16 News

E-bike clutter on footpaths will be cleaned up, government and councils will have the power to regulate operators and recoup the costs of shared scheme management and infrastructure – under new laws being introduced to the NSW Parliament today.  

This Australian first e-bike shared scheme regulation is the culmination of in-depth consultation with councils, operators and user groups and responds to key recommendations from the Parliamentary Inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options. 

Currently, operators can deploy e-bikes anywhere, without approval from councils or the NSW Government. This has led to poorly parked e-bikes creating clutter, e-bikes without helmets, and no controls in place to ensure devices meet minimum standards.

The Bill will establish minimum regulatory requirements for shared scheme operators and give new powers to Transport for NSW to check operators meet these standards before they can provide services. This will improve consistency and reduce duplication across councils.  

Minimum standards include helmet provision, distribution and collection of devices, adherence to council conditions, device specifications, maintenance, minimum insurances, complaints handling processes, incident reporting and rider education. 

The legislation will also give local councils the power to decide where NSW Government approved shared schemes can operate in their area, set dedicated parking areas, go-slow and no-go zones.  

As part of the reform approved shared scheme operators will pay a fee that funds the approvals, compliance monitoring, council rangers, establishing parking bays, active transport infrastructure and a data sharing platform monitoring shared bike use.  

Transport and local councils will be establishing on street and kerb side e-bike parking bays in town centres, train and metro stations. This will give e-bike users and shared scheme operators more clarity on where to park and reduce clutter for pedestrians and other road users.  

Transport and councils will be able to issue penalties to operators who fail to meet the minimum standards and Transport will be able to revoke approvals of operators who breach the requirements. Operators that fail to comply with a removal order face a maximum penalty of $55,000 plus $5500 for each day the offence continues. Operators that fail to comply with requests for information face a maximum penalty of $110,000. 

Minister for Transport John Graham said:  

“Shared bikes strewn across footpaths and roads have been an eye-sore and a danger to pedestrians for too long. These Australian first shared scheme laws will clean up the clutter and provide clear standards and consistency for operators and local councils.  

“We know shared e-bikes reduce congestion, connect our transport system and reduce emissions but the current voluntary approach to parking and safety isn’t working. That’s why we’re stepping in to fix the clutter on footpaths and ensure safety standards are met. 

“The popularity of shared devices is growing in NSW, in the last financial year alone the number of daily trips increased by 200% and these reforms will help ensure this mode of transport is a safe and accessible option to move around, while balancing the needs of the wider community. 

“We are setting some of the toughest requirements in Australia for sharing scheme services, to make sure services are safe and meet community expectations.” 

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Marjorie O’Neill said: 

“This legislation is about creating a clear, consistent framework that allows shared bikes to thrive as part of our active transport network — safely and sustainably. We want to see these schemes grow and succeed, but in a way that works for everyone, whether you’re a rider, a pedestrian, or a local business.” 

“For too long, shared bike operators have been able to act without proper oversight — resulting in cluttered footpaths, safety risks, and frustration for communities. These new laws put safety, accountability and public amenity front and centre.” 

“This legislation has been developed hand in hand with local councils, operators and transport users. It’s a model of collaborative reform — balancing innovation with community needs, and ensuring local voices shape how shared schemes operate in their streets.” 

Secretary of Transport Josh Murray said: 

“Latest Transport for NSW data shows 15 per cent of people in NSW have ridden a shared or rented e-bike, with 6 per cent riding at least monthly.  

“While this number is likely to grow rapidly, we need to address the impact of poorly parked devices, including access to buildings and footpaths which can present challenges for everyone – but particularly impacts people with prams, elderly people and people with mobility needs. 

“These reforms will give Transport for NSW and councils the necessary powers to ensure shared e-bikes meet safety standards, people are wearing helmets and the issue of dumped e-bikes on footpaths is fixed.” 

A landmark plan to address inequities in water ownership will see the NSW Government put water back in Aboriginal peoples’ hands, strengthen their role in water management, and create new opportunities for self-determination.

For the first time in New South Wales history, the Minns Labor Government is launching an Aboriginal Water Strategy to deliver immediate, practical actions that will give Aboriginal communities greater access and control over water.

Aboriginal peoples currently own less than 0.2% of licensed water entitlements in NSW, despite making up more than 3 per cent of the population.

