Building a green energy future brick by brick

In a major step towards greener construction, the Minns Labor Government has greenlit a new $81.4 million bioenergy facility in Horsley Park that will power one of the country’s largest brick manufacturing plants.

Austral Bricks have been manufacturing in Horsley Park since the 1960’s and this approval will allow the facilities to transition their operations from fossil fuels to renewable biogas.

The facility will divert up to 150,000 tonnes of organic waste from landfill each year, converting the waste into renewable green gas using anaerobic digestion technology.

The plant will place organic waste into a sealed tank, allowing bacteria to break it down and release biogas.

This green gas will generate electricity and heat to power the bioenergy facility and be piped to the brick manufacturing kiln to replace the natural gas currently being used as a fuel. 

The $81.4 million development is expected to support more than 250 jobs during construction.

Once complete, the development will process solid and liquid organic waste collected from commercial, industrial, agricultural and residential areas.

Improving the sustainability of core building materials like bricks is crucial to achieving NSW’s climate goals especially as we accelerate the delivery of homes right across the state.

This approval will mean bricks made from this renewable energy will be used in the construction of thousands of new homes being delivered in metropolitan Sydney and beyond.

Austral Bricks are partnering with renewable energy company Delorean Corporation, to construct and operate the bioenergy facility.

When assessing the proposal, the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure carefully considered issues such as traffic, site access, noise, air quality and biodiversity concerns.

For more information see project website.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is backing local businesses as they move to low-emissions production. Austral Bricks’ adoption of bioenergy demonstrates how industry can play a vital role in achieving the State’s climate goals.

“The bioenergy facility is diverting waste that would otherwise been deposited in landfills and repurposing it to reduce our overall carbon footprint.

“Bioenergy is emerging as a key player in the global energy transition. It offers reliable, renewable alternatives to fossil fuels, while supporting the circular economy.”

“As NSW tackles it’s housing challenges, this renewable energy facility will use green energy to make the millions of bricks required to build the new homes that NSW desperately needs.”

Member for Prospect Dr Hugh McDermott said:

“Austral Bricks have a long history in this region and this new bioenergy facility is another investment in that ongoing legacy.

“This is a great example of industry moving with the times to improve environmental outcomes while also securing the sites manufacturing future. “

nine more flood buyback homes for auction

The NSW Government is releasing more flood-affected homes for sale across the Northern Rivers after a very strong community response to the first two home relocation auctions.

There will be a rolling release of homes available for auction and relocation, with 45 flood-affected properties in the Northern Rivers sold already.

This next release by the NSW Reconstruction Authority will include nine buyback homes from Burringbar and South Murwillumbah going to auction on 12 August 2025.

All homes earmarked for relocation have been purchased by the RA through the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the program is helping create safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain.

Most of the buyers have been locals, paying between $347 and $101,000 for the houses so far.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders will have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free land.

The RA remains firmly committed to reusing and relocating as many flood-affected homes as possible.

More details on the homes available can be found at www.fnmurwillumbah.com.au/pages/real-estate/relocatable-homes

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:

“By auctioning these houses, we are helping save historic homes impacted by the floods and making a small but meaningful contribution to the housing challenges we face in the Northern Rivers.”

“This innovative program is a creative way of keeping these houses in the community.”

NSW and Victoria trial cross-border emergency communications

Frontlines responders working between New South Wales and Victoria will soon be able to access improved radio communications to help better protect local communities.

Emergency services agencies are working to improve communications when responding to natural disasters across borders, with a new radio communications trial announced at the National Emergency Ministers Meeting in Darwin.

The trial is testing first responders’ ability to seamlessly switch between state radio networks, allowing teams to coordinate responses during emergencies, even when crossing borders.

This will enable them to operate on the same radio network and prevent them having to carry two radios to improve emergency response efforts.

Under the trial emergency service crews’ radios will automatically connect to the local network, enabling first responders to stay in touch without changing devices or settings.

