Category: NSW News

NSW Opposition Leader, Kellie Sloane has announced that a Liberals and Nationals Government would deliver a dedicated 10-year Men and Boy’s Health Strategy by the end of 2027.  
 
The Opposition also committed to hosting a two-day Men’s Health Summit next year, bringing together health professionals, men and boy’s health organisations, researchers and men’s health advocates to help inform and shape the delivery of the Strategy.  
 
Leading men’s health organisations from across NSW joined the Liberals and Nationals at NSW Parliament where Ms Sloane said she wanted the state to have the best health outcomes for men and boys in Australia.  
 
“A 10-year Strategy is about us saying that we don’t accept the status quo and want to deliver a better future for every man and boy in NSW where they have access to the health and support services that will ensure they thrive,” said Ms Sloane. 
 
“The strategy will set clear targets for reducing male suicide, strengthen prevention and early intervention pathways, and improve access to services in regional and outer metropolitan communities.” 
  
Shadow Health Minister, Sarah Mitchell said that too many men were still dying early from preventable causes and that regional communities often face the highest disparity when it comes to premature mortality. 
  
“Every man and boy in NSW, no matter where they live, deserves to grow up happy and healthy. A dedicated Men and Boy’s Health Strategy will ensure we know where to direct government investment and have a way of measuring our progress,” said Ms Mitchell.  
  
Shadow Parliamentary Secretary, Matt Cross said surviving cancer and the birth of his son has shaped his drive to radically improve health outcomes for men and boys in NSW. 
  
“Men are far less likely to visit a doctor. I know this firsthand, as I delayed seeking help when I was anaemic. There are lots of reasons. Fear of the unknown. Worried it feels weak. Embarrassment. It’s even a misguided bravado and pride. It’s all dangerous and it must change,” said Mr Cross. 

Families across New South Wales will foot the bill for Labor’s big tax budget that breaks their election promise and leaves the state worse off.
 
The Albanese Government’s budget will increase the tax burden on families and business across NSW, following the lead of the Minns Labor Government who have presided over a 30 per cent increase in taxes since they have come to Government.
 
NSW will receive its lowest level of GST funding since the tax was introduced at 82 cents in the dollar and $1.25 billion less specific purpose payments in 2026-27 (compared to 2025-26) which includes infrastructure spending.
 
NSW infrastructure funding declines by 28 per cent over the forward estimates, with NSW receiving $5.557 billion less than Victoria and a staggering $7.945 billion less than Queensland.
 
NSW Liberal Leader Kellie Sloane said that NSW families will be left with the bill for Labor’s budget.
 
“Labor went to the last election promising not to remove negative gearing or the capital gains tax discount, but Labor has shown they’ll say one thing to win an election and do the opposite when they’re elected,” said Ms Sloane.
 
“NSW will receive its lowest level of GST on record, $1.4 billion less than Victoria despite having more than a million more people.”
 
“When families are struggling with higher costs and 6,200 businesses a year are shutting their doors, Labor’s tax grab on aspiration and enterprise is only going to hurt the NSW economy more.”
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said the Premier can’t negotiate with his Canberra mates and is dragging NSW down with him.
 
“Every person in NSW is $1,101 worse off than every Victorian and $405 worse off than every Queenslander from the Federal Government,” said Mr Farlow.
 
“While raising $77 billion in additional taxes from these changes over the next ten years, NSW families will be footing the bill and we will see a declining share in our GST and spending, including on infrastructure.”
 
“NSW needs a Premier and Treasurer who are prepared to stand up to Canberra and not roll over as their lap dogs.”

In a state first, the Minns Labor Government is building homes for people living with complex, long-term mental health needs, offering up to 60 places in new purpose-built residences with specialist on-site support.

Communities across Sydney and the Hunter region are getting their first look at designs for the new mental health homes, which will offer a community-based alternative to hospital care.

These new homes form part of a record $3.1 billion mental health investment by the NSW Government to build a better New South Wales where people can get the support they need.

Each residence will provide a therapeutic environment where people can transition from long-stay hospital care into the community, supported 24/7 by specialist staff.

The residential services will provide on-site clinical and psychosocial support, supporting people with significant mental health needs to transition from long term or repeated hospital admissions into high-quality supported housing.

New artist impressions reveal plans for private and shared living areas, and outdoor spaces, all designed to create a safe, therapeutic environment that supports recovery, while helping residents build skills needed for more independent community living.

