Modest but promising progress in ED wait times

NSW hospitals have seen modest but promising progress in emergency department (ED) wait times, with the Health Minister Ryan Park saying there’s more room for improvement.

The latest Bureau of Health Information Healthcare Quarterly report shows the majority of patients (68.3 per cent) started their ED treatment on time and almost 80 per cent (79.9 per cent) of patients who arrived by ambulance had their care transferred to ED staff within 30 minutes, both measures reflecting small improvements compared with the same quarter in 2022.

ED activity continued to remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, with 798,813 ED attendances including a record 6,649 triage 1 (resuscitation) and 119,389 triage 2 (emergency) presentations during the last quarter of 2023.

NSW hospitals have also significantly reduced the number of people whose planned surgery is overdue, reducing the overdue planned surgical waitlist by almost 90 per cent in one year.

Public hospitals performed 59,422 planned surgeries in the October to December quarter in 2023, 5,099 more procedures than in the October to December 2022 quarter.

Overall, 83.6 per cent of all planned surgeries were performed on time in NSW public hospitals during the October to December quarter in 2023, an increase of seven percentage points compared with the same quarter in 2022. Almost every urgent planned procedure (99.5 per cent) was performed on time.

The NSW Government’s Surgical Care Governance Taskforce has helped to drastically reduce the number of patients exceeding the clinically recommended timeframe for planned surgery by 87.5 per cent, from 17,070 in December 2022 to 2,133 in December 2023.

The NSW Government is working to improve access to care and reducing wait times, including through:

  • establishing an emergency department taskforce – to safely find innovative strategies to treat patients more effectively;
  • boosting staff – making 1,112 temporary nurses permanent and recruiting an additional 1,200 nurses and midwives;
  • boosting infrastructure – working to deliver 600 more treatment spaces in Western Sydney;
  • embracing Healthdirect and the single patient front door – connecting more patients to care options outside the hospital; and
  • rolling out 25 urgent care services across the state relieving pressure on our EDs.

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“Everyone should be able to access quality health care when they need it, where they need it. Patients shouldn’t have to wait hours longer than necessary in our hospitals or emergency departments. Having people and their loved ones waiting around in our hospitals for lengthy periods of time is not good for them, our staff, or other patients.

“I want to make it very clear – we are far from mission accomplished. While this is a promising improvement, too many people are still waiting too long in our EDs.

“We are throwing everything in our rucksack at improving access and reducing wait times in our hospitals.

“This includes boosting staff and infrastructure; but also rolling out urgent care and providing those alternate pathways to care, to treat people outside the hospital; and establishing an ED taskforce to drive improvements in wait times and access to care.

“When we reduce the proportion of people who can be treated outside of hospitals entering our EDs, our patients as a whole benefit.”

A few home truths for Scully on heritage

Labor’s Minister for Planning and Public Spaces continues to show a lack of understanding when it comes to the impact on heritage of his own ‘biggest rezoning in Australia’s history’, attempting to outline the ‘truth about planning reforms and heritage’ the Minister has shown that he either lacks understanding of his own policy or is deliberately misleading people across NSW.

“It’s time for a few home truths for Minister Scully when it comes to the impact of his ‘biggest rezoning in Australia’s history’ on heritage across New South Wales,” Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said.

“Minister Scully today claimed that ‘the reforms do not apply to individual heritage items’, which has been roundly rebuked by his own officials.”

“Following questioning in Budget Estimates the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure confirmed that the Labor Government’s one-size-fits-all Low and Mid-Rise Reforms will apply to both Heritage Conservation Areas and heritage listings.”

The following extract is from the Hansard:

MONICA GIBSON: The low- and mid-rise reforms do apply to heritage conservation areas and heritage listings.

The Hon. SCOTT FARLOW: It applies to heritage listings as well?

MONICA GIBSON: It does.

“The Labor Government’s own Heritage Council ‘strongly recommend[s] the government enable local councils to undertake strategic planning within a defined time frame to deliver housing targets before activating the proposed new planning controls over existing heritage conservation areas.’”

