Author: admin

Two communities in southwest Sydney will receive long-awaited accessibility upgrades at their local train stations, with Carramar and Yennora stations set for new lifts and other essential works.

Left behind by the former Liberal-National government, these two suburban stations have never been fully accessible despite hosting diverse communities with a high proportion of young families with prams, people with disability and elderly people.

After local campaigns, supported by their local Labor MPs, Carramar, which opened in 1924, and Yennora, which opened in 1927, will both receive major works.

Carramar will:

• Now have lift access from underpass to platform
• Upgraded ramps and pathways
• New tactile indicators to assist blind and vision-impaired passengers

Yennora will:

• Now have lift access connecting an upgraded footbridge with street and platforms
• New station forecourts featuring landscaping, seating and lighting
• A new station building

Both stations will have power supply upgrades, better lighting, CCTV, clearer signage, family accessible and unisex ambulant toilets, accessible parking, and kiss and ride parking.

The work is being funded by the Minns Labor Government’s $800 million Safe Accessible Transport program which currently has 15 projects funded for delivery and 16 for design and investigation.

Major milestones were reached at Macquarie Fields and Chester Hill stations over the weekend, with work on lift installation, platform resurfacing, and safety screens.

Work will be completed on the Bardwell Park station upgrade in coming months.

Recently delivered upgrades include stations at Griffith, Moss Vale, Queanbeyan, and Tuggerah.

While delivering the massive metro and road infrastructure Sydney needs, the Minns Labor Government is focused on improving the daily journeys of the 1.1 million people each weekday who use Sydney Trains.

An investment of $458 million is currently bringing rail reliability up to scratch, with work on tracks, signals and overhead wires recommended by the 2025 Independent Rail Review led by Kerry Schott.

At the same time, a new and upgraded train fleet is rolling on to the tracks. In April, the new intercity Mariyung train went into service on the South Coast Line, following its introduction on the Central Coast & Newcastle Line in December 2024 and the Blue Mountains Line in October last year.

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program is updating 55 trains. Newer trains mean fewer breakdowns and delays.

The NSW Government is also overhauling the Opal ticketing system, with a new Opal app, easier ways to save money and the introduction of a digital Opal card as part of an $820 million investment in convenience, affordability and reliability.

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns said:

“South West Sydney has been forgotten by successive governments and we’re not doing that.

“The communities around Yennora and Carramar have been crying out for decades for the lifts and accessibility features that are enjoyed at so many other railway stations and right across the Sydney Metro system.

“A single lift to a platform or a better ramp can be the difference between someone being able to use the Sydney Trains network and get around like everyone else to work, study and social outings.

“We are focused on improving the everyday experience of those 1.1 million people who use the Sydney Trains network as we invest in reliability, convenience, technology and accessibility.”

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I want to particularly thank local Labor MP David Saliba for his tireless advocacy for these upgrades, which included doorknocking thousands of homes in the area before knocking at my door as minister to ask for action.

“Carramar and Yennora stations have changed very little since they were built in the 1920s and both are past due for these updates.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“This will be a gamechanger for locals with disability, elderly people, and families with prams. We are investing in accessible upgrades across the State because we know that removing barriers to getting around is a win for everyone.

“Station by station, the Minns Labor Government is making NSW more accessible and inclusive.”

Member for Fairfield David Saliba said:

“After 12 years of neglect from the former government, the Carramar and Yennora community is getting what it so desperately needs.

“Our petition for these upgrades received thousands of signatures, with many residents in the community telling me these are essential for getting to work and visiting family and friends — and now that’s becoming a reality.

“This project shows the power of the people at work, and I am proud to be part of a government delivering this for Carramar and Yennora.”

Member for Cabramatta Tri Vo said:

“Upgrading our local train stations is a major win for our local community, making public transport safer, more accessible and more inclusive for everyone.

“These long-awaited upgrades will transform how people in our community access public transport, ensuring no one is left behind.

“It’s fantastic that everyone in our community will now be able to access public transport with these upgrades.”