New homes, delivered under the Pathways to Community Living Initiative, will be built in:

• Henley and North Ryde in Northern Sydney
• Maitland and Waratah in the Hunter region
• Lalor Park and Blacktown in Western Sydney.

This initiative is part of the $700 million Statewide Mental Health Infrastructure Program and complements the Minns Government’s record $6.6 billion Building Homes for NSW program, the largest investment in housing in our state’s history.

This investment reflects a commitment to building inclusive, community-based mental health programs and infrastructure.

Construction is expected to start this year, following planning approval, and residents are expected to move into the first new homes from 2028.

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson:

”For the first time in NSW, we are delivering purpose‑built homes that will allow people to move out of hospital and move on with their lives. This is about giving people a real home with appropriate care and support, not a hospital bed while they recover.

“These new residences will support up to 60 people across Sydney and the Hunter to rebuild their lives in the community, with a safety net there to catch them.

“We know there is strong evidence to support the need for greater investment in programs that help people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community and that’s why we’re targeting our investment in this area.

“This is a step towards modernising mental health care in NSW and we’re excited to share a first look at these new homes, designed in consultation with people with lived experience, their carers, and mental health staff.”

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison:

“Local housing and infrastructure to support mental health needs in the Maitland region is very welcome.

“I have long advocated, along with many in the Maitland Community, for better support for people with complex mental health needs, and I am so proud that the NSW Government is delivering these homes.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery:

“I’m pleased to see strong NSW Government investment in mental health support and housing infrastructure.

“These new residences in Waratah are on top of the construction of more than 50 social housing residences in nearby Wallsend, which is my electorate. We are committed to make further improvements in these sectors.”

Member for Newcastle Tim Crakanthorp:  

“The transition from hospital into the community can be difficult, especially after a long stay.

“These purpose-built residences will ensure individuals receive appropriate care and support within a home-like environment to recover and transition to supported community living.”

The Minns Labor Government is introducing tough new offences and stronger penalties for public shootings, firebombings, the use of ‘kill cars’ and recruitment of children by organised criminals.

The legislation being introduced to NSW Parliament today will also enhance the court’s ability to consider an accused’s organised crime links in bail decisions and expand the circumstances under which the granting of bail can be temporarily stayed.

The measures target criminals who threaten public safety, torch ‘kill cars’ which have been used to facilitate organised crime and recruit children to commit serious offences.

Cracking down on ‘kill cars’, recruiting children

A new aggravated offence will be created for destroying by fire a vehicle after it has been used to commit serious crimes such as firearms supply, drug trafficking and illicit tobacco offences.

The new offence will be punishable by up to 12 years’ imprisonment, two years higher than the current maximum penalty for destroying or damaging property by fire.

New offences will also be created and penalties strengthened to curb the increasing recruitment of young people by organised criminals to break into premises and steal cars.

The maximum penalty for recruiting a child to engage in criminal activity will increase from 10 to 12 years’ imprisonment. A higher maximum penalty of 15 years will apply if the child is under 16 years.

An aggravated offence, also punishable by up to 15 years’ imprisonment, will be created when a child is recruited for motor vehicle theft or serious criminal activity which is commonly linked to organised crime.

Targeting public shootings, firebombings

The Government is also acting to protect the community following a spate of public shootings as well as firebombings related to illicit tobacco distribution.

An aggravated offence will be created for shooting a pistol or prohibited firearm in public, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

The maximum penalty for firing at dwellings or buildings will increase to 18 years and will be expanded to include firing at vehicles.

An additional offence will also be created for arson targeting a business with reckless disregard for others’ safety, punishable by up to 14 years’ imprisonment.

Cracking down on proceeds of crime

The Government is strengthening proceeds of crime laws to help law enforcement seize the criminal wealth of organised networks.

Under the reforms, authorities will have up to five years, instead of one, to seek forfeiture of assets held by people subject to Drug Trafficker Declarations.

The reforms will also ensure wealth hidden or accessed through trusts can be taken into account, closing another avenue used by organised criminals to shield their money.

Additional bail reform

The bill also builds on the Government’s strong track record of bail reform to help keep the community safe.

It will allow a decision to grant bail for certain serious firearm offences and the charge of specially aggravated kidnapping to be stayed for up to three days if the prosecution seeks an urgent detention application.

Currently, the granting of bail can only be temporarily stayed for serious offences such as murder, sexual assault and domestic violence.

The legislation will also put beyond doubt that organised crime connections are a relevant concern when it comes to bail.

