Western Sydney and Regional NSW had limited access to quality early childhood education, especially public early childhood education. Despite being in government for 12 years, the Liberals and Nationals failed to deliver for them.

“The Minns Labor Government, with the leadership of Deputy Premier Prue Car, made this historic commitment because we strongly believe all children should have access to high-quality early education, no matter their postcode.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Liverpool community to access high quality early learning for their children. 

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will make children’s transition to kindergarten that much easier, here in the 2168.

“We are very excited to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at a new public preschool at Cartwright Public School, and I know it will make a huge difference for these learners.”

Cartwright Public School Principal Elizabeth Harris said:

“This is a wonderful opportunity for our families across the Liverpool community to access high quality early learning for their children.

“With the public preschool on school grounds, it will smooth children’s transition to kindergarten.

“We are very excited to welcome our youngest learners, supporting the beginning of their school journey at a new public preschool at Cartwright Public School.”

Chris Minns privatising NSW national parks

The Minns Labor Government is contracting with private companies to take over parts of New South Wales national parks.
 
Under a new “supported camping” scheme, Labor is handing exclusive control of 23 campgrounds across 16 of the state’s most loved national parks to private operators.
 
These include Kosciuszko, Blue Mountains, Killalea, Bouddi, Mimosa Rocks, Dharug, Booti Booti, Wollemi, Warrumbungle, Ku-ring-gai Chase and Murramarang.
 
Private operators will have the right to book and resell campsites, hire out caravans, tents and equipment, and sell food packages. They’ll be exempt from park entry fees. Families will still have to pay.  Labor says it’s about “accessibility” and “visitor experience”, but those are just buzzwords to hide the truth. This is privatisation of public land.
 
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said this is gobsmacking hypocrisy from a government that said it was opposed to privatisation. 
 
“Labor promised transparency and fairness, but after three budgets they’ve delivered spin, slogans and now privatisation of camping sites,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Shadow Treasurer Damien Tudehope said that Labor‘s “supported camping” is just a money grab. 
 
  “It’s symptomatic of a government which has lost control of its budget and is now reaching into the pocket of every household that loves getting outdoors,” Mr Tudehope said
 
Shadow Minister for the Environment James Griffin said Labor criticised the former Coalition governments plan to create multi-day walks to ensure everyone in NSW, whether a seasoned hiker or budget conscious family could enjoy our national parks.
 
“This plan from Labor is another example of them picking the pockets of people trying to visit a NSW national park” Mr Griffin said.
 
Shadow Minister for Tourism Kevin Anderson said this could put the great outdoors out of reach in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.

“Camping has always been a great Australian pastime, with generations of families enjoying some time away from the rat-race in the peace and tranquillity without breaking the bank,” Mr Anderson said.
 
“Our national parks are a huge draw card for rural and regional areas, receiving more than 50 million visits every year, including 1.8 million overnight campground stays, but now Labor wants to put our most treasured natural assets behind a paywall which is absolutely outrageous.”

Backing Australian companies to expand into Southeast Asia

The Albanese Government has today announced two milestone investments to boost Australia’s economic engagement with Southeast Asia, supporting new opportunities for Australian investors and businesses.

The Government will invest AUD$175 million in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund and USD$50 million in a new Southeast Asia Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment fund established by Australian infrastructure specialist Plenary.

Both investments, administered by Export Finance Australia (EFA), will help expand the presence of Australian investors and businesses in Southeast Asia.

These investments are being delivered through the Government’s A$2 billion Southeast Asia Investment Financing Facility (SEAIFF).

Australia continues to increase our economic engagement with Southeast Asia under Invested: Australia’s Southeast Asia Economic Strategy to 2040. ASEAN alone represents nearly 700 million people, and by 2040 is expected to be the fourth largest economy in the world.

The A$175 million investment in IFM Investors’ Asia-Pacific Debt Fund will support IFM’s expansion into Southeast Asia, targeting investments in key sectors including renewable energy, telecommunications and logistics.

The USD$50 million investment in Plenary’s new Southeast Asia PPP investment fund will enable it to finance essential public infrastructure projects across Southeast Asia – using Australian know-how to deliver nation-building projects in sectors such as healthcare, education and transport.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“Together, these investments represent a major step forward in my Government’s delivery of our Southeast Asia Economic Strategy. 

“A quarter of a billion dollars to kick-start Australian investments in the region and back the growth of Australian companies.

“These investments will boost exports and supply chains, helping grow jobs back home”

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong

“Australia is fully invested in Southeast Asia, and we continue to build opportunity and prosperity together.

“Almost $1 billion of new Australian investment has been supported under Invested, and two-way trade has increased $6 billion between 2023 and 2024.