Lack of access to water deprives them of opportunities to exercise self-determination, care for Country, and generate wealth from agricultural production or other commercial activities.  

The first step in delivering the strategy begins today, with the launch of a registration of interest (ROI) process to transfer water to Aboriginal peoples.

Around 26,000 water shares currently held by the NSW Government, including in regulated and unregulated water and groundwater sources, are being made directly available to Aboriginal-controlled organisations or entities.

They can apply to receive general water access licences, which can be used for commercial purposes that support economic benefits like small scale farming operations, as well as for cultural and environmental purposes.

The new strategy also lays the foundation for long-term reform in water management to include Aboriginal knowledge in decision-making and ensure healthy water systems continue to support culture, communities and Country.

Key actions in the strategy include:

• Increasing Aboriginal participation in water planning with paid seats at the decision-making table.
• Removing barriers to cultural water access by simplifying applications and waiving fees.
• Protecting culturally significant water sites.
• Supporting intergenerational knowledge sharing by recognising and respecting Aboriginal cultural practices in water management.

The NSW Government is building a better NSW with more equitable water access, working with Aboriginal peoples to ensure reforms are practical, locally relevant, and deliver long-term benefits. 

The ROI process to apply for surrendered water access licences is open to all Aboriginal-controlled organisations and entities for 8 weeks, from 15 October to 5pm 10 December 2025.

Progress will be reported publicly to ensure transparency and accountability.

For more information, visit: water.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-water-strategy 

Minister for Water Rose Jackson said:

“For too long, Aboriginal peoples have been left out of decisions about water and denied the opportunity to benefit from it.  

“This strategy is about real, practical outcomes – from expanding access to water for community use, a stronger voice in water planning and making licenced water directly available to Aboriginal peoples for the first time in NSW history. 

“It won’t solve everything overnight and we know there is plenty more work to do, but it is a practical first step towards greater ownership and self-determination.” 

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty David Harris said:

“I am proud to be part of a government that is making it a priority to put Aboriginal people in greater control of water, a resource so central to culture, community wellbeing and economic opportunity. 

“We know that when Aboriginal communities drive change in partnership with Government, better outcomes are achieved, and we’re fully committed to that. 

“We are continuing to turn our Closing the Gap commitments for shared decision making into action and the Aboriginal Water Strategy is a great example of that. I encourage all eligible entities to make a registration of interest.” 

Gamilaroi Elder, Professor Phil Duncan said:

“This has been a long journey involving huge amounts of time, effort and collaboration from our communities, the department and key stakeholders to deliver the landmark strategy.   

“As we look to the future we also look to the past for lessons. Water is central to a quality way of life, longevity of life, and a quality cultural way of life.  

“I feel extremely honoured and grateful to be a part of this announcement that presents a wonderful opportunity for us for move forward together.” 

The Minns Labor Government is further strengthening workplace safety with the launch of the new Silica Worker Register (SWR) to monitor and track the health of at-risk workers undertaking high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances (CSS).

Under the new Work Health and Safety Amendment (Silica Worker Register) Regulation 2025, persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) will be required to register all workers engaged in high-risk CSS processing as soon as reasonably practical and no more than 28 days from the date that the worker commences work.

Processing of a crystalline silica substance involves tasks such as cutting, drilling, grinding or polishing.

Silica dust-induced diseases such as silicosis, are caused by inhalation of very fine crystalline silica dust particles, with workers at greatest risk in the mining and construction, tunnelling and engineered stone industries.

Since January 2024 to present, over 100 site inspections have been undertaken in tunnelling sites in the Sydney metro area.

While since 2018, SafeWork NSW inspectors have conducted more than 5,200 workplace visits related to silica.

Over this period, SafeWork NSW has issued 2,496 improvement notices, 181 prohibition notices and 33 penalty notices related to silica dust across industries.

Tragically, there have been 516 cases of silicosis and 36 deaths due to the disease in NSW since 2017.

Eliminating the risks associated with silica is a high priority for the Minns Government and the silica worker register is one of several measures which have been introduced to reduce the risks of working with CSS in NSW.

