Plans to futureproof the M7 and M12 motorways have been approved by the NSW Government, providing a major boost to the road network in Western Sydney.
WSO Co will deliver the proposed works, which include widening the M7 between the M5 at Prestons and Richmond Rd at Oakhurst, and building a new interchange between the M7 and M12 and an upgrade to Elizabeth Drive to connect it to the M12.
Minister for Finance Damien Tudehope said the project would provide a vital connection to the new toll-free M12 motorway and support the projected growth of the region.
“Western Sydney is one of the fastest growing regions in Australia, which is why our Liberal National Government is investing in the transport and infrastructure now, to support this projected growth and ensure the region and its residents continue to thrive,” Mr Tudehope said.
“The M7 will be widened to six lanes between Prestons and Oakhurst, meaning drivers will be able to travel along this major Western Sydney road more quickly and safely, benefitting both commuters and business that rely on this key freight route.
“The project will also include integrate the M7 with the new M12, a 16 kilometre-long toll-free motorway that will connect to the new Western Sydney International Airport and Western Parkland City.
“This will support workers and families across Western Sydney by cutting travel times and improving access to industrial hubs including Bradfield.”
The agreement is subject to final planning approval. There will be no change to existing toll prices on the M7.
The M12 Motorway is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments and is scheduled to open in 2026.
For more information go to:
M12 motorway: M12 Motorway – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW
M7 widening: Westlink M7 Widening – Projects – Roads and Waterways – Transport for NSW
LANDMARK REWIRING THE NATION DEAL TO FAST-TRACK CLEAN ENERGY JOBS AND SECURITY IN NSW
The Albanese and Perrottet Governments today announced a landmark deal to connect New South Wales’ Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and plug Snowy 2.0 into the grid, to create thousands of new energy jobs, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, more secure and more affordable across the east coast.
The joint $7.8 billion deal will back eight critical transmission and REZ projects, supporting more than 3,900 jobs in the regions.
The Albanese Government’s Rewiring the Nation plan will enable $4.7 billion from the Commonwealth to join with $3.1 billion from the NSW Transmission Acceleration Facility, to help NSW realise its Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap and increase reliability across the east coast grid.
This agreement will unlock the below critical transmission and REZ projects:
- Sydney Ring – Hunter Transmission Project (HTP);
- Central-West Orana (CWO) Renewable Energy Zones (REZ);
- New England (NE) REZ;
- HumeLink;
- VNI West;
- Hunter-Central Coast (HCC) REZ, including potential offshore wind opportunities;
- Sydney Ring – Southern Sydney Ring; and
- South-West REZ.
Australia’s electricity grid needs to be strengthened and reconfigured to meet the demands of the rapidly changing electricity market it serves.
Today’s agreement marks the next step in its urgent upgrade to ensure reliability and affordability across the network.
This latest Rewiring the Nation backing follows the landmark deal between the Commonwealth, Tasmanian and Victorian governments for two undersea cables to link Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation projects to the mainland; the Victorian leg of VNI West (Kerang Link); and a range of REZ projects, including offshore wind.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said:
“The Commonwealth has worked hand in glove with the states and territories to shield Australian households and businesses from the worst impacts of the energy crisis caused by Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.”
“But as well as that critical short-term action, the Australian economy can seize the opportunity of more affordable and reliable renewable energy over the long term– creating jobs in the regions that have always powered Australia, and insulating ourselves from global fossil fuel shocks at the same time.”
“Support for critical transmission infrastructure like Sydney Ring, VNI West and HumeLink, to get across the line, will help transform Australia into a renewable energy superpower.”
“This is our opportunity to invest in our future industries that will drive jobs and wealth creation in our State.”
NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister Matt Kean said:
“This is a huge win for NSW that will create new energy jobs across the state and unlock cleaner, cheaper and more secure energy. This investment will support the delivery of our Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap through fast-tracking the development of REZs and transmission infrastructure.”
“These projects are expected to support more than 3,900 jobs during the construction of this critical transmission infrastructure.”
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen said:
“The best way to lower energy prices for Australian households and businesses is by increasing firmed renewables across our grid, it is the cheapest and most abundant form of energy across our vast continent.”