This is important during large-scale emergencies like bushfires, floods, or storms, where teams from multiple agencies and states often work together.

The trial builds on the success of Australia’s first interstate radio roaming services, launched by NSW and Queensland in 2023.

This service was critical during the response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred earlier this year when Queensland’s radio infrastructure was inaccessible, and emergency teams were able to switch seamlessly to the NSW network and continue operations without disruption.

The trial is expected to begin later in the year and will be led by the NSW Telco Authority and Emergency Management Victoria.

In NSW, the Public Safety Network is used by emergency services and government agencies to coordinate responses and is the state’s most important communications network after Triple Zero.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“State borders shouldn’t be a barrier to public safety. This collaboration reflects a shared commitment to ensuring first responders have the tools to keep communities safe and connected.

“As technology improves, we need to look at new ways to harness it to improve our emergency response. This is yet another example of how we’re improving communications to assist in a crisis.

“Through enabling seamless roaming and stronger network interoperability we’re ensuring emergency responders can communicate clearly and stay connected when it matters most.”

Victoria’s Minister for Emergency Services and Natural Disaster Recovery Vicki Ward said:

“Our emergency service teams do an incredible job, and it’s important they have the technology required to respond to emergencies regardless of where they occur.

“We’re working alongside state government colleagues across borders, removing communication barriers and saving valuable time during emergencies.”

Another Minns housing failure: NSW is 23,500 homes behind housing accord

Acting NSW Opposition Leader Damien Tudehope said only a Liberals and Nationals Government will ease the burden of Labor’s higher taxes and charges on new housing that have led to NSW performing worse than every other mainland state.
 
“The numbers today only reinforce this devastating reality for prospective home buyers who will be left dreaming of getting on the property ladder. In the last 9 months, 23,500 hopeful NSW residents have had their dreams of home ownership smashed by the inability of Chris Minns and Labor to make it more viable to build new homes.”
 
“Chris Minns and Labor must finally face up to reality: NSW can’t tax our way to more housing. Affordability starts with supply, and supply starts with a government that gets out of the way—not one that stacks on more costs,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
“In the Budget Reply, the Coalition announced we would make home construction more viable by pausing Labor’s $12,000 tax on every new for the life of the National Housing Accord and afterwards defer collection of the Housing and Productivity Contribution from the construction certificate stage to the occupation certificate stage to improve cash flow.
 
“More people are being left to compete over fewer new homes under Labor. The recent NSW Budget admits that under Chris Minns and Labor, NSW has seen more net household formations than net housing completions. No wonder the housing crisis is getting worse.
 
“Labor has made the housing crisis worse by failing to deliver the homes to cater for our growing population, by making new homes more expensive with higher taxes and construction less viable and by failing to provide the essential infrastructure the sector needs to actually get on with the job of delivering more homes,” Mr Tudehope said.

Progressing a revitalised Gosford waterfront

The Minns Labor Government is progressing the revitalisation of Gosford’s waterfront with a focus on enhancing public space and improving connectivity in the short term while providing opportunities for longer term investment.

Following market sounding and feasibility studies on how to best revitalise Gosford’s waterfront in line with the $8.5 million election commitment, the NSW Government is designing and costing an active transport shared pathway between Gosford and Point Clare.

The shared pathway would cut the time to cycle and walk between the two destinations and improve connections further south to Tascott, Koolewong and Woy Woy via the Brisbane Water cycleway.

The Government will also prepare a targeted public domain plan and will deliver improvements to the public domain in the next 18 months.

From today, the community has an opportunity to say what features and projects they would like to see in the public domain plan and help prioritise their delivery on the Gosford Waterfront.

This could include features like better lighting and visibility, fitness equipment, children’s playground equipment, picnic tables and seating, or a boardwalk.

Please visit https://www.hccdc.nsw.gov.au/gosford to have your say by Sunday, 17 August 2025.

The Government is also identifying projects for the waterfront that can be delivered in the longer term.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government has listened to the community and is revitalising Gosford’s waterfront with targeted improvements that can be delivered in the short term.