These include:

• The Minns Government has led the ban on engineered stone benchtops, panels and slabs containing one per cent or greater crystalline silica. This included a national ban on its importation from January 1, 2025.
• Establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce to help address silica related health risks for workers in tunnelling projects. The Taskforce is made up of Government, medical, industry and union representatives and provides expert guidance to prevent and manage silica and other dust related disease associated with tunnelling projects in NSW.
• The establishment of a dedicated silica unit within SafeWork NSW which includes a Silica Compliance Team to enforce strengthened regulations, including proactive visits to sites conducting high-risk CSS processing.
• $5 million in critical funding for silicosis research and a patient support program for individuals and their families navigating the health risks associated with exposure to silica dust. The grant funding, administered collaboratively by icare and the Dust Diseases Board, will be provided over three years to the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute (ADDRI).
• $2.5 million for a state-of-the-art Lung Bus which is currently travelling NSW to protect workers from dust diseases. The icare Lung mobile lung clinic provides specialised lung health assessments to current and retired workers who are at risk of developing a workplace dust disease, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or silicosis.

For more information, including details on how to register and what information employers need to provide, visit the silica worker register notification page on the SafeWork NSW website:

https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/notify-safework/silica-worker-register-notification

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring workers across the state are safe at work and the new Silica Worker Register is an important step in the fight against silicosis.

“The new register will help us target high risk areas, minimise exposure, inform health screening services and improve health outcomes for workers across the state.

“The Silica Worker Register is another important step towards protecting workers from dust diseases and builds on the Government’s recent actions including the ban on engineered stone, the establishment of the Tunnelling Dust Safety Taskforce and a dedicated Silica unit within SafeWork NSW and the recent $2.5m investment into the icare Lung mobile clinic.

“Every worker has the right to go to work and return home safely.”

SafeWork NSW Commissioner Janet Schorer said:

“Workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances may be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust, which can cause serious health issues, such as silicosis and lung cancer.

“The silica worker register is a valuable measure to ensure at-risk workers are receiving health monitoring and ensure any changes to an individual worker’s health are detected as early as possible.

“This is an important step in the fight against silica-related illnesses.

“SafeWork NSW continues to work with industry to ensure compliance with existing safety standards when working with crystalline silica.

“I call on all businesses to be aware of their legal obligations to register all workers who undertake high-risk processing of crystalline silica substances at their workplace.”

Icare CEO Geniere Apin said:

“The Silica Worker Register is an important step towards further strengthening workplace safety for those who work with respirable crystalline silica.

“Together with SafeWork, we’re helping employers meet their obligations and protect workers’ health.”

AWU NSW Branch Secretary Tony Callinan said:

“This register is about protecting workers for the long haul. Silicosis is a devastating disease that can take years to develop, and we owe it to every worker to make sure exposure is tracked and their health comes first.

“A silica register will mean no worker falls through the cracks. Whether they’re on a tunnel site or in manufacturing, employers and government will now have no excuse not to act to prevent silicosis.

“The AWU has been sounding the alarm on silica dust for years. Today’s announcement is an important win for worker safety, but it must be backed with strong enforcement and proper medical follow-up.”

Goulbourn-Mulwaree is set to host a stellar line-up of top-class festive performers as the NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concert fast approaches.

Drawcard entertainers including renowned jazz vocalist Emma Pask, former Hi-5 star Nathan Foley, acclaimed musical theatre artist Silvie Paladino, and celebrated tenor Lorenzo Rositano will headline two free concerts at the Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre on 5 December.

There will be six free Christmas Concert performances across the state exclusive to Grafton, Goulburn and Port Macquarie, as part of the annual NSW Seniors Festival series of events this year.

The NSW Seniors Festival is the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere, attracting more than 500,000 people across the state to attend free and low-cost activities and events with a focus on art, sport, music, entertainment, technology, travel, health, wellbeing and recreation..

Goulbourn Seniors Regional Christmas Concert

Location: Goulbourn Performing Arts Centre, 163 Auburn Street, Goulbourn

Date: Friday, 5 December 2025

Times: 10.30am and 1.30 pm

Free tickets for the Goulbourn-Mulwaree Christmas Concert will be available from 10am on Tuesday, 28 October 2025 until the allocation is exhausted.