It will require courts to consider whether an offence has been committed in the context of organised crime, and any non-compliance with Serious Crime Prevention Orders and Firearm Prohibition Orders.

Making involvement in organised crime an explicit factor in bail decisions will strengthen the ability of the legal system and law enforcement to keep the community safe.

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“We’re backing police with stronger powers than ever before to disrupt, dismantle and take down organised crime networks.

“It is shocking to see young people lured into committing criminal acts by the promise of quick cash.

“These laws make it clear that this behaviour is reprehensible, cowardly and will result in serious consequences, including the possibility of time behind bars.

“Let me be blunt about who these people are: they are cowards, thugs and parasites.

“We do not want to see this violence on our streets; our community shouldn’t have to tolerate this. Police are working tirelessly to keep people safe and only the Minns Labor Government backs them to do their job.”

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“These comprehensive reforms will help keep the community safe, and hold organised criminals to account for the destruction and harm they inflict on our streets.

“We are cracking down on gangs who put the community at risk with public shootings and firebombings and tackling the use of stolen ‘kill cars’ to facilitate these crimes.

“We are also strengthening penalties for hardened criminals who recruit children to steal these cars and do their dirty work for them.

“Important changes to our bail framework will also enhance the ability of courts to take someone’s organised crime links into account when deciding if they should be remanded until trial.” 

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to pursue reforms to ‘good character’ evidence at sentencing, after the Greens and Coalition voted to water down changes which would reduce trauma for victim-survivors.

The Government is urging the Greens and Coalition to back this reform, which seeks to remove ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all offences including sexual assault, murder, domestic and family violence and road crime.

The Greens and Coalition voted in the Legislative Council last week to gut the Government’s nation-leading reforms by removing ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor only for sexual offences.

Their amendments retained ‘good character’ for all other offences, with the court allowed discretion about whether to give it weight.

The removal of good character references for sexual offences is a step in the right direction, and the Government will not stand in the way of this change.

But it does not go far enough, and the Government will tomorrow introduce legislation to abolish ‘good character’ as a mitigating factor for all other offences.

This will ensure that no victim of crime, or family victim of a person murdered or killed by a dangerous driver, will be forced to sit in court and listen to a convicted offender be described as someone of otherwise ‘good character’.

The Government’s legislation is in line with recommendations from the independent NSW Sentencing Council, which engaged in extensive public consultation and recommended ‘good character’ be removed as a mitigating factor on sentencing for all offences.

The Sentencing Council found the use of ‘good character’ evidence was vague, subjective and perpetuated inequality within the criminal justice system because it was not equally available to all offenders.

Numerous submissions from organisations and individuals also made clear the substantial harm which is caused to victim-survivors by these irrelevant references.

This reform does not affect the fairness of a trial or a judge’s ability to consider the whole person at sentencing. It simply makes the criminal justice system less traumatising for people who are unfortunate enough to find themselves the victim of crime or have lost someone they love.

The Greens and Coalition have another chance to protect all victim-survivors of crime, and we urge them not to squib it again.

Attorney General Michael Daley said:

“Our bill will ensure that all victims of crime are afforded the same protections and spared the trauma that good character references are proven to cause.

“We are determined to fight for the people across our NSW community who are victims of crime.

“By introducing this legislation, we are giving the Greens and the Opposition another chance to back this evidence-based reform to make the justice system fairer and more trauma-informed.”

Motorists who let their registration lapse will now be sent an SMS reminder as another safeguard to stop people accidentally driving unregistered vehicles on the State’s roads.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing the new text reminder to make NSW roads safer and help people who have forgotten their registration renewal avoid fines. Last year, more than 50,000 motorists were fined for driving unregistered and uninsured.

A new campaign has begun urging vehicle owners to sign up for digital registration reminders through Service NSW. It’s part of a broader initiative to make it easier for people to remember to renew their registration and reduce the number of people driving unregistered.

Almost one million people are already taking advantage of digital reminders, receiving notifications via email, their MyServiceNSW Account inbox and the Service NSW app six weeks before, two weeks before and one day after their registration expires.

Motorists who opt in for digital reminders will now receive an additional SMS notification the day after their registration expires to both remind them to renew – and stop them driving an unregistered vehicle by mistake.

This instant phone notification is an extra, convenient contact method in case people miss an email.

Digital registration reminders are optional and customers who don’t opt in will continue to receive a paper reminder in the mail about six weeks before vehicle registration is due.

Messages encouraging up to 4.5 million people to sign up for digital vehicle registration reminders will be sent throughout May and June.