Member for Granville Julia Finn said:

“I am thrilled that these stations will be upgraded, as the residents and businesses have been advocating for these improvements for such a long time.

“This investment is delivering modern, accessible facilities that meet the needs of our growing and diverse community.”

The NSW Chief Cyber Security Officer has downgraded the recently declared ‘significant cyber incident’ allegedly involving a Treasury staff member.

Her declaration comes after the Taskforce the Government established in response to the data breach confirmed:

• The incident has been contained and is now in the recovery phase; and
• Agencies have implemented appropriate remediation measures.

While legal reviews are continuing, efforts to date to determine any potential impacts on active or past government procurements show that no project has been adversely affected.

I thank again Cyber Security NSW, the Taskforce, NSW Treasury and the NSW Police for their rapid actions since the breach was discovered, including launching Strike Force Civic.

The matter remains before the courts and is subject to an internal investigation.

Expectant parents in Canterbury will soon have access to enhanced and expanded antenatal facilities, with the early works now approved for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment.

The Minns Labor Government’s $350 million investment in the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will deliver the largest upgrade to the hospital in more than 26 years, helping to meet the current and future healthcare needs of the growing community.

The Coalition failed to deliver or properly fund major health facilities around NSW, leaving parts of the state missing entire hospitals and health systems under severe pressure. The Minns Labor Government is fixing this by delivering more hospitals and more beds to meet the health needs of growing communities.

The early works phase of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment will prepare the site for main works construction, and includes the expansion and refurbishment of the existing antenatal department. This will more than double the size of the current antenatal unit and provide families in Canterbury with access to enhanced facilities and care sooner, well ahead of the major works to deliver the broader hospital redevelopment.

The expanded antenatal department will feature new patient areas, including additional ultrasound and consultation rooms. The antenatal department expansion is scheduled for completion in 2027, with the service opening to the community the same year.

Following a competitive tender process, TCQ Construction has been engaged to deliver the early works package.

The scope for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment is expected to include:

• a new expanded and enhanced Intensive Care Unit
• new purpose-built adult inpatient accommodation
• expanded and enhanced Emergency Department
• additional surgical theatres
• expanded and enhanced antenatal facilities
• additional ambulatory and outpatient care capacity
• new and enhanced facilities to support clinical education, workforce training, and research
• new Diagnostic Services Unit to support diagnosis and medical condition management
• enhancements to hospital support services, including pathology and pharmacy
• improved accessibility to the campus, including internal access, outdoor spaces, landscaping and wayfinding.

Construction timeframes for the main works will be confirmed as planning progresses and the community will continue to be updated.

The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and save the health services the Coalition jeopardised.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget included $12.4 billion to deliver 32 new or upgraded hospitals, including:

• $910 million for the new Rouse Hill Hospital – which the Liberals promised and failed to deliver at three elections – and which will include an emergency department as well as birthing services;
• $2 billion for the new Bankstown Hospital – which the Liberals promised in 2019 and failed to deliver;
• $550 million for the Fairfield Hospital Redevelopment;
• $350 million for the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment;
• $120 million for additional beds for Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospital; and
• $330 million to open the New Eurobodalla Hospital at level 4.

For more information on the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and to speak with the team, visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/canterbury-hospital-redevelopment

Quotes attributable to Minister for Health Ryan Park:

“The Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job to deliver the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment, and we’re pleased that families will be able to access upgraded antenatal facilities ahead of the wider redevelopment being completed.

“The expansion and refurbishment of the hospital’s antenatal department will provide more purpose-built spaces for expectant parents to receive crucial check-ups and support in preparation for birth.

“The Coalition’s failure to deliver on major hospital projects left parts of the state without whole hospitals, health systems under pressure, and jeopardised health services for local communities.

“The Minns Labor Government is making record investments to deliver more hospitals, more beds and more staff, to deliver better outcomes for patients.” 