Tickets go quickly, so don’t miss your chance and book via https://www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts

Minister for Seniors Jodie Harrison said:

“The NSW Seniors Regional Christmas Concerts is a unique opportunity for seniors in Goulbourn to kick off the festive season on a high note.

“Seniors are encouraged to come together and sing along to classic Christmas songs with some of our top performers.   

“Every year, the concerts are extremely popular and seniors are encouraged to book their tickets quickly once they come online.”

Labor spokesperson for Goulbourn Bob Nanva:

“The line-up for these concerts is absolutely outstanding – I encourage all Goulbourn-Mulwaree seniors to get along if you can!”

Performer Lorenzo Rositano said:

“It’s a joy to bring great entertainment to seniors across the state. These concerts are a true celebration of community, we enourage everyone to come along, make a day of it and be merry.”

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide more support for community preschools, as they shut their doors to take part in a series of rallies across the state today.
 
Community preschools across NSW, along with the Independent Education Union, have been pushing for increased state government funding to boost wages for early childhood teachers in community preschools who are currently paid 30 per cent less than teachers in other sectors.
 
Opposition Leader Mark Speakman said it’s important they are given the funding they need to remain competitive in order to attract and retain their staff.
 
“The NSW Government plays a key role as the main funding body for community preschools and they need to take that responsibility seriously,” Mr Speakman said.
 
“The fact hundreds of teachers and educators are preparing to walk off the job today should send a strong message to the Premier that they don’t feel like they are being heard, and he needs to step up and start to listen to their needs.”
 
The Sydney rally is due to commence at 11:30am outside the NSW Parliament, while another event will be held at Spinks Park in Lismore.
 
Shadow Education Minister Sarah Mitchell said community preschool teachers are simply asking to receive the same support as their colleagues given they have the same qualifications and responsibilities.
 
“When you have an entry level primary school teacher on a higher wage than a director of a community preschool, it shows the gap in the system has clearly widened in the past couple of years,” Mrs Mitchell said.
 
“This discrepancy is having a massive impact on the ability for community preschools to keep their highly qualified staff when they can’t offer anywhere near as much pay as their competitors.
 
“Given there are more than 700 community preschools in NSW that provide an incredible service for our children, this is definitely something the Government needs to look at and fix as soon as possible.”

The NSW Opposition will support the Government’s planning law reform bill, with some amendments to make the system fairer, faster and more transparent.
 
The bipartisan approach began last year when Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders and Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow wrote to the Premier and the Planning Minister proposing cooperation on planning law reform to help to fix the state’s housing crisis.
 
The Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said the Opposition’s focus has always been on getting more homes built without adding cost or complexity.
 
“Planning law reform can’t be about politics or spin in the middle of a crisis. It has to be about helping people into homes they can afford, near the families they love and the jobs they rely on. Our amendments are practical, responsible and aimed at cutting red tape while keeping government accountable,” Mr Speakman said.
 
Under the Opposition’s proposed amendments:
 
The Housing Delivery Authority would be subject to a full statutory review, and further accountability measures would be introduced.
District and regional planning panels would remain.
The Development Coordination Authority would be required to publish annual reports.
The Community Participation Plan would be set out in regulation or equivalent.
The new targeted assessment pathway would not apply to major non-residential developments like mines, waste incinerators, transmission lines, wind farms and solar farms.
 
NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the regions cannot be left behind.
 
“Removing regional planning panels runs the risk of reducing the capacity to support regional development into the future, which is why we will push for changes to safeguard those projects that will allow our country communities to thrive,” Mr Saunders said.
 
“I’m also calling for the Government to ensure the legislation won’t make it easier to rush through renewables projects that have been causing angst for residents and businesses in the bush.”
 
Shadow Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Scott Farlow said the Opposition’s changes would make the bill more effective.
 
“We need a planning system that delivers homes, not hold-ups. Our amendments will help build faster, smarter and with greater confidence for investors and communities alike,” Mr Farlow said.
 
While planning law reform is important, the Minns Labor Government should also be removing barriers to affordability, not creating new ones that don’t help to accelerate home ownership.  The Housing and Productivity Contribution is a tax introduced by the Government in 2023 on housing continues to make the dream of owning a home even harder for young people and families.
 
The contribution is costing developers $12,000 per house and $10,000 per unit in Greater Sydney.