16 News

Female bus drivers in Sydney’s west have access to dedicated toilets for the first time as the NSW Government begins to roll out almost $18 million in new break facilities at 34 locations across the city.

Improved rest facilities were a recommendation of Labor’s Bus Industry Taskforce which heard concerning stories of drivers taking buckets on the road with them and hundreds of drivers sharing a single portaloo in Parramatta for 15 years.

Until now, drivers at the busy Darcy Street Parramatta interchange layover have made do with one male and a unisex toilet, with no designated female toilet and a meal room too small to cater for demand.

The $500,000 upgrade in Parramatta provides an expanded meal room at Darcy Street and new male and female bathroom facilities at the Darcy and Argyle Street layovers.

Transport for NSW has also converted a shop near Charles Street, Parramatta into another meal room and female and male toilet facilities which replaces the unpopular portaloos on the side of the road – the only option for the hundreds of drivers using the layover for a decade and a half.

Rockdale, Cabramatta, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wynyard, and Hornsby bus interchanges have received upgrades.

Locations in line for better bus driver facilities in future, include:

• Bondi Junction
• Blacktown (2 locations)
• Mount Druitt
• Gordon
• Chatswood
• Edgecliff
• Circular Quay
• Penrith
• Riverstone
• Edmondson Park
• Leppington
• Macarthur
• Campbelltown 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Sydney’s bus drivers do such an important job in getting the rest of us where we need to go safely.

“The least they should expect is to be able to sit down for a meal and have access to toilet and bathroom facilities during their break.

“For too long these most basic of needs have not been met and it is frankly unbelievable that female drivers have not had designated facilities of their own at all locations until now.

“We heard the feedback of drivers, their unions and bus operators and hope that cleaner and better spaces to rest and recharge will be valued by our current drivers and help us to keep attracting new drivers to the ranks.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said: 

“One of the first things I did as the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport was convene a Bus Industry Taskforce to examine the issues within the bus industry.

“One of the biggest issues we discovered was the lack of quality facilities for bus drivers to use on shift, and it is great to see the government working toward rectifying this issue.

“For too long these drivers have made do with temporary facilities but they can now rest and recharge in much more comfortable spaces.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: 

“This new facility benefits the people who help keep this city moving every day.  

“Supporting the health and wellbeing of bus drivers is integral and improves the overall delivery of service across the network.   

“This program is about respect. We know that improving facilities makes a big difference for our essential workforce and will help attract new drivers into the system.” 

The Minns Labor Government is setting the wheels in motion for establishing a new state landmark tourism destination for the Snowy Mountains, that will attract visitors from around Australia and the world while generating fun and jobs for the local community.

Today the Minns Government announced the milestone of calling for investors to start imagining the possibilities for a world class mountain bike and adventure park covering 500 hectares at a unique location on the edge of Jindabyne.

The Minns Government is committed to driving economic development in the Snowy Mountains with smart planning and investment like this project that produces real outcomes for communities.

The Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park will thrill, inspire and attract visitors year-round, attracting riders seeking fresh air and fun, no matter whether they are locals, weekend adventurers from further afield, or elite international competitors.

The initial trail network will cover 20 kilometres, with capacity for future expansion to 60 kilometres and will be designed to showcase the region’s breath-taking beauty.

Set in the heart of the Snowy Mountains with panoramic lake views and alpine terrain, the NSW Government’s land site offers a rare opportunity to create and operate international standard competition trails as well as complementary venture experiences plus accommodation, cafes, playgrounds and more.

Mountain biking and cycle tourism are among the fastest-growing recreational activities globally, with participation doubling in the past six years. More than 350,000 Australians now ride weekly, and Jindabyne is perfectly placed to become a national hub for the sport due to its iconic setting.

The proposed Mountain Bike and Adventure Park is part of the Minns Government’s $242 million plan to rebuild Jindabyne as an economic hub and leading visitation centre. The Park now joins other projects already underway in the area, such as the following:

• Sewer and water network upgrades for increased housing, accommodation and the new school precinct
• Barrys Way major road upgrade to enhance and make safer the road connecting the town centre to the new Sport and School precinct
• Claypits car park and lake access precinct upgrade
• Jindabyne Lake foreshore design to upgrade the waterfront

Once complete, the Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park will positively contribute to the local economy creating jobs, boosting tourism and unlocking new year-round opportunities.

Registrations of Interest are now open to investors, with a formal Expression of Interest process to launch early next year. For more information visit Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park.

Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:

“This is more than a park — it’s a chance to build something extraordinary. The NSW Government is inviting bold ideas, big thinking and passionate partners to help shape the future of adventure in the Snowy Mountains.”

“Mountain biking is a fast-growing destination pursuit for people, and by placing a world class venue here in the beautiful Snowy Mountains, the Minns government is boosting economic development and local opportunities.