Motorists who fail to renew their vehicle registration must not drive their vehicle on roads until the registration is renewed. Vehicle registration ensures vehicles are roadworthy and have compulsory third party CTP insurance in case of a crash.

For more information and to opt in to digital vehicle registration reminders, visit the Service NSW website or click on ‘Registrations’ in the Service NSW app.

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government, Jihad Dib said: 

“Thousands of motorists are fined each year for driving an unregistered car and I want to make sure a forgotten payment doesn’t cost you a fine.

“We know people lead busy lives and can carry huge mental to-do lists, and the reality is many vehicle registrations are not renewed on time because paperwork is misplaced or simply forgotten.

“By introducing an overdue SMS notification one day after expiry as a final reminder to get your registration sorted, we could save you hundreds of dollars in fines while keeping everyone safe on our roads.

“This is a simple idea that could make a huge difference to people; by giving drivers this option we are offering you a convenient reminder in the palm of your hand.

“It’s quick and easy to sign up via the Service NSW website or app and means you receive a range of email and phone reminders before and one day after your rego is due.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We understand that people are busy and it’s easy for rego renewal to slip down the to-do list, but the consequences of missing it can be serious.

“Driving unregistered doesn’t just risk a fine, it means being uninsured and putting yourself and others at risk on our roads.

“These SMS reminders are a simple, practical way to help people stay on top of their rego and avoid an honest mistake.

“I encourage everyone to sign up through the Service NSW app. It’s quick, easy and helps keep you and others safe on our roads.”

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe is in Coffs Harbour to advance plans for the Great Koala National Park, a world leading park which will protect a nationally critical koala population and more than 100 threatened species.

The creation of the park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only save vital habitat from extinction but build a world class tourist destination that protects the environment while boosting tourism and the local economy.

The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method. This is progressing following public consultation in January. The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee.

The future park is rich with opportunities for recreation and we want these to be shaped by community voices at every step. Dozens of consultation sessions, from local market stalls to meetings with recreational groups, have drawn strong participation. More than 4,000 survey responses have explained how people want to protect the forests and develop recreation activities that will make the Great Koala National Park a must-see destination.

The Minister will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour. For the first time, the park will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, embedding cultural knowledge and care at the heart of park management.

Following extensive collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, positions will be created for Aboriginal Rangers.

The area is a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples including places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways.

Extensive preparation is underway to ensure the park is ready from day one, including:

• Boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more fire fighters, new equipment like fire trucks and early detection technologies.
• Refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, counil and other partners to unlock new visitor and recreation opportunities.
• Preparing legislation to reserve the Great Koala National Park in late 2026.

Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape.

“The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature‑based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast.”

Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said:

“The Great Koala National Park is a landmark investment in the Mid North Coast, securing our unique environment while driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities. “By putting local voices at the heart of this process, we are ensuring the park’s creation delivers for everyone who lives and works here.

“We are backing new Aboriginal cultural heritage roles, strengthening fire preparedness, and building sustainable tourism to ensure the North Coast continues to thrive as a world-class destination.” 

A new $10.7 million hi-tech biosecurity platform, built on advances made during the COVID-19 pandemic and the latest in DNA technology, will make it easier and faster for scientists and researchers from around Australia to identify pest and disease threats to our primary industries.

The Minns Labor Government is taking the lead on delivering the Biosecurity Trakka, a five-year partnership designed to modernise Australia’s plant biosecurity defences.

Biosecurity Trakka will provide a secure online hub for DNA sequencing, data storage, analysis and aggregated viewing for stakeholders from around the country including scientists and decision-makers nationally.

The project will be led from the NSW Government’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute and is expected to be completed by 2030. The development of the Biosecurity Trakka is an extension of Aus Trakka which was used to support surveillance during COVID-19.

DNA sequencing is an important tool used by all Australian biosecurity departments to rapidly identify the significant number of pest and disease threats to primary industries.

Using the new shared DNA sequencing data platform will reduce response times by enabling quick identification of exotic plant pests and diseases, which can facilitate timely action to mitigate threats.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development will lead the project through the core delivery team and steering committee over the five years. Other partners include the vegetable industry and Hort Innovation, Australian governments, universities and Bioplatforms Australia, other plant research and development corporations.

For NSW the project delivers two key benefits:

• By having access to vital information on biosecurity incursions in other jurisdictions we can test and develop new and effective diagnostics tools to detect and respond if interstate outbreaks reach NSW.
• By building capacity in other jurisdictions to successfully detect and respond to biosecurity threats the impact on NSW is dramatically minimised.