“We want to make sure we’re getting this right and enable Gosford waterfront to continue to evolve into a vibrant destination linked to the city and its surrounds that the fast-developing capital of the Central Coast deserves.”

Minister for the Central Coast, David Harris said:

“With $2.3 billion worth of development activity well underway and a dynamically changing skyline, Gosford is finally fulfilling its enormous potential.

“Activating the waterfront is a vital piece of Gosford’s revitalisation picture and I’m pleased to be part of a Government that’s progressing this project.

“Please take this opportunity to complete the survey on which public space improvements you would like to see prioritised on the Gosford waterfront.”

Member for Gosford, Leisl Tesch said:

“After years of glossy plans with no certainty over what can be delivered along the Gosford Waterfront, the Minns Labor Government is planning for Gosford’s future, informed by detailed market sounding and feasibility studies about the realistic short and long-term outlook for our city.

“Gosford is quickly transforming into a city that we can be proud of and it is important that our waterfront reflects Gosford’s place as the heart of the Central Coast.

“It is particularly exciting to see funding allocated towards design and costing for a shared pathway between Gosford and Point Clare, recognising our community’s vocal support for this vital active recreation link.”

NSW invests $26.2 million in low-emissions clean technology

The Minns Labor Government is investing $26.2 million to spearhead the next wave of emissions reduction technologies, supporting cutting-edge solutions which deliver both environmental and economic benefits to the state.

The Clean Technology Innovation grants support 13 projects across NSW to advance their technologies from research to commercial businesses, these include:

  • Underwater robotic hull cleaners that reduce ship emissions and fuel consumption, eliminate harmful coatings and prevent the spread of invasive species.
  • A drag-reducing adhesive film for aircraft, inspired by the skin of fast swimming sharks, that reduces emissions.
  • Testing a cleaner method to extract lithium for batteries, to make the process more efficient and cost effective.
  • Turning farm waste into green hydrogen and ammonia using a new on-farm technology.
  • Setting up the world’s first commercial manufacturing facility for Printed Solar, which was rolled out in stadiums during Coldplay’s world tour.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering this significant funding injection as part of the $275 million Net Zero Manufacturing Initiative to fuel new investment, new jobs and new opportunities for NSW businesses, industries, communities and workers.

The grants focus on developing and implementing technologies that don’t currently exist in the marketplace but have the capability to reduce emissions and assist with the state’s net zero targets.

Each project will progress through stages including design, prototyping, construction, testing and real-world scenarios to ensure commercial viability. Funding ranges from $400,000 to $5 million per project.

In addition to the NSW Government’s funding, the projects have also successfully attracted $46.9 million in private investment, demonstrating strong industry confidence in their potential.

The successful projects must be completed by 2028, delivering tangible outcomes in the state’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

For more information visit www.energy.nsw.gov.au/business-and-industry/programs-grants-and-schemes/clean-technology-innovation.

Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“The Minns Labor Government is investing in the new technologies, jobs and industries that will drive our state’s transition to a low-carbon economy, create new jobs as we address the critical challenges climate change presents.

“This investment will see these projects transition into practical, real-world solutions for emissions reduction that also boost innovators, investment and new jobs.”

Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, Anoulack Chanthivong, said:

“Building a green innovation economy is critical to NSW’s long-term prosperity.

“These projects are a perfect example of our Industry Policy in action, which has identified the transition to a net zero economy as one of its three key missions, alongside local manufacturing and increasing housing supply.

“This is also an example of our Innovation Blueprint coming to life as we build clean technology communities that fuel technological advancements as well as new investment, new jobs, and new opportunities right across the state.”

CEO and Founder of Novalith, Steven Vassiloudis said:

“Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to lead the global energy transition, not just by exporting minerals, but by exporting the technology that makes them cleaner, cheaper, and more sustainable to produce.

“This support from the NSW Government recognises the vital role homegrown solutions like Novalith’s can play in building resilient supply chains and accelerating the world’s shift to a low-carbon future.”