“The National Trust is concerned the proposals ‘will have a dramatic and permanent effect on heritage’ and calls ‘the current one-size-fits-all housing reforms put forward by the NSW Government … the biggest threat to the heritage of NSW that have ever been proposed.’”

“Minister Scully seems confused about the impact of Labor’s lazy, one-size-fits-all policies on yet another area – heritage. It’s clear that Chris Minns’ approach simply isn’t working,” Mr Farlow said.

Landmark $4 billion investment for remote housing in the Northern Territory to help Close the Gap

The Federal and Northern Territory Governments have announced a landmark joint $4 billion dollar investment for housing in remote communities across the Northern Territory to help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

The Prime Minister made the announcement during a visit to community of Binjari, near Katherine in the Northern Territory.

The 10-year commitment to improve remote housing will see up to 270 homes built each year, with the goal of halving overcrowding. It also includes continued support for repairs and maintenance.

In addition, the Albanese Labor Government is investing a further $120 million over three years to match the Northern Territory Government’s yearly investment to continue delivery of housing improvements and essential infrastructure upgrades in remote homelands.

This builds on the momentum from the Restoring Funding for NT Homelands agreement, which was initiated last year, with a contribution from the Federal government worth $100 million.

This funding is in addition to the Northern Territory Government’s existing $40 million per annum investment in homelands housing and essential infrastructure upgrades.

The delivery of much-needed housing across remote Northern Territory communities has accelerated significantly in recent years, with Commonwealth-funded delivery increasing by more than 200 per cent between 2021-22 and 2022-23.

A key target of 1950 bedrooms was met under the National Partnership for Remote Housing NT; and in 2023-24, 157 houses are on track to be delivered well ahead of schedule. 

To support delivery of this landmark project, a Partnership Agreement will be established between the Commonwealth and Northern Territory Governments and Aboriginal Housing NT – the Territory’s peak First Nations housing body, and Aboriginal Land Councils.

A further $1 million will be provided by the Commonwealth to Aboriginal Housing NT over the next two years, to support their role in this Partnership Agreement.

As well as supporting improved housing outcomes, this unprecedented investment will also create local employment opportunities and support the sustainability of Aboriginal Business Enterprises.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“We are committed to practical actions that improve the lives of First Nations people. Today’s announcement will improve housing conditions in remote communities and help close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“This landmark agreement between the Commonwealth, Northern Territory Government and Aboriginal Housing NT delivers a significant investment in remote housing in the NT over the next decade.

“The Northern Territory has the highest level of overcrowding in the country which we are working to halve by building 270 houses each year.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians Linda Burney

“This government is committed to improving housing in remote communities and closing the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

“This is an historic investment that will make a difference to the lives of so many Aboriginal people living in remote communities.

“Increasing housing supply will ease overcrowding, which we know is a major barrier to closing the gap.”

Assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians Malarndirri McCarthy

“Better housing for Aboriginal people living in remote Northern Territory communities is a top priority for the Albanese Labor Government.

“This investment is about long term support to deliver on that commitment and improve housing for families living in remote communities.”

Member for Lingiari Marion Scrymgour

“Our partnership with the Northern Territory Government, Aboriginal Housing NT and Aboriginal Land Councils will be the key to success in delivering homes for remote communities.

“Community consultations, local decision-making and community priorities will also be central to delivering these homes for remote communities.”

Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler

“Today’s announcement will achieve unprecedented housing outcomes across the Territory. The commitment to build 2,700 homes in ten years means new homes for more than 10,000 people.

“The years to come will provide homes for remote area residents that are safer and more secure, as well as employment and training opportunities for those who live in our communities and homelands.

“This is a game changer for the Territory, as this investment goes straight into the hands of our remote communities and Territory businesses.”

Northern Territory Minister for Remote Housing and Homelands Selena Uibo

“I am proud that our Territory Labor Government has delivered unprecedented housing outcomes in the bush, in partnership with the Commonwealth Government.