The Biosecurity Trakka project brings together leading experts from across Australia including:

• With NSW DPIRD as the lead, the University of Melbourne’s AusTrakka, used to trace the source of COVID infections during the Pandemic, will leverage existing Trakka expertise to lead platform analysis and advise on the data sharing agreement.
• Agriculture Victoria will have design input and deliver beta testing, as well as host a national simulation exercise.
• DPIRD WA will lead the user feedback group to ensure the platform is user friendly.
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry will lead the data sharing agreement.
• Australian National University and Bioplatforms Australia will support a Trakka training program to upskill multiple users in each jurisdiction.

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a major project that is bringing together the nation’s experts to develop a world-leading tool to defend against some of the country’s most invasive and destructive pests and diseases.

“The collaboration will help expand access to bioinformatics expertise nationwide while strengthening biosecurity preparedness in our state’s $25 billion agriculture sector.

“Pest and diseases have no respect for State borders. This project recognises that the faster and more efficiently we identify and deal with outbreaks then the better off everyone is.

“Biosecurity Trakka will play a critical role in removing delays in DNA sequence sharing during suspected exotic pest outbreaks.

“It is exciting to know our NSW DPIRD staff will take the lead on this project to ensure outcomes are delivered that will enhance biosecurity preparedness not only for our state, but for all of Australia.”

Hort Innovation CEO Brett Fifield said:

“This is a powerful example of what’s possible when industry and government work together. Biosecurity Trakka brings pandemic-proven technology into plant health, delivering faster diagnostics, stronger national coordination and real, on-the-ground benefits for growers facing pest and disease incursions.

“The project is a strong example of innovation through collaboration, bringing together government and all seven plant RDCs to strengthen Australia’s biosecurity infrastructure and safeguard the future of Australian agriculture.”

Director Animal and Plant Biosecurity Research and Diagnostics Will Cuddy said:

“Everyone at the NSW DPIRD’s Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute is excited we are leading this project and delivering critical work to improve Australia’s preparedness for biosecurity threats.

“Our goal is to ensure we’re meeting the project’s outcomes by sharing our expertise and learnings gained from previous biosecurity responses to ensure Biosecurity Trakka supports a national uplift in capability.

“Being able to collaborate across jurisdictions and with key stakeholders makes this a special opportunity to deliver something that can benefit all industries and the economy.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing its work to roll out the most significant motorcycle safety reforms in nearly 20 years, with the first tranche of changes set to take effect later this year. 

From 1 July all NSW learner, provisional P1 and provisional P2 riders will be subject to a new licensing condition which requires them to wear approved motorcycle gloves while riding, while learner riders will also be required to wear a high visibility vest or jacket.

The new requirements, part of significant reforms to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme, have been introduced to improve rider safety and visibility on NSW roads. 

Over the past 20 years, the number of motorcycle licences issued in NSW has risen by more than 65 per cent to over 690,000. Each year, around 27,000 learner licences are issued, with approximately 40 per cent of those held by riders under 25.

The number of young motorcycle riders aged 16-25 years who died on NSW roads increased from 12 in 2023 to 17 in 2024 and 21 in 2025. Currently preliminary numbers show three young motorcycle riders have lost their lives on NSW roads so far this year.

Novice motorcycle rider deaths, which includes those with learner or provisional licences, also increased from nine in 2023 to 12 in 2024 and 12 in 2025.

To further strengthen novice rider safety, the Minns Labor Government has also committed to: 

• New online learning modules and knowledge testing, to expand theory requirements
• Extended pre-learner course, increasing training with experienced riding instructors, allowing for more and improved learning outcomes and skill development.
• Group on-road coaching and assessment, bringing NSW into line with best practice in other states
• Introducing an optional learning journal to support novice riders in planning rides appropriate to their skill level and encouraging self-reflection. 

The rollout of these reforms will be staged over multiple years to allow for system development, detailed program design, industry-wide communication, and preparation of training providers to deliver the enhanced pathway. 

For further information, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/driver-and-rider-licences/rider-licences/gear-requirements-for-learner-and-provisional-riders.

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said: 

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to reducing the number of deaths on our roads. 

“We are implementing these life-saving reforms to help lower the road safety risks of one of our most vulnerable road users – novice motorcyclists.

“We know the data shows learner and novice riders are over-represented in road trauma compared to fully licenced riders.