“Last week, we saw NSW host Australia’s largest bike racing, riding and expo the Sea Otter Festival at Batemans Bay, which was a showcase on the growth of mountain biking in our regions. We know that once these tracks are built, they’ll draw adventurers from across the state and internationally.

“This project is about building a vibrant year-round economy for the region through this strategic investment by the Minns government.”

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“The Jindabyne Mountain Bike and Adventure Park project reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to creating more reasons for visitors to travel, stay longer and spend more in regional NSW — helping us achieve our target of $91 billion in visitor expenditure by 2035.

“The Snowy Mountains is one of NSW’s most spectacular regions and projects like this will ensure it continues to attract visitors year-round.

“Working with stakeholders to create authentic, high-value offerings that connect visitors with nature was identified as a key action in the NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035. This is a strong example of how we’re supporting the development of transformative experiences that create jobs, support local businesses and strengthen regional communities.”

NSW MP for Monaro, and Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education Steve Whan said

“The Snowy Mountains region has always been known for its natural beauty, we are now laying the groundwork for it to consolidate as a world class destination for adventure and cycling.

“For the visionary who takes the reins, the opportunity here in Jindabyne stretches far beyond the trails, accommodation, cafes, ziplines and playgrounds, this is a canvas for creating an experience that thrills, inspires and delights.

“Our Government is investing in the Snowy mountains to deliver outcomes that work for everyone and last well into the future.”

Today, the first jet landed at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton), marking a major milestone in the Airport’s history. 

There will also be the first multiagency emergency exercise held as part of the ongoing testing process ahead of its 2026 opening, a full-scale aerodrome emergency response to a simulated aircraft incident.

The exercise will be held over two days, kicked off by the landing of the NSW Rural Fire Service 737 aircraft, the most significant testing of the new airport to date.

The airport’s preparedness, response and recovery capabilities will be tested, ensuring the airport meets the certification processes required ahead of opening.

Over 300 volunteer and emergency services personnel from NSW will participate, alongside federal agencies including Airservices, the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force.

The delivery of Western Sydney Airport showcases the Albanese Government’s commitment to shaping the local region and greater Sydney for decades to come.

The Government has invested $5.6 billion to date into the project, which upon opening will create thousands of additional jobs. This is in addition to the 12,224 supported to date.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“This is a historic moment for Western Sydney International Airport, as this jet touches down on the brand new runway.”

“A lot of hard work has led up to this moment, from the earlier days of construction to now rigorous testing to become operationally ready.”

“This project has taken decades of planning, created thousands of jobs and millions of hours of work. This is a clear indicator of the Albanese Government investing in Western Sydney and its future.”

“Already attracting significant investment into region, the airport’s future operations are also set to create thousands of jobs, on top of the 12,224 supported to date – over half of which were people from the local area.”

NSW Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib:

“This is an important milestone for NSW, the landing of the RFS Marie Bashir aircraft at the new Western Sydney International Airport is the beginning of many years of showcasing south-western Sydney to the world.”

“This is a proud day for our emergency services personnel and, in particular, the Rural Fire Service, who’ve been given the honour of landing the first jet here at the new airport.”

“Importantly, our emergency services are testing their capabilities to demonstrate they are ready to respond and work with their airport colleagues to protect passengers using this airport when passenger flights begin.”

The Minns Labor Government is fast-tracking a major rezoning of Gosford City Centre to unlock approximately 1,900 new homes, support local jobs, and create better public spaces.

The rezoning proposal will help meet growing housing demand on the Central Coast and support a vibrant city centre with easy access to transport and schools.

The rezoning will update and consolidate planning controls for Gosford City Centre and West Gosford. This will make it easier and faster to deliver new homes while prioritising design excellence and liveability.

The rezoning aligns with the Central Coast Regional Plan 2041 and the Gosford Urban Design Framework, which set the long-term vision for a sustainable and inclusive city centre.

The 283-hectare rezoning builds on major NSW Government’s investments in Gosford, including:

• $348 million for the redevelopment of Gosford Hospital
• $20 million for the construction of a clinical school and research institute
• $40 million for planning the Gosford Bypass to improve transport connections.

The rezoning will be progressed under the State Significant Rezoning Policy, which promotes faster decisions and coordinated housing and infrastructure delivery.

The NSW Government will continue working with local stakeholders to ensure the city centre’s growth reflects the needs and aspirations of the Gosford community.

This is part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes, parks and services, so young people, families and key local workers have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

Public exhibition of the proposal is expected in 2026. For more information, visit State Significant Rezoning Policy | Planning

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“We’re setting Gosford up for the future with a clear plan that will make it easier to build the right kind of housing in the right places – close to jobs, transport and services.