“Today’s announcement helps make that a reality by supporting the projects to plug Snowy 2.0 into the grid and linking REZs to ensure the energy can be supplied from wherever the wind is blowing and the sun is shining, to where it’s used by households and industry.”
“Together, the Sydney Ring, VNI West and the HumeLink projects will increase network resilience and energy reliability for consumers and help put downward pressure on electricity bills in years to come.”
Appointment of Australian Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consul-General
Our foreign service is the driver of Australia’s engagement with the world.
Today we announce new appointments that strengthen Australia’s diplomatic capability and its prosecution of our national interests around the globe.
In keeping with past practice of appointing experienced former ministers to significant diplomatic posts, the Government intends to appoint the Hon Dr Kevin Rudd AC as Australia’s next Ambassador to the United States.
Dr Rudd brings unmatched experience to the role. He has served as Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, held prominent academic roles and worked extensively in the United States. It is intended that he will commence his posting in early 2023.
Joining Dr Rudd in the United States is Ms Heather Ridout AO as Australia’s Consul-General in New York, she is the first woman to be appointed to the role. A former Chief Executive of the Australian Industry Group, Ms Ridout brings four decades of experience to the role. She is currently Director of Sims Ltd and Director of Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) Limited.
We are also pleased to announce Ms Bronte Moules as Australia’s inaugural Ambassador for Human Rights. As Ambassador for Human Rights, Ms Moules will lead Australia’s work to protect and promote human rights globally and be a key advocate on issues of importance to our region.
Ms Stephanie Copus-Campbell has been appointed Australia’s Ambassador for Gender Equality. Ms Copus-Campbell will deepen Australia’s international engagement on gender equality with her expertise in community development, gender equality and health.
We also announce the appointment of career diplomats to lead Australian posts:
- Ms Sophie Davies as Australia’s Ambassador to Brazil
- Dr Ralph King as Australia’s Ambassador to Israel
- Ms Sonya Koppe as Australia’s High Commissioner to Trinidad and Tobago
- Ms Minoli Perera as Australia’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe
- Mr Richard Rodgers as Australia’s Ambassador to Croatia
- Ms Phoebe Smith as Australia’s High Commissioner to the Cook Islands
We thank outgoing ambassadors, high commissioners and consul-general for their contributions to advancing Australia’s interests in these countries during their respective tenures.
COP15 DEAL FOR NATURE PUTS AUSTRALIA ON NOTICE
Greens Environment Spokesperson Senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who has been in Montreal with the Australian Delegation for the global biodiversity conference COP15, said the new deal agreed overnight puts Australia on notice.
Senator Hanson-Young said:
“The world’s agreement at this conference to protect 30 per cent of land and 30 per cent of oceans is important. The inclusion of a target to halt extinction by 2030 was the minimum commitment needed for species protection – it should be halted now.
“The world has agreed and now it’s time for Australia to get serious about protecting nature too. This agreement will come to nothing unless it’s funded and implemented properly, and with urgency.
“In Australia halting extinction means governments must stop allowing the destruction of habitat and stop logging and mining in our native forests.
“There is no serious commitment to saving our animals while their homes are being destroyed by government sanctioned mines, logging and development.
“The 30% protection target is a start, but the big question is how we care and protect the remaining 70% of our environment. We can’t stop animals becoming extinct or keep our drinking water clean without reducing the human footprint on this planet. Reckless environmental destruction for the sake of corporate profits is killing Mother Nature.
“Australia will never be taken seriously while it continues to approve new polluting coal and gas mines. We must have a climate trigger in our laws to stop fossil fuel projects making the climate crisis worse.
“We must use this new agreement as the impetus for immediate action. Our koalas need their homes saved now, not just what’s left in 10 years’ time.”
City of Newcastle takes milestone step in journey to deliver sustainable waste vision
City of Newcastle has hit a key milestone in its plan to build Newcastle’s first Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at the Summerhill Waste Management Facility.
Consultants GHD have lodged a development application for the facility on behalf of City of Newcastle, paving the way for the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel to begin its assessment of the regionally significant project.