“The introduction from 1 July of the requirement that all novice riders must wear motorcycle gloves and learners must also wear a high-vis vest or jacket will help increase safety for our inexperienced riders. 

“Protective gear can save your life and lower your risk of injury, with motorcycle gloves almost halving the risk of hand and wrist injuries while high-vis vests make riders easier to see.

“I am urging all novice motorcyclists to gear up ahead of July – visit a local store to get your gloves and an approved vest or jacket. If you’re not sure what to buy visit motocap.com.au for more information.

“These changes are just the start of our safety reforms, we have listened to the experts and closely examined what the statistics show us.

“We will continue our plans to roll out other lifesaving changes including an increase in training and education for riders.” 

As one bridge opens, another begins its renewal in Dungog Shire, as the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments continue rebuilding and restoring critical infrastructure across regional NSW.

The first stage of the new Clarence Town Bridge is now open to traffic, delivering safer and more reliable journeys for locals, visitors and freight operators.

The new bridge will be transformative for heavy vehicle access to Clarence Town, allowing the return of 42.5 tonne semi-trailers.

At the same time, the heritage listed timber truss Brig O’Johnston Bridge has closed to traffic, marking the start of a major rehabilitation that will preserve its legacy while strengthening it for the future.

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are jointly investing $22.8 million in the project, with $11.8 million from the Australian Government and $11 million from the NSW Government.

The new Clarence Town Bridge is a significant piece of infrastructure, spanning 130 metres in length and 14.4 metres in width. It features traffic dual lanes designed to accommodate heavy vehicles, as well as a new pedestrian walkway and upgraded road approaches and footpaths.

Single lane traffic will operate across the new bridge while construction work and upgrades continue. Work on the project is expected to be complete early 2027.

Brig O’Johnston Bridge will now be temporarily closed to allow for major rehabilitation work. This work will strengthen the structure to meet current vehicle loads requirements, reduce ongoing maintenance needs, and preserve its status as the oldest surviving timber truss bridge in NSW.

This careful sequencing of works means the community stays connected, while an important piece of the state’s heritage is restored for future generations.

Rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2029.

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

“This investment by the Albanese and Minns governments shows what can be achieved when we work together to deliver practical outcomes for regional communities.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will make a real difference to daily life. Improving access, reducing travel times and enhancing safety for people living, working and travelling to Dungog.

“Heavy vehicles will no longer have commit to a 52 kilometre detour to bypass the existing bridge, saving valuable time for truck drivers in the area.

“By partnering across state and federal levels, we’ve been able to deliver a safer, more reliable crossing that will serve the Clarence Town area for decades to come.”

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:

“The Clarence Town community has waited decades for new investment in their bridge.

“Emergency repairs to the bridge were never made permanent under the former Nationals Government and cost escalations required an increased investment by Labor State and Federal Governments.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to building the infrastructure our communities need while preserving the historic assets that tell the story of who we are.

“This project will deliver a brand new, safer and more resilient crossing over the Williams River, alongside important work to restore and protect the heritage-listed Brig O’Johnston Bridge.

“The building of the new bridge and restoration of the former one have been carefully managed by Transport and Dungog Council to increase access, reduce the need for detours and maintain safety.

“This project is transformative for heavy vehicle operators, removing a 50-minute detour, a major inconvenience costing time and money.”

Labor Spokesperson for Upper Hunter, Emily Suvaal MLC:

“Investment in regional communities like Dungog is critical to supporting long-term growth and liveability.

“The new Clarence Town Bridge will benefit the daily lives of people living, working and traveling to Dungog by improving access significantly, cutting down travel times, and improving safety. 

“It’s also fantastic to see work for major rehabilitation work on Brig O’Johnston Bridge which was built in the 1800s and our oldest surviving timber truss bridge.

“This major rehabilitation work will preserve the historic Brig O’Johnston Bridge and ensure future generations can experience and appreciate our timber bridge heritage.

“Projects like this bridge not only improve local infrastructure but also demonstrate our commitment to ensuring regional towns continue to receive the infrastructure they need and deserve.”

Dungog Mayor, Digby Rayward:

“Seeing traffic move onto the new bridge is a proud moment for Council and the Clarence Town community. It demonstrates the value of long-term planning and determined advocacy to improve critical local infrastructure.

“While this is not yet the end of the project, it is a significant step forward. I thank the Clarence Town community and all the road users of the bridge for their ongoing patience. I’m excited to see the entire project finalised later this year.”