Summary of funded projects:

Applicant NameFunding grantedProduct/ Project description
MicroTau, St Peters$2,500,000MicroTau is exploring how to produce more of its special riblet film product, inspired by the skin of fast swimming sharks, which sticks to planes and helps them move through the air more easily. By reducing drag, it can lower fuel use and cut emissions from the aviation industry.
Novalith Technologies Pty Ltd, Alexandria$1,500,000This project focuses on scaling its novel lithium extraction process to a commercial scale. The technology enables the sustainable production of low-cost, low-impact lithium carbonate directly from spodumene to strengthen global supply chains of battery materials.
PlasmaLeap Technologies, Marrickville$2,584,617Testing a cleaner, cheaper way to make fertiliser directly on farms. It will design and build a small, low-emission fertiliser unit for regional NSW, helping farmers cut costs and reduce environmental impact.
5B Holdings Pty Ltd, Mascot $2,500,000Developing and testing the Next Generation Maverick Solution: a new solar panel system that’s faster to build, easier to install and cheaper to produce. It’s designed to work well even in places where labour costs are high, helping make solar energy more affordable and scalable.
Hullbot, Rozelle$1,943,218Developing robotic hull cleaners to cut ship fuel use and emissions by 20%, eliminate toxic coatings, and stop invasive species. This project will scale up the robot design and production system to deliver the service to ships.
H Nu Pty Ltd, Gosford $432,500Build a production line for novel fibre-optic based, lightweight, highly accurate current and voltage measuring systems for high-voltage grids. This type of low-cost, accurate metering is key to a successful renewable grid.
Sicona Battery Technologies Pty Ltd, Unanderra $1,675,000Validate the technical and commercial feasibility of Edge Functionalised Graphene technology through a pilot plant, ensuring it meets industry standards for energy efficiency and sustainability.
Lab 360 Solar Pty Ltd, Maryvale $1,775,000Transform daylight photoluminescence (DPL) inspection methods into a commercial tool that can be used at scale. By improving the technology and data analysis, it will help solar operators find faults, boost performance and lower costs.
FPR Energy Limited, Mayfield West $4,850,000Commercialise FPR Energy’s particle based concentrated solar thermal technology, to provide long duration green heat and power. These battery energy storage systems cater to industrial, commercial and residential needs.
Renewable Metals Pty Ltd, Muswellbrook $1,100,000Assess the feasibility of NSW’s first commercial lithium battery recycling refinery. It would help build a local recycling industry, support clean technology and keep valuable battery materials in use across energy, transport and industry.
HydGene Renewables Pty Ltd, Lane Cove $2,500,000This project is turning farm waste into green bio-hydrogen and ammonia – clean fuels that can be used on farms. It will demonstrate a scalable technology that can be used on farms, boosting the agriculture sector, enhancing sustainability and reducing waste.
Kardinia Energy Pty Ltd, Shortland $2,255,000Setting up the world’s first commercial manufacturing facility for Printed Solar – lightweight, flexible solar panels that can go where traditional ones can’t. It opens up new markets and takes clean energy to more places.
BT Imaging, Waterloo $598,391Pioneer the development of the world’s first in-line Photoluminescence and Machine Vision solution with automated tuning. It will help make solar cells more efficient and cost-effective.
TOTAL FUNDING$26,213, 726 

Celebrating 10 Years of Premier League – NSW’s Elite Netball Pathway

This year marks a major milestone for one of New South Wales’ most important netball competitions-Premier League turns 10.

Launched in 2016, Premier League has cemented itself as the pinnacle netball competition in NSW, showcasing the state’s top current and emerging talent every Wednesday night at Netball Central.

Over the past decade, it has become the undisputed breeding ground for future stars of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) – athletes, umpires, coaches and bench officials – offering a fiercely competitive environment that mirrors the intensity of Australia’s elite domestic league, considered the best in the world.