Member for Canterbury Sophie Cotsis:

“I’m delighted to see the progress of the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment and the positive impact the upgraded antenatal facilities will have for our local families and our hardworking health staff.

“We’re grateful to the community and staff who’ve taken time to share valuable feedback during the planning and design of this project to help shape our fabulous new hospital redevelopment.

“More than 1,000 people recently took part in consultation to inform early works planning, highlighting the strong interest in this significant redevelopment that will serve our community now and into the future.” 

Member for Summer Hill Jo Haylen:

“I’m so proud to see the Canterbury Hospital Redevelopment taking shape, these upgraded antenatal facilities are going to make a real difference for local families and for the incredible staff who care for them every day.

This project has been shaped by the people who know this hospital best. We’ve listened to our community and our frontline health workers right through the planning and design to make this hospital work for our community. 

These upgrades will make sure that our community has access to world-class healthcare close to home for generations to come”

Member for Jason Yat-Sen Li:

‘Families in Canterbury deserve the very best start in life, and that begins with access to world-class healthcare close to home.

‘The expansion of Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal facilities is a major step forward for our community, ensuring expectant parents have the support, space and care they need during such a crucial time. These new facilities will mean a very much more comfortable experience for families.

‘This investment is about putting people first and making sure that every parent and every newborn gets the care they deserve. I’m proud to see our government delivering on its promise to strengthen local health services and invest in the future of our community.’

Sydney Local Health District Chief Executive Deb Willcox:

“Expanding and upgrading Canterbury Hospital’s antenatal services in advance of the main works will make a meaningful difference for expectant mothers and their families.

“This will allow our maternity teams to provide antenatal care that is more comfortable, timely and tailored to each woman’s specific needs. We’re proud to deliver improvements that support a better experience for families as the broader Hospital redevelopment progresses.”

The Minns Labor Government is kicking off vital work today to secure the future of the heritage listed Cooreei Bridge over the Williams River east of Dungog.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $7.3 million to rehabilitate this historic landmark on Stroud Hill Road – preserving a critical road link and preserving an iconic piece of the region’s history for generations to come.

Cooreei Bridge, which is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register, is the first Henry Harvey Dare-type timber bridge built in NSW and one of only 15 historic bridges built in the Hunter before 1905.

The project involves replacing the bridge’s dilapidated timber abutments with concrete, giving the bridge the strength it needs into the future.

Preparation work started in late 2025, with the project expected to take around 16 months to complete, weather permitting.

While most of the work will be carried out underneath the span, the bridge will need to be temporarily closed at times to allow replacement of the abutments and reconnection of the bridge to Stroud Hill Road.

Transport for NSW will try to limit closures to minimise disruption to the community and will be notified in advance.

During the closures, all motorists will be detoured via Alison Road, Clarence Town Road, Mary Street and Dowling Street, which adds around 30 minutes to journeys.

Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley:

“Cooreei Bridge is part of the Hunter’s story, and we’re making sure it has a future.

“This $7.3 million investment protects a critical local link while preserving one of the region’s most important heritage bridges.

“The Minns Labor Government will strengthen the bridge, keep the community connected and ensure this landmark can serve Dungog for generations to come.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“This project is a major investment in both local infrastructure and the preservation of a unique piece of the region’s heritage.

“We know how important connectivity is for the Dungog community. As the last stop on the Hunter train line and a key crossing over the Williams River, I’m proud to announce the start of this important rehabilitation work which will ensure this iconic timber truss bridge is fit for purpose for many years to come.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal:

“It’s great to see this important project underway.

“Projects like this show you don’t have to choose between preserving our history and delivering safe, “reliable infrastructure – you can and should do both.

“By strengthening Cooreei Bridge while protecting its heritage, we’re making sure this local connection remains open and dependable for the community now and into the future.”

New Aboriginal-led Digital Inclusion Hubs will soon be rolled out across NSW, helping to close the digital divide and connect communities to essential services. 

The pilot will support community-led spaces designed to meet the needs of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) have been invited to apply for funding to establish and deliver these hubs, which will help people get online, build digital skills and stay connected to essential services.