“The Minns Government is backing the Central Coast with the planning certainty and infrastructure needed to support a strong and sustainable future.”

Minister for Central Coast David Harris said:

“This is a major step forward for Gosford and the Central Coast – unlocking new homes, jobs, and public spaces in the capital of our region.

“Gosford is the gateway to the Central Coast, and this rezoning is a big boost to further enable it to fulfill its enormous potential as a vibrant, connected city centre that attracts investment and creates opportunities for locals.”

Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch said: said:

“It’s about creating a vibrant, welcoming city centre where people can live close to work, transport, shops and the waterfront, while keeping the Coast’s unique character.

“This announcement shows the Minns Government is delivering for our region, supporting smart growth, good design, and the kind of investment that will benefit our community for generations.”

The Minns Labor Government and RSPCA NSW are teaming up to encourage people to practice responsible cat ownership by expanding the successful Keeping Cats Safe at Home program.

The $6 million program, funded by the Environmental Trust, will help another 19 councils to curb the devastating impact cats have on our native wildlife, as well as help pet cats live longer, taking the total to 30 councils.

The program focuses on increasing rates of desexing, microchipping and lifetime registration while encouraging the uptake of voluntary containment of pet cats.

Domestic cats are estimated to kill many of our native animals each year, including an estimated 53 million reptiles, 61 million birds, and 67 million mammals.

We also know that two-in-three cat owners have lost a pet to a roaming-related accident, with a third of accidents involving cars.

The Keeping Cats Safe at Home program has successfully demonstrated that bringing together councils, veterinarians, wildlife groups, and the community results in more households using responsible cat-care practices.

Results from the pilot program involving 11 councils include:

• Reducing free-roaming cats by 50% in the Blue Mountains, 35% in Campbelltown, and 25% in Tweed Shire council areas.
• Desexing more than 2,700 cats and microchipping more than 1,700 cats across 11 council areas.
• Cutting cat-related nuisance complaints by more than 40% in seven council areas.

The expansion of the program will include a new statewide social marketing campaign to encourage communities to end cat homelessness and prevent domestic cats from roaming away from their home.

This will help keep cats out of shelters and improve animal welfare outcomes in NSW.

For more information about the program, visit: https://www.rspcansw.org.au/information-and-advice/caring-for-animals/cats-and-kittens/keeping-cats-safe-at-home/

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“This collaborative project is a simple but effective solution, created by people who care deeply for cats and native wildlife.

“As Chair of the NSW Environmental Trust, I’m proud to be helping RSPCA NSW take the next step in shifting pet owners’ behaviour by tripling the number of local councils onboard to a record 30. This will drive real change to protect wildlife.”

Minister for Local Government, Ron Hoenig said:

“The recent cat management inquiry has shown there is a lot of evidence that desexing cats not only helps protect the environment but is an important way to reduce pressure on council pounds and rehoming organisations.

“Supporting this program is part of the government’s commitment to promoting responsible pet ownership through education and action. Our comprehensive review of the Companion Animals Act will also ensure NSW has an effective framework in place to manage cats in our communities.” 

RSPCA NSW CEO, Mr Steven Coleman said:

“RSPCA NSW is dedicated to improving the lives of all creatures great and small, and the Keeping Cats Safe At Home program delivers a win-win solution that benefits both pets and native wildlife.”

“The initiative is another example of how RSPCA NSW’s One Welfare focus is working to shape compassionate communities that care for their animals, while collaboratively supporting councils and wildlife groups across the state to achieve better outcomes.”

“RSPCA NSW supports evidence-based approaches to cat management and will continue to support the voluntary uptake of cat containment by cat caregivers.”

“We are incredibly grateful to the NSW Government and the Environmental Trust for their significant investment in this program, which will allow us to proactively help more people and animals in need while fostering a statewide cultural shift in how Australians care for their cats.”

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have hit the go button on the next major road project for North Western Sydney, awarding contracts for design and construction for the $744 million upgrade of Richmond Road.

This builds on the $7.4 billion the Minns Government has invested in Western Sydney roads since March 2023.

As one of the major gateways to Sydney’s North West, nearly four kilometres of Richmond Road will undergo a range of improvements including adding additional lanes, installing shared paths, boosting flood resilience and providing better access to growing suburbs.

Richmond Road already carries some 70,000 cars per day and this is predicted to increase sharply in coming years. However, with this upgrade and the construction of the M7 overpass, Transport for NSW expects to see a 21 per cent improvement in the AM peak and 34 per cent improvement in the PM peak for average travel times after the upgrades are complete.

The centrepiece of the upgrade will be a new flyover bridge from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp to Richmond Road northbound which will address traffic congestion while boosting efficiency and safety. 