SSN representatives such as GIANTS Netball players Amy Sligar, Maddie Hay and Erin O’Brien, NSW Swifts Sophie Fawns, Freddie Schneideman and Grace Whyte, Melbourne Mavericks stars Tayla Fraser and Amy Parmenter along with Emily Moore from the Queensland Firebirds are all alumni of Netball NSW’s Premier League.

“The exposure to week in week out competition of Premier League was an amazing stepping stone into the SSN,” former Premier League and current SSN GIANTS Netball player Amy Sligar said.

“I started Premier League as a 15-year-old and continued to play as I moved through Super Netball Reserves and into SSN. I was incredibly lucky to play with and against so many amazing players, including current and former Suncorp Super Netball players.”

As a high-performance stepping stone, Premier League provides crucial development opportunities for players, coaches, umpires and administrators, bridging the pathway between community netball and the elite stage of the Super Netball Reserves and Suncorp Super Netball.

“Premier League also provided an opportunity to work with many great coaches. The lessons I learnt on and off court have helped shape my career in Suncorp Super Netball,” Sligar concluded

NSW Swifts Head Coach Briony Akle reinforced the value of the Premier League in building the next generation of SSN talent.

“I love the Premier League and coached in it early on, and I really think it has helped hugely in the development of talent into SSN,” said Akle

“So many past and present Swifts have come through Premier League such as Sophie Craig, Tayla Fraser, Teigan O’Shannassy, Lili Gorman-Brown and Lauren Moore. Some of our players still play in it to get high-quality game-time.

“Today we have the likes of Sophie Fawns, Freddie Schneideman and Grace Whyte who’ve also had huge development in it.

“It’s not just Swifts, many Giants have emerged from being part of it too and I reckon it’s hands down the best league of its kind in Australia.” affirmed Akle

Stacy Harding, General Manager – Competitions at Netball NSW, said the competition is an essential part of the state’s high-performance system.

“Premier League is where NSW’s next generation of stars are tested. It offers the best and most fierce competition to blood athletes for the ferocity of Suncorp Super Netball. Week in, week out, it demands elite intensity and prepares our players for the next level.”

Over the past 10 years, dozens of Premier League athletes, umpires, bench officials and coaches have stepped up to Super Netball contracts, national honours, and even international representation. It’s a track record that reflects both the depth of talent in NSW and the critical role this competition plays in nurturing future stars.

To celebrate the milestone, Netball NSW is launching a fan-led campaign to name the Premier League ‘Team of the Decade’.

Across Netball NSW and Premier League social channels, fans can cast their votes for the best player in every position, as well as the Coach of the Decade-a fun and nostalgic way to honour the standout performers of the past 10 seasons.

The finals series for Premier League commences on Wednesday 23 July, with the Grand Final taking place on Sunday 3 August at Ken Rosewall Arena at Sydney Olympic Park. All matches are available to watch live and on demand at https://netballnsw.tv/

New high-tech Western Harbour Tunnel facility brings manufacturing jobs to Sydney’s West

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a better NSW, today opening a high-tech facility that will fabricate the new Western Harbour Tunnel and create around 700 quality manufacturing jobs in Western Sydney.

The new, purpose-built facility at Emu Plains will precast individual concrete segments and culverts. They will then be put in place by the two largest tunnel boring machines (TBMs) in the Southern Hemisphere as they excavate under Sydney Harbour.

The walls, roof and floor of the huge tunnel, which is the size of three Metro tunnels, will be fitted together from thousands of concrete pieces made by skilled local workers and fitted together like a giant precision-cut jigsaw.

More than 13,000 concrete segments and nearly 1,400 culverts will be custom built in the state-of-the-art facility in Emu Plains, before being transported to the tunnels via the M4 and WestConnex.

The Emu Plains site is an Australian first. It is expected to operate for up to three years for the project and has the potential to be used by other projects or businesses in future, making it a lasting legacy of the tunnel project.