“Trading and investing more in our region means more opportunities for Australian businesses to grow, creating more Australian jobs and boosting our economic prosperity and resilience.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell

“As a bloc, Southeast Asia is projected to become the world’s fourth-largest economy by 2040.

“Through these new investments, the Albanese Government is backing Australian exporters and investors to take advantage of the growth of the world’s most dynamic region.

“We are determined to leverage the enormous opportunities for Australian businesses, creating and sustaining jobs both here and in Southeast Asia.”

Timor-Leste’s accession to ASEAN

Australia warmly congratulates Timor-Leste on its accession as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese marked the occasion with Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão and ASEAN leaders at the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.

This is an important milestone for ASEAN and a significant step for Timor-Leste’s regional integration and economic development. It is a credit to both ASEAN’s and Timor Leste’s sustained efforts over many years.

We acknowledge the leadership of Prime Minister Xanana Gusmão in achieving what he has described as a ‘historic goal’ for the nation and people of Timor-Leste.

Australia is proud to have supported Timor-Leste’s ASEAN journey from the beginning, including through our $11.8 million technical assistance and capacity building package.

Australia is ASEAN’s first Dialogue Partner, and we strongly support ASEAN’s role in shaping a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.

ASEAN is central to regional stability; it guards against conflict, drives regional economic growth, and reinforces the rules and norms that protect us all.

As a close friend, partner and neighbour, we look forward to continuing to work closely with Timor-Leste and ASEAN to ensure membership delivers real benefits for the Timorese people and our shared region.

Body of woman missing from Swansea located

Nic Hodgson, aged 29, was last seen in Swansea, about 3.30pm yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025).

When she could not be located or contacted, officers attached to Lake Macquarie Police District were notified and commenced inquiries into her whereabouts.

Police and family hold concerns for Nic’s welfare as she lives with a number of health conditions.

Nic is described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170cm tall, medium build, red/auburn coloured shoulder length hair that maybe tied in a bun and has sleeve tattoos on both arms and the right leg.

She was last seen wearing a green shirt, black cargo shorts and black boots.

Nic is known to frequent the Swansea and Morisset areas.

The body of a 29-year-old woman reported missing from Swansea yesterday (Sunday 26 October 2025) has been located.

Four teens charged following alleged car theft and pursuit across Hunter Region

Four teens have been charged after allegedly stealing a car and fleeing from police across the Hunter Region yesterday.

About 6am (Sunday 26 October 2025), police received a report that a stolen Mazda SUV had been driving dangerously on the Pacific Highway, Tomago, with reports passengers were throwing items at other drivers.

Officers attached to Maitland Highway Patrol attended and began patrolling the area searching for the vehicle.

During this search police located the Mazda travelling on the Pacific Highway, Hexham, about 8am the same day.

Police directed the vehicle to stop; however, when the driver allegedly failed to do so a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit continued along the highway towards Hexham Bridge, Hexham, with the Mazda allegedly reaching speeds of 180km/h in a signposted 60km/h zone.

As the pursuit reached the bridge the SUV collided with a concrete barrier; however, it continued along the highway before stopping at the intersection of the Pacific Highway and Old Punt Road.

Four teens exited the vehicle and attempted to run from the scene; however, police arrested the group before taking them to Raymond Terrace Police Station.

The alleged driver – a 15-year-old boy – was charged with police pursuit – not stop – drive recklessly, drive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerous, take & drive conveyance w/o consent of owner, class A motor vehicle exceed speed more than 45 km/h, and breach of bail.

The other three teens – all aged 15 – were charged with be carried in conveyance taken without consent of owner, with one teenage boy also being charged with breach of bail.

All four teens were refused bail to appear before children’s court today (Monday 27 October 2025).

New playgrounds swing into action across Newcastle

City of Newcastle is delivering new places to play across the city, with the first two playground upgrades now open as part of a $750,000 investment this financial year.

Local families were treated to a community celebration at Maryland today to officially mark the completion of the new playground and half-court basketball space at Beauford Avenue Reserve.

Councillors Callum Pull, Deahnna Richardson, Cr Elizabeth Adamczyk join City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation Lynn Duffy, parents and children to celebrate the completion of the playground upgrade at Beauford Avenue Reserve in Maryland.It follows the installation of a refreshed playground at Stockton Swimming Centre, which opened in time for the start of the swimming season last month.

Work is also progressing at the Morpeth Road Reserve playground at Waratah, while construction at Johnson Park playground at Lambton is set to commence in the coming months.

Artist’s impression of the new playground to be built at Johnson Park Playground Lambton.Chief Executive Officer Jeremy Bath said City of Newcastle is committed to enhancing recreational opportunities for the community.