“Since coming to Government in 2016, we have made significant headway towards alleviating overcrowding in our remote communities, having built and upgraded around 3800 homes.

“As the Local Member for one of the Territory’s most remote electorates, I have seen firsthand the impact of better housing for those who were living in chronically overcrowded homes with 20 or more people in one dwelling.

“This investment will go a long way towards continuing our Territory Labor Government quest for better homes and improved health, education, employment and social outcomes.”

Aboriginal Housing NT CEO Skye Thompson

“Aboriginal Housing NT (AHNT) welcomes this announcement and congratulates the Albanese Government on this historic investment. This is not just an investment in housing – it is an investment in people.

“Let there be no doubt of the significance of this investment. It is the single most comprehensive investment package into the Northern Territory’s remote housing and homelands sector. Its impact cannot be overstated.

“This investment will help ensure Aboriginal Australians across the Northern Territory are able to live with dignity and pride, where their kids can grow safe, healthy and strong and truly look to their futures with real hope and optimism.”

50th anniversary of Cyclone Tracy Memorial

50 years after Cyclone Tracy devastated Darwin, the Albanese and Lawler Governments will honour the memory of those who died and those whose lives were irrevocably changed with a permanent monument and separate permanent memorial in Darwin.

The Australian Government is giving a total $600,000 to the Northern Territory Government to work in partnership with stakeholders to install a kinetic monument at Bundilla Beach, as well as a memorial designed by a local artist at East Point.

Cyclone Tracy hit Darwin in the early hours of Christmas morning in 1974. Seventy-one people died, more than 600 were injured, and 80 per cent of the city was destroyed. The population was left traumatised.

The cyclone, which is among the most destructive ever recorded in Australia, also changed the face of Darwin. More than 36,000 people left Darwin in the wake of the cyclone, around 70 per cent of houses suffered serious structural failure and the damage bill topped $800 million.

Cyclone Tracy did lead to the strengthening of building codes around Australia, which have helped to prevent deaths in more recent cyclones.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“It is fitting that on this 50th anniversary of such an overwhelming disaster, that we establish a permanent memorial to mark the impact Cyclone Tracy had on Darwin and on the rest of Australia.

“In honouring the people we lost, those who were injured, and those whose lives changed through the lasting trauma, we ensure they will not be forgotten.

“We also recognise the enormous effort of the people of Darwin in ensuring their city was reconstructed in little more than three years.”

Chief Minister of the Northern Territory Eva Lawler

“As a Cyclone Tracy survivor I know Cyclone Tracey is in Darwin’s DNA. Territory spirit was put on display 50 years ago. The Darwin community, our local Tracy survivors and those who now live interstate are working towards significant events and activities to remember and reflect on the lives lost, those still missing and the families impacted, and to thank those who helped evacuate and rebuild our city.

“Over the past 50 years, Darwin and the Territory has transformed. We have beautiful weather, landscapes and adventures. The Territory is built on the character and stories of each of our towns and cities, especially Darwin.

“This funding will go towards the construction of a significant new permanent monument to those killed, injured and survivors. This will benefit not only Territorians but all Australians.”

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

“Darwin was changed by Cyclone Tracy and creating a memorial acknowledges the tragedy of Cyclone Tracy and the resilience of the people of Darwin.

“The city is now a gateway to Asia, and a thriving modern place to live and work.

“It would not be that way without the work done to rebuild Darwin and the people who stayed or returned to rebuild their community.”

Member for Solomon (Darwin and Palmerston) Luke Gosling OAM MP

“In many ways there are two Darwin’s – pre and post-Cyclone Tracy – and the story of our city cannot be told without honouring the lives lost and forever changed, as well as the strength and resilience of a community to rebuild from such devastation.

“For the first time, Darwin will have two dedicated spaces to mark this chapter in our history where survivors and their families can visit to remember, reflect and heal and where visitors and new Territorians can learn more about this tragedy and pay their respects.