The tunnel boring machines are expected to arrive in Sydney later this year, before being assembled deep underground below Birchgrove. They will tunnel 1.5km from Birchgrove to Waverton, under the Sydney Harbour seabed, connecting the northern and southern ends of the project.

The Minns Labor Government is investing $4.2 billion over four years to deliver Sydney’s first road crossing of the harbour in almost 30 years.

The 6.5 kilometre tunnel will connect the Warringah Freeway in North Sydney to the WestConnex M4 and M8 at Rozelle Interchange, helping drivers bypass the CBD and making it easier, faster and safer to get around Sydney.

As the Government continues to champion women’s economic opportunities, particularly in historically male dominated industries, of the 700 jobs created at this facility there will be a target of 50 per cent women. Over 7,000 construction jobs will be created through building the Western Harbour Tunnel.

Due to open to traffic in 2028, under the Minns Labor Government this city shaping Project will remain in public hands. This is in direct contrast to the former Liberal National Government who sold off roads which were paid for and owned by the People of New South

Wales, resulting in rising toll prices controlled by a private company and have continued to champion privatisation from opposition.

You can find more details on the project here

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said: 

“This is a city shaping project which is literally being manufactured piece by piece in Western Sydney.

“We know that Sydney is growing, and we are working hard to address the housing crisis and bring Sydney’s CBD back to life – the fact is we can’t do any of that if we don’t have the roads we need to get people safely and quickly from A to B.

“Today’s announcement is a big milestone in our work to deliver this major project. At the same time this will provide a massive boost for our states manufacturing capability, bringing more jobs and opportunity to Western Sydney.

Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s exciting to see this facility open for business today and ready to build Sydney’s second harbour tunnel with local talent and world’s best technology.

“We are proud of the work to encourage more women into construction through this new facility.

“The Western Harbour Tunnel is one of 23 Government pilot projects trialing increased targets of for women in trade and introducing a new target of 7% for non-traditional roles.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Acting Minister for Western Sydney Courtney Houssos said:

“Delivering a project of this scale requires specialised manufacturing and state-of-the-art technology. We’re investing in smart, modern manufacturing right here in Emu Plains to lift our capabilities.

“This project is another example of how our Minns Labor Government is spending our government procurement dollars to create more well-paid, highly skilled jobs right here in NSW.

“We’re backing Western Sydney workers by providing them the tools, opportunities and facilities to deliver this critical piece of infrastructure, right at their doorstep.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Emu Plains has a long and proud history of manufacturing quality infrastructure, and it’s great to see that continue with this new facility.

“700 quality, manufacturing jobs right here in Western Sydney is a massive win and I’m proud of the Government’s work to promote gender equality in a historically male dominated industry.

“The opening of this factory in Emu Plains proves yet again that we are the engine room of the state.”

NSW can’t afford this Government

The Minns Labor Government has spent $11 billion more on public sector wages than it told the people of New South Wales it would. Meanwhile, it has cut infrastructure funding for schools, hospitals, transport and water, the very things families need to keep moving, working and living well.
 
Acting Leader of the NSW Opposition Leader Damien Tudehope said the Government has lost all sense of balance.
 
“We have always backed fair pay for the frontline workers who serve this state and we always will, but when pay increases come with delays, cuts and crumbling services, the people paying the bill start asking where their money is going,” Mr Tudehope said.
 
Ten percent of people in New South Wales are public servants. The other ninety percent of NSW rely on the public services that are now being squeezed.
 
Under this Minns Labor Government:
 
Transport infrastructure has been cut by $21 billion since 2022
 
Water infrastructure is facing a $5.9 billion hole under the regulator’s draft ruling
 
$1 billion has been stripped from the health capital budget
 
Hospital projects been shelved or stalled or re-announced with micro updates to appear as if the government is doing something.
 
Elective surgery waiting lists have returned to near-COVID levels, with more than 100,000 patients waiting
 
Labor went to the election claiming wage increases would come at no cost, offset by productivity. That never happened. The result is a government that has run out of runway — high wages, low delivery, and no long-term plan.
 