Construction is due to commence at the start of 2026.

The program of works includes three projects:

• $520 million M7 Motorway to Townson Road upgrade
• $150 million Elara Boulevard to Heritage Road upgrade
• $74 million Richmond Road Planning project, which will investigate further investment opportunities along the corridor.

The M7 Motorway to Townson Road Upgrade will widen Richmond Road between Colebee and Marsden Park to ease congestion, improve safety and support future housing, development and connectivity of communities across Sydney’s north-west.

Around 2.2 kilometres will be upgraded from four lanes to six lanes, while a new concrete bridge over Bells Creek will include travel lanes as well as a path for pedestrians and cyclists.

The upgrade of the 1.6-kilometre stretch of Richmond Road between Elara Boulevard and Heritage Road will provide better access to the growing Marsden Park community and surrounding suburbs by delivering an improved connection to Blacktown.

This upgrade will widen Richmond Road from two lanes to a four-lane divided road with a wider central median for future expansion of the road to six lanes as required.

A new bus priority signalised intersection, an extended shared path connecting to Marsden Park and improved flood resilient facilities along this bustling corridor are included in the upgrades.

New traffic lights will ease congestion and reduce delays during peak periods, while dedicated bus priority lanes will help public transport services run more efficiently and shared paths will make cycling safer and easier.

For more information visit, Richmond Road upgrade between M7 Motorway and Townson Road, Marsden Park.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“Richmond Road provides a vital link through an area of north-west Sydney that is set to undergo significant land-use and transport changes driven by rapid population growth, new housing, and expanding employment opportunities.

“The upgrade will improve access to the existing Marsden Park Industrial Precinct and future commercial and residential developments in the Marsden Park North Precinct.

“These projects build on years of planning to deliver the next tier of precinct roads that will unlock development and access new places to work and live.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“This is an essential project to deliver at a time when the North West is growing rapidly. We need to improve the efficiency and safety of this important route, addressing traffic congestion and key access points for local suburbs.

“Richmond Road is a vital corridor for the communities in north-west Sydney that connects them to employment, commercial and education centres as well as being an evacuation route for the community living in the Hawkesbury-Nepean flood catchment.

“These upgrades will turbocharge the development of the region that makes the North West a better place to live for local communities.

“These upgrades will improve access to the existing Marsden Park Industrial Precinct and future commercial and residential developments in the Marsden Park North Precinct.

“The upgrade between Elara Boulevard and Heritage Road has been carefully designed to improve safety, manage growth, and provide long-term resilience for the North West Growth Area.”

NSW Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos:

“The Minns Labor Government, together with the Albanese Labor Government, is powering ahead on works on one of the most congested roads in Western Sydney.

“The major improvements to these arterial roads will provide much-needed and long awaited relief for residents, allowing them to spend less time sitting in traffic and more time with their families.

“After the Liberals and Nationals left local families in limbo, we’re getting on with the job of delivering vital infrastructure Western Sydney deserves.”

Federal Member for Chifley Ed Husic:

“Punishing congestion has been a frustrating feature of Richmond Road for over six years now.

“Today’s a big deal because we can see how our joint Australian and NSW funding for Richmond Road is taking shape with the awarding of the construction contracts. We’re a big step closer to fixing this congestion.

“North-West Sydney is booming with new homes and businesses; the region needs the proper infrastructure to support that growth.

“And with this investment we are also a step closer to unlocking the longer-term development of the Marsden Park CBD and the jobs and amenities that will flow from that.”

NSW Member for Mt Druitt Edmond Atalla:

“This welcome investment will ease congestion, improve safety and deliver better connections for the fast-growing communities of Marsden Park, Colebee and surrounding areas.

“The addition of new lanes, a flyover from the M7, shared paths, together with a flood-resilient design, will make travel along Richmond Road safer, faster and more reliable for all road users.

“This infrastructure will keep Sydney’s north-west moving and is designed to support the region’s growth for decades to come.”

NSW Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali:

“The Richmond Road upgrade will improve people’s lives as we will have more home time and less road time.

“Appointing contractors is a key step forward in delivering the promised announcements by Minns and Albanese Government’s to deliver to deliver vital infrastructure for a growing community.”

NSW Member for Riverstone Warren Kirby:

“I left my business and entered politics largely try and deliver critical road upgrades for our growing community, including these upgrades to Richmond Road and I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s getting on with the job and delivering for Western Sydney.

“This is in addition to our funded upgrades to Garfield Road East, Garfield Road West, Bandon Road, Burdekin Road/Townson Road and Windsor Road.

“For locals, they mean less time stuck in traffic and more time at home with their family.

“There’s more work to be done, but this is all part of our comprehensive plan to deliver better roads for the North West.”