“Both the monument and the memorial art installation will complement the existing Cyclone Tracy exhibition at the Museum and Art Gallery Northern Territory.

“I’ve worked closely with Survivors Group ‘Remembering Cyclone Tracy,’ the City of Darwin and the Northern Territory Government to ensure a federal government contribution to deliver these projects for survivors, their families and the community.”

Australian and Northern Territory Governments agree to fully and fairly fund all NT public schools

All Northern Territory public schools will be fully and fairly funded by the Australian and Northern Territory Governments following a historic agreement signed today. 

Both Governments have signed a Statement of Intent to increase funding for all public schools in the Northern Territory to 100 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS), by 2029.

This means Northern Territory public schools will reach the full and fair funding level two decades earlier than they would under current settings.

It will provide more resources to schools across the Territory to provide extra support to NT students who need it most – helping to improve education outcomes.

Under the agreement, the Australian Government will invest at least an additional $737.7 million from 2025 to 2029 in Northern Territory public schools.

The Northern Territory Government has committed to investing at least an additional $350 million over the same period.

This means the Commonwealth will increase its share of funding from 20 per cent to 40 per cent of the SRS, contingent on the Territory increasing its funding share to reach 60 per cent by 2029.

Under the agreement, the most disadvantaged schools will receive additional funding first.

This agreement follows the additional $40.4 million the Commonwealth is investing in Central Australian schools which will see those schools reach 100 per cent of the SRS this year.

The Albanese Government acknowledges the specific challenges facing the Territory, including the significant concentrations of disadvantage, with the funding needed for a public school student in the Northern Territory almost double the national average needed.

The two Governments are committed to Closing the Gap and improving the educational outcomes for Territory students.

The Statement of Intent provides a basis for the negotiation of the next National School Reform Agreement and associated bilateral agreements, which will tie funding to reforms that will help students catch up, keep up and finish school.

Today’s Statement of Intent follows an agreement reached recently with the Western Australian Government to fully fund all WA public schools.

The Australian Government is committed to working with all states and territories to get all public schools in the country on a path to 100 per cent of the SRS.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

“My Government is committed to making sure that no Australian child is left behind.

“Every young person, no matter where they live or their circumstances, deserves to have the best start to life – access to a world class education is critical to that.

“Education and equality go hand in hand, however access to quality education has been out of reach for many in the Northern Territory.

“This historic agreement is yet another example of how my Government is working constructively with State and Territory Government’s across the country to improve opportunities for Australians.”

the Northern Territory Chief Minister Eva Lawler

“Providing extra funding to Territory schools means more than just being fair – it gives more resources to schools and teachers to help Territory kids be better equipped to enter the workforce.

“Education has the power to change lives and we’re investing in young Territorians to get the skills and knowledge they need to start their careers.

“We’re working to strengthen every aspect of our education system so our kids are work ready – this $1 billion co-investment helps to open up a new era of opportunities for Territory kids.”

Commonwealth Minister for Education Jason Clare

“This is a historic day for public education in the Northern Territory and a great example of the Commonwealth working with the Northern Territory to build a better and fairer education system.

“At the moment, Northern Territory public schools only get less than 80 per cent of the funding that David Gonski said they should.

“In other words, one in five kids are not receiving funding. This agreement fixes that.

“This agreement doubles the investment the Commonwealth makes in Northern Territory public schools.

“This agreement means the most underfunded schools in Australia will now be fully funded.

“Under current settings, Northern Territory public schools weren’t expected to receive their full funding until the middle of the century. This fast tracks that by more than 20 years.

“This is what the Albanese Government means when we say no one held back and no one left behind.”

Northern Territory Minister for Education Mark Monaghan

“No other Government in the history of the Northern Territory has achieved full and fair funding for our students and schools.

“This landmark investment by the Territory and Federal Labor Government will make an immediate difference in our schools ranging from salaries to class sizes and technology, and under this agreement our most disadvantaged schools will receive more funding first.

“Only under a Labor Government will no child be left behind.”