Frank Sartor, a former Labor minister, warned of this very risk in his book The Fog on the Hill. He wrote:
 
“From 1997 to 2010 public sector wages and salaries in New South Wales grew at a rate way above not only their interstate counterparts, but those in the Commonwealth public service and the NSW private sector in real terms… NSW public sector workers were being indulged compared with their counterparts… Because of union control of the Labor government, a very significant economic rent was being paid… This annual extra cost severely restricted the government’s capacity to fund vital infrastructure projects such as new rail links.” (Frank Sartor, The Fog on the Hill, p. 45)
 
That is what is happening again, and it is happening faster.
 
Budget papers show that by 2028, wages will consume 55 percent of discretionary spending, up from 46 percent just two years ago. That leaves less than half the budget to serve everyone else.
 
We need to support our workers and the people they serve. Labor has forgotten the second half of that promise.

From plans to pavement: federal and state governments to deliver a major upgrade for the M5 and Western Sydney

The Albanese and Minns governments are getting on with delivering the critical infrastructure Western Sydney needs, with the NSW government today signing a contract to upgrade an infamous traffic chokepoint in Sydney’s south west with Seymour Whyte.

The project includes a new three lane toll-free bridge over the Georges River and train lines at Liverpool, improving the connections between the M5 Motorway, Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway.

The upgrade includes the removal of the weave on the M5 Motorway between Moorebank Avenue and the Hume Highway to improve safety and traffic flow for road users entering and exiting the M5 Motorway.

The project will also include a new underpass at Moorebank Avenue, connecting the M5 Motorway westbound to the Hume Highway, and upgrade the intersection between the M5 Motorway and Moorebank Avenue.

The existing bridge over the Georges River, which connects the M5 Motorway to the Hume Highway and Moorebank Avenue, sees more than 2,500 trucks a day move from the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct onto the Sydney motorway network.

Afternoon peak sees traffic bank up, as cars and trucks entering the motorway westbound at Moorebank Avenue attempt to merge with traffic already on the motorway that is looking to exit at the Hume Highway. Truck numbers on the interchange are also expected to increase as new sections of the expansive Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct come online.

The Albanese and Minns governments are partnering to build a better NSW through investments in major infrastructure. Both have each committed $190 million towards this project as part of the ongoing Western Sydney infrastructure blitz.

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

“This upgrade will ensure the conga-line of trucks coming in and out of the Moorebank Intermodal Terminal Precinct can flow more freely, keeping goods moving to their destinations, while delivering real benefits for commuters during peak periods.

“Western Sydney is growing quickly and the Albanese Government is investing over $19 billion to deliver the transport infrastructure Western Sydney needs.”

Acting Premier Ryan Park:

“Western Sydney is the economic powerhouse of our state, and investments like this M5 upgrade ensure we’re building the infrastructure backbone to support continued growth and prosperity.

“We’re not just building roads, we’re building opportunities for families, businesses and freight operators who depend on efficient connections across the growing region.”

NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison:

“Today’s contract signing is a major milestone that brings us one step closer to getting shovels in the ground on the infrastructure Western Sydney needs.

“This upgrade will slash congestion and create a safer driving environment for the thousands of motorists who use this critical interchange every day.

“The contract is signed, the builders are ready, and soon we’ll be improving connections across our region. The extra lanes will remove the need for around 3,900 vehicles per day to weave between lanes, making journeys safer and faster for families and freight operators alike.”

Member for Hughes David Moncrieff:

“This is fantastic news for my community in south west Sydney. For too long, locals have been stuck in traffic at this congestion pinch point, especially during afternoon peak periods.

“This upgrade will eliminate a major bottleneck and help traffic flow along the M5, making a real difference to the daily lives of families and workers in our area. It’s great to see both levels of government working together to deliver the infrastructure we need.”

Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“This is great news for residents of Werriwa who utilise this road every day.

“The improvement in traffic flow will save commuters time and stress. I look forward to the completion of this long awaited and necessary section of road.”