“Through our annual Playground Replacement Program we’ve been able to upgrade, replace or improve 28 popular parks and recreational areas across the region since 2018, ensuring every suburb has access to safe, modern and inclusive recreational facilities,” Mr Bath said.

“This year we’re investing $750,000 into four neighbourhood playground projects, with two already complete and another two on their way for communities to enjoy.

“It’s part of a broader investment in outdoor recreation, with our 2025/26 Budget also including $10 million for the Foreshore Park inclusive playspace, Newcastle’s first regional-level playground.

“I can’t wait to see it open and attracting thousands of people to the east end.”

City of Newcastle has invested more than $14 million into playground projects across Newcastle during the past seven years.

City of Newcastle Executive Manager Community and Recreation, Lynn Duffy, said the Playground Replacement Program plays an important role in supporting community wellbeing.

“Playgrounds do more than provide equipment for children, they bring people together, encourage physical activity and support social and emotional development,” Ms Duffy said.

“The Maryland playground now features a variety of new play equipment designed to spark creativity and encourage physical development in younger children, alongside a new half-court basketball area for older kids and teens.

“The improvements include accessible pathways, shaded seating and soft-fall surfacing to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all users.

“Stockton families are also benefitting from a recently completed upgrade to the recreation space at the swimming centre, which features upgraded play equipment, family-friendly barbecue facilities, shaded picnic areas and accessible footpaths.”

City of Newcastle maintains 116 playgrounds across the local government area.

Visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/works to stay up to date on progress on playgrounds in your area.

Media Statement – Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge

Newcastle Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge has recently been diagnosed with a serious medical condition that requires ongoing treatment. 

He will be taking a leave of absence from his duties as Lord Mayor starting Monday, 27 October until early 2026.

During this period, Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Charlotte McCabe will assume the responsibilities of Lord Mayor to ensure continuity of leadership and service to the community.

City of Newcastle extends its full support to Lord Mayor Kerridge and wishes him strength and a full recovery.

Nuatali Nelmes honoured for outstanding service to Newcastle

Local Government NSW (LGNSW) will this Sunday present the prestigious Emeritus Mayor Award to Nuatali Nelmes, former Lord Mayor of Newcastle, in recognition of her outstanding service to local government and her enduring legacy of leadership, innovation and advocacy.

Elected to Newcastle City Council in 2008, Ms Nelmes became the city’s youngest and second-ever female Lord Mayor in 2014. Across three consecutive terms, she was a transformative leader in local government who championed gender equity, sustainability and economic resilience.

Former Lord Mayor Nuatali NelmesFormer Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes will be honoured with the Emeritus Mayor Award from Local Government NSW for her dedication and service to council and the community.

Local Government NSW President Mayor Phyllis Miller OAM said the award acknowledges the significant impact Ms Nelmes has had on her community and the broader local government sector.

“Ms Nelmes’ achievements exemplify the values of dedication, innovation and community leadership that the award celebrates,” Mayor Miller OAM said.

“She has been a trailblazer for women in leadership and a tireless advocate for inclusive, sustainable and forward-thinking local government.

“Her legacy is one of bold vision and practical outcomes that have improved the lives of Novocastrians and set a benchmark for councils across the state. She has shown that leadership is not just about holding office, it’s about lifting others up and creating lasting change.

“Her commitment to empowering women and driving sustainability has left an indelible mark on the local government sector.”

Under Ms Nelmes’ leadership, City of Newcastle became the first council in NSW to transition to 100% renewable energy in 2020, reducing its carbon footprint by 77%. She oversaw the delivery of the city’s first 5MW solar farm and led the city’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

With a strong focus on infrastructure Ms Nelmes oversaw the record delivery of more than $1 billion in public works, increasing the Council’s annual capital works investment by 300% while maintaining strong operational surpluses. During her almost 10 years as Lord Mayor she saw Newcastle rise to NSW’s leading council for development approval times. 

As an advocate for gender equality, Ms Nelmes led Newcastle’s first female-majority council and rebalanced the city’s leadership team to reflect gender equity. She also established the Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women with the University of Newcastle and the Women Empowered Scholarship with Hunter TAFE, supporting women pursuing education and careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.

Beyond Newcastle, Ms Nelmes has served on boards and committees, including ICLEI Oceania, the Global Covenant of Mayors and as Treasurer of LGNSW. Her role as a Director of Newcastle Airport helped it grow its value to almost $450 million and secured global partnerships advancing sustainability and NetZero initiatives, including Australia’s endorsement of the CHAMP agreement at COP28.

Now a Professor of Practice at the University of Newcastle Business School, Ms Nelmes continues to contribute her expertise in strategy, business, urban revitalisation and inclusive growth. 