CHALMERS EXPOSES LABOR AS CLIMATE CHANGE CON ARTISTS: GREENS

Responding to news that Labor would agree to Coalition demands to rewrite environment laws to fast-track new gas projects in the middle of a climate crisis, Greens leader Adam Bandt said Labor had been exposed as climate change con artists willing to let Peter Dutton write their climate laws.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers is reported as saying in a major speech today that he has written to the Coalition advising that the government is amending the Environment and Biodiversity Protection and Conservation Act to fast-track new gas projects in a manner requested by the Coalition.

The Greens also called on the Treasurer to publicly release his climate correspondence with the Coalition.

Greens Leader Adam Bandt said:

“Labor are climate con artists.

”Labor is doing a dirty deal with Peter Dutton on climate and the Greens will fight them tooth and nail. 

“The Treasurer has exposed Labor as climate charlatans, working with Peter Dutton to fast-track new gas mines in the middle of a climate crisis.

“You can’t trust Labor on climate. 

“Labor is letting Peter Dutton rewrite our environment laws to fast-track gas projects.

”Gas is as dirty as coal. You can’t put the fire out while pouring petrol on it. The first step to fixing a problem is to stop making the problem worse.

“Instead of stopping more coal and gas mines, Labor is working with Peter Dutton to fast-track new gas mines, making the climate crisis worse.

“Labor must immediately release their correspondence with the Coalition so the public can see what dirty deals are happening.”

Greens spokesperson for the environment and water Senator Sarah Hanson-Young said:

“This is short sighted and dangerous for our climate and environment. Let’s call this for what it is – the Labor government is trashing environment laws to fast track the gas industry’s profit.

“It’s disappointing to see the Treasurer is sidelining the Environment Minister – gutting environment laws to fast track expansion of coal and gas.”

Home for NSW’s Rail History opens in Sydney’s West

NSW Railway’s historic locomotives and carriages have found a new home in the heart of Western Sydney.

The $9.4 million Chullora Heritage Hub is a centralised storage facility for 50 of the state’s 220 heritage locomotives and carriages.

The historic trains have travelled by road and rail to the former Tank Annex Building at the Chullora Railway Workshops from three separate sites at Eveleigh, Thirlmere and Broadmeadow.

The building has received a thorough upgrade to ensure the protection and preservation of the historic collection with environmental, security and fire safety improvements delivered.

While the new location is not open for public viewing due to its function as a maintenance facility, it will give volunteers from Transport Heritage NSW the space they need to work on these one-of-a-kind engines.

The site at Chullora has been an important location for railway maintenance for more than a century. It was first established in 1913, and many of the buildings within the precinct date from the 1920s, with the Tank Annex building operating as part of the maintenance facility until 1994.

Among the rollingstock moving into the new building are:

  • Locomotive 1219, this locomotive and its class dominated express and mail train services in the late 1800s, with many hauling branch line services right up until the 1950s.
  • Locomotive 5096 was one of 280 introduced from 1890. This was the largest class of locomotives used anywhere in Australia and hauled goods trains more than two million kilometres until its retirement in 1965.
  • Locomotive 2606 was one of 20 tank locomotives manufactured by Scottish company Dubs and Co. Introduced from early 1892, they were supposed to assist engines travel up the mountain from Penrith to Katoomba. Limited water tank capacity and problems negotiating the numerous curves hindered their work, so they were reassigned to hauling coal trains to Waterfall and Newcastle. Before its retirement in 1970, 2606 spent its later years shunting carriages into position at Central Station.

Another 70 locomotives and carriages will remain at the NSW Rail Museum in Thirlmere, including operational assets like the famous 3801. The museum is open to the public 7 days a week, with heritage train rides operating every weekend on the newly refurbished Loop Line.

All historic trains are operated by Transport Heritage NSW.

For more information, visit Transport Heritage NSW.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen:

“For the first time, the majority of our heritage rail collection will be sitting undercover and out of the elements, where they will be lovingly preserved by our dedicated volunteers.