Eligible ACCOs can apply for grants of up to $250,000 over 18 months to deliver services like digital skills training, targeted learning programs, access to devices, and connectivity support. 

This NSW Government investment comes as the Australian Digital Inclusion Index shows Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people score 10.5 points lower than non-Indigenous Australians when it comes to getting online, affording internet and devices and using digital services confidently. 

This gap widens further in regional and remote areas to 16.5 points lower, dropping to 22.8 points for very remote areas. 

More than 40 per cent of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are considered to be digitally excluded or highly excluded – almost double the rate of the entire nation. 

Funding will be delivered through the Closing the Gap initiative in partnership with BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation, ensuring programs are shaped by community priorities.

By addressing digital exclusion at a local level, this initiative advances the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy’s key aim to make digital services accessible, inclusive, safe and connected for everyone in NSW. It also directly supports Closing the Gap Socio-Economic Outcome 17. 

Applications are open to eligible ACCOs in NSW until 15 May via SmartyGrants. More information is available at: https://digitalinclusionhubs.smartygrants.com.au/digitalinclusion

Customer Service and Digital Government Minister, Jihad Dib said:

“Digital inclusion is a necessity for daily life, whether it’s accessing essential services, pursuing education, or staying connected with family, culture and community.

“Access to the digital world shouldn’t depend on where you live or your background. These hubs will give Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities the tools, skills and support to connect and participate online.

“This is about backing community-led solutions. Aboriginal organisations know what works for their communities, and these hubs will be designed and delivered by them, for them.

“The hubs embody the vision of the NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy, giving everyone the confidence and access to use digital services.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, David Harris said:

“Supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations is how we make real, practical progress in improving peoples’ day-to-day lives.

“The Digital Inclusion Hubs are about more than technology, they’re about self-determination, opportunity and ensuring communities can fully participate in today’s digital society.

“By backing Aboriginal-led, community-driven solutions, we ensure Closing the Gap outcomes truly reflect local priorities and needs.”

Managing Director of Telco Authority, Kylie De Courteney said:

“The NSW Digital Inclusion Strategy is about ensuring people can participate fully in a digital society, and that starts with confidence, access and trust. By working in partnership with Aboriginal-led organisations, we’re supporting solutions that are community-owned, sustainable and responsive to real digital needs.

“Digital Inclusion Hubs help remove barriers that place communities at risk of digital exclusion, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to connect with essential services, education and opportunities in ways that are practical, relevant and sustainable.

“These hubs can help communities build confidence using digital tools, access online services and create pathways to education and employment, all in ways that work locally.” 

Drivers in Sydney’s South face further delays after the Minns Labor Government confirmed the M6 contractor has missed the 1 May default notice deadline and can’t say when construction will resume. 
 
Shadow Minister for Roads Mark Coure said the Government’s update from Minister Jenny Aitchison offered confirmation of failure but no path forward. 
 
“The $3.1 billion project has stalled again and as a result families, tradies and other commuters face more delays,” Mr Coure said. 
 
“Today’s statement confirms what many feared, the deadline has come and gone, and the Government still doesn’t have control of this project,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have no answers as to what happens next and that’s just not good enough.” 
 
Mr Coure said the Minister’s silence in the weeks leading up to the deadline, followed by a statement with no concrete next steps, exposed the Government’s inability to manage the project. 
 
“Minister Aitchison made a lot of noise about bringing the contractor to heel, only to go missing when it counts,” he said. 
 
“This project has been stuck in limbo for more than two years, and people in Southern Sydney are tired of excuses and more delays,” he said. 
 
“Drivers have been waiting for far too long for this road. They deserve clear answers, not radio silence from this government.” 
 
Mr Coure called on Labor to outline the next steps, including whether legal action will be pursued and when construction will properly resume. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government cannot keep kicking the can down the road and hoping that this problem will resolve itself, we need decisive action and a clear plan for how they intend to fix this mess.”