The Emeritus Mayor Award is reserved for retired councillors who have served consecutive terms as mayors and demonstrated exemplary service. Ms Nelmes will be formally honoured by Local Government NSW at a ceremony on Sunday at Blackbutt Reserve, officiated by President Phyllis Miller OAM.

Ms Nelmes said she was deeply honoured to receive the Emeritus Mayor Award.

“This recognition reflects the collective effort of our community, council team, and partners who shared a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant Newcastle,” Ms Nelmes said.

“Together, we delivered transformative projects in infrastructure, culture and housing that will benefit generations to come. I am proud of what we achieved and grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Newcastle.” 

Cr Declan Clausen, who served alongside Ms Nelmes as Deputy Lord Mayor for seven years and is now the city’s longest-serving councillor, said her leadership transformed both the Council and the community.
 
“Nuatali’s leadership was grounded in collaboration and shared purpose,” Cr Clausen said.

“As Labor colleagues, we worked closely to build a more sustainable, inclusive and forward-looking Newcastle. 

“She led with conviction and courage, empowering those around her and proving that progressive values can deliver real, lasting results for our community.”

Lord Mayor Ross Kerridge said Ms Nelmes’ dedication to excellence was evident throughout her 16 years of service to the Newcastle local government area.

“Ms Nelmes joins a distinguished lineage of Lord Mayors whose long serving contributions have shaped our city’s identity including Joy Cummings, John Tate, John McNaughton and even going back to Frank Purdue and Douglas McDougall,” Cr Kerridge said.

“Like Emeritus Mayors Joy Cummings and John Tate, it is fitting that Ms Nelmes is recognised for her dedication and service to Newcastle. She takes her place among Mayors across the state and nation who have made a valuable contribution to public service.”

Deputy Lord Mayor Charlotte McCabe said it had been a privilege to collaborate with Ms Nelmes during her time on Council.

“Nuatali’s extensive service to Newcastle spanning six years as a Councillor and 10 years as the Lord Mayor is deserving of this high honour,” Cr McCabe said.

“During her time as Lord Mayor, she led a progressive Council that invested in bold, ambitious projects that have set the city as a leader through our public spaces, art gallery, climate policy and strategic plans.

“I extend my congratulations to Nuatali on receiving this award.”

Key Achievements

Infrastructure and economic growth:

  • delivered a $1 billion capital works program, creating thousands of local jobs and increasing annual investment by 300%
  • increased capital works from $43 million to $170 million.

Major projects include:

  • Bathers Way coastal walk – a world-class 6km coastal pathway
  • new waste recovery centres and 5MW Summerhill Solar Farm
  • $15 million upgrade of the State Heritage Register listed Newcastle Ocean Baths
  • $10 million investment in Blackbutt Reserve
  • oversaw record development approvals valued at over $9 billion
  • reduced development application processing times, accelerating housing and business delivery to be NSW leading
  • established a $100 million property-driven Future Fund to secure long-term financial sustainability
  • championed investments in flood mitigation, tourism, event-led economic development, playground upgrades and digital infrastructure, including NSW’s first digital library.

Housing innovation:

  • Developed Newcastle’s first Social and Affordable Housing Contributions Scheme, ensuring sustainable housing supply
  • Formed a novel partnership with Homes NSW to accelerate social housing delivery across the region.

Established:

  • Lord Mayor’s Scholarship for Women (University of Newcastle)
  • Women Empowered Scholarship (Hunter TAFE)
  • advocated for women in sport, including early promotion of the Matildas, WNRL, and Australian Diamonds
  • raised the Torres Strait Islander flag on City Hall for the first time, reinforcing cultural recognition and inclusion.

Cultural transformation:

  • delivered the $50 million Newcastle Art Gallery redevelopment – the largest cultural investment in the city’s history
  • established the New Annual cultural festival, now a signature event
  • partnered with Venues NSW to bring global music icons Pink and Elton John to Newcastle, generating $40 million economic impact
  • returned the World Surf League Championship Tour after 25 years, delivering $15 million economic impact
  • supported Newcastle 500 Supercars, Surfest, Writers Festival and Unity in Diversity Festival
  • achieved a 60% increase in tourism through event-led economic development, investment in the after-dark economy, and Smart City infrastructure.

Leadership and inclusion:

  • positioned Newcastle as a United Nations City and secured Australia’s signatory status to CHAMP at COP28
  • participated in the Harvard Bloomberg Mayors Leadership Initiative and launched the Bloomberg Climate Youth Grants Initiative
  • served on ICLEI Oceania, Global Covenant of Mayors, and as Treasurer of LGNSW
  • championed gender equity, leading Newcastle’s first female-majority council.