“340 jobs were created in Western Sydney during the renovation of this historic building, which will now house our cherished railway past for the people of NSW to enjoy for generations to come.

“It’s vital we preserve our heritage fleet so the magic of being part of life on our railways isn’t forgotten and continues to inspire.”

Not worth the risk: Transport for NSW and NSW Police launch level crossing campaign in Riverina

Motorists are reminded to be vigilant and patient at level crossings, as Transport for NSW and NSW Police run a level crossing awareness and enforcement campaign in central east Riverina.  

NSW Police will be patrolling level crossings in Old Junee, Junee, and Marrar between Monday 11 March and Friday 22 March to help increase safety around level crossings and remind road users of the importance of following the road rules.

The campaign is part of an ongoing series of awareness and enforcement campaigns between Transport for NSW and NSW Police Force.

The NSW Government is committed to reducing the road toll to zero and this includes making level crossings safer.

Between July 2008 and June 2023, there were 99 collisions between trains and vehicles at level crossings throughout NSW. Sadly, these have resulted in the tragic loss of 10 lives, as well as the serious injury of 17 others.

Each year the NSW Government invests $7.3 million through the Level Crossing Improvement Program (LCIP) to upgrade public level crossings and to increase awareness through level crossing safety education and enforcement campaigns such as this operation.  

Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“We all need to look out for each other to ensure everyone reaches their destination safely, and part of that means everyone must be cautious at level crossings.

“Transport for NSW and NSW Police Force have been regularly collaborating to ensure all motorists and pedestrians are aware of the danger and devastating consequences of unsafe behaviour around level crossings.

“Signs, boom gates, flashing lights and road markings are there for a reason – to keep motorists and pedestrians safe.

“For regional drivers, level crossings are a regular part of our trips, but it’s important not to become complacent when we’re using them.

“Plan your trip and allow enough time to wait and drive safely through level crossings. You might save a few minutes by rushing through a crossing; however, the risk can be devastating – it only takes a few seconds for a fatal collision to happen.

“Any death on a level crossing is a tragedy and one too many.

“I was at the National Level Crossing Safety Roundtable last week where we learned that as few as 1 in 5 (22%) of drivers were stopping at 1 of our regional passive level crossings.

“Motorists who gamble with their safety and the safety of others at level crossings could face three demerit points and a $514 fine, but most tragically they or someone else could lose their life.”

Traffic and Highway Patrol, Region Traffic Operations Coordinator, Sergeant Shannon Pendlebury, said:

“Despite the potentially fatal consequences, people are still ignoring warnings at level crossings.

“Motorists are urged not to be complacent as trains can come from any direction, at any time, and there can be multiple trains on tracks that can travel at speeds of up to 160km/h,” he said.

“Some trains can take more than a kilometre to come to a complete stop, so even if they see you, they can’t stop.

“Disobeying level crossing warning lights and signs can lead to crashes between vehicles and trains where the consequences can be deadly.” 

Flood-damaged North Coast infrastructure to be built back better

Construction is about to start on Richmond Valley Council’s $15.8 million Naughtons Gap Road resilience project at Naughton’s Gap, north-east of Casino, providing better access for locals after a series of severe weather events.

The road has been closed since March 2021 due to the level of flood damage and landslips at the time. Landslips were further impacted in February and March 2022 flood events.

Over $3 million of the total Naughtons Gap project cost will go towards betterment works, making the road more resilient.

These betterment works will see catch fencing constructed as a measure to contain future falling debris and absorb its impact, and drainage improvements made on the northern end of the project, to assist in preventing further long road closures during future severe weather events. The project will also involve essential public asset repair works to reconstruct the roadway across three landslip zones.

Betterment works have been funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments through the Regional Roads Transport and Recovery Package, which is investing $312 million to help local councils in northern NSW rebuild road and transport infrastructure projects in disaster-impacted communities.