The MRF will sort recyclables from residents’ yellow-lid kerbside bins into separate materials such as paper, cardboard, glass, plastics, steel and aluminium, which can then be on-sold to recyclers for use in the manufacture of new products.
Newcastle Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said it was pleasing to see progress continue on the MRF, which will ensure City of Newcastle meets community expectations as well as State and Federal Government recycling targets.
“The community has told us very clearly that they support measures to sustainably divert waste from landfill and City of Newcastle is committed to delivering on these expectations through our recently adopted Sustainable Waste Strategy,” Cr Nelmes said.
“As there is no MRF operating in the Hunter region, Summerhill Waste Management Facility is an optimal location for a regional solution with close access to the M1 and Hunter Expressway.
“Recyclables collected from Newcastle households have been transported to the Central Coast since 2020 when the only MRF in the Hunter closed affecting City of Newcastle and several other Hunter Councils.
“The construction of the MRF will help us transform Summerhill into an innovative regional resource recovery hub that will reduce waste, increase recycling rates, create new jobs and kick-start local business opportunities within the circular economy.
“The submission of this development application, in conjunction with the current call for tenders to design, construct and operate the MRF, will allow us to maintain momentum towards achieving this goal.”
Concept designs prepared by CN ensure the MRF is scalable to process up to 85,000 tonnes of recyclables per annum, creating a regional solution for recyclable materials from across the Hunter.
The MRF project received $5 million from the Federal and NSW Governments in August last year and is included in the adopted 2022/23 Budget as one of four city-shaping projects that will deliver key outcomes for the community.
Early childhood sector review to deliver benefits for NSW families
The first-ever review into the NSW early childhood education and care sector will kick off in 2023 as the NSW Government delivers the first phase of its $15.9 billion Early Years Commitment, for the benefit of all families.
The NSW Government has commissioned the Independent Pricing and Review Tribunal (IPART) to review the early learning sector in NSW to provide a better understanding of affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the state.
Minister for Education and Early Learning Sarah Mitchell said the historic investment by the Liberals and Nationals will deliver significant growth in NSW children’s development.
“We know that this investment will change the lives of children across the state but moving forward we need better data to ensure our funding allocation will have the biggest impact for families,” Ms Mitchell said.
“IPART will collect the essential information we need to help drive down the cost of early childhood education and care, while ensuring high quality and delivering more services for NSW families right across the state,”
“Alongside mapping out costs and barriers to access, the Review will make recommendations on ways to improve affordability, accessibility and consumer choice.
“Together with the ACCC national review, the IPART Review will enable us to be fully informed as we roll out our landmark Early Years Commitment.”
IPART will look at how supply and demand affect affordability, accessibility and consumer choice across the whole ECEC sector in NSW, while the ACCC inquiry will review the drivers of childcare cost and prices in Commonwealth Child Care Subsidised services across Australia.
The Review will start in early 2023, with an interim report expected in August 2023, and a final report by December 2023.
Families, the broader community and the ECEC sector will have an opportunity to share feedback on the draft terms of reference on the IPART website until 10 January 2023. IPART will consult families and the sector during the review in 2023.
To contribute to the terms of reference, visit www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/node/1764.
Discover the perfect playground in a national park these holidays
Step out of the city and into one of 890 national parks and reserves around NSW these summer holidays, which offer a diverse range of accommodation options and activities for all ages and abilities.
NSW Environment Minister James Griffin said families are spoilt for choice these school holidays, with a huge range of spectacular landscapes to explore.
“There’s no better way to wind down from a busy year and wear the kids out during school holidays than by getting into nature in a national park,” Mr Griffin said.
“Whether you’re looking for a day trip or a multi-day adventure, we have hundreds of national parks and reserves to choose from, offering a range of accommodation options and activities for explorers young and old.
“Paddle in crystal-clear lagoons, explore war-time fortifications, go on guided bush tucker tours with an Aboriginal ranger, or discover the hidden lives of nocturnal native critters – you’ll find the perfect playground in a national park.
“Pitch a tent in one of our hundreds of campgrounds, or check