Importantly, the Package helps communities ‘build-back-better’ by ensuring infrastructure damaged by floods is rebuilt stronger, better, and more able to withstand the challenge posed by future natural disasters.

The project is due to be completed in late 2024.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:

“The Albanese Government is committed to making sure Australia is more prepared for natural disasters, so communities can respond and recover quicker. That’s why projects like this are so important.

“By investing now to improve the quality and durability of Naughtons Gap Road, we can hopefully help to minimise the damage from future events, reducing the need to close the road each time severe weather hits.

“The Albanese Government is pleased to work with the Minns Government and Richmond Valley Council to deliver this project.

\NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“Research shows that for every dollar invested in risk mitigation or betterment projects, up to $10 is saved in recovery, so the Naughtons Gap Road resilience project is an investment well worth making.

“We can’t stop natural disasters from happening, but we can and should do everything possible to help communities get back on their feet as quickly as possible and reduce the impact during future events.

“Keeping communities connected or helping them to connect again more quickly after an event is vital in disaster recovery.”

\NSW Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin:

“The betterment policy will change the situation so that roads are built back to better withstand disasters and to improved standards. 

“It never made any sense to build back or repair a road or bridge as it had been instead of making it as durable as it possibly could be.

“I know that local councils will be as pleased as I am to be able to secure betterment funds to do the job well.”

\Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow:

“The Naughtons Gap Road is a vital transport link for the Richmond Valley, serving local agricultural enterprises and a substantial rural/residential area in North Casino.

“Richmond Valley Council has been working to find a long-term solution for stabilising this road, after two major landslips saw it closed to through traffic for an extended period. Our community is delighted a solution to this complex problem is finally at hand.

“This work involves installing more than 120 bored piers into the rockface at depths of up to eight metres to reinforce the roadway following significant flood damage.

“Not only will the road be restored to full service, but the additional betterment funding will help to strengthen the rebuilt section from future flooding events.”

New Service NSW Centre open at foot of Blue Mountains

The NSW Government is expanding access to Service NSW Centres for the residents of Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains, with a new Service NSW Centre officially opening at Glenmore Park today.

Close to 50,000 customer visits are expected at Glenmore Park Service Centre in the first year, with communities in Glenmore Park, Jamisontown, Emu Plains, Glenbrook and surrounding areas set to benefit the most from the new Service NSW Centre.

The new centre offers a third option for people living in the foot of the Blue Mountains alongside the Penrith and Springwood Service NSW centres, with team members able to assist customers with a range of transactions such as licence renewals, Working with Children Check renewals and Owner-Builder permits.

It follows the opening of the Macquarie Fields Driver Testing Centre in December, which provides about 300 driving tests a week and supports overseas licence holders converting to a NSW driver licence.

Meanwhile, a new Service NSW Centre set to open in Tallawong this year will provide an additional option for people living in Sydney’s north-west.

Driver testing will also be accommodated at the Glenmore Park Service NSW Centre, with about 80 tests available each week.

The centre is located on Level 1 of HomeCo. Glenmore Park Town Centre at 33 Town Terrace and is open Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5pm and Saturday 8:30am – 12:30pm.

For more information on the Glenmore Park Service Centre. 

Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“I am pleased to see the people of Glenmore Park and the surrounding communities, including Emu Plains and Glenbrook, will now have a Service NSW Centre right on their doorstop.

“Western Sydney is home to many busy, hardworking families, and it is so important that our mums and dads have the services they need where they live.

“Opening facilities like this in growing communities means families are not spending unnecessary time away from one another while doing things like getting their licence renewed.”

Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Jihad Dib said:

“Glenmore Park is one of many fast-growing suburbs in Sydney’s west and this new Service NSW Centre will help ensure locals can easily access government services and transactions.”

“The one-stop-shop Service NSW is about making people and business owners’ lives easier, whether it’s accessing cost-of-living support or applying for a Seniors Card.”

“Customer service is a priority at Service NSW Centres, with visitors greeted by a concierge and guided to the support and assistance they need, so they can complete their transaction more quickly and get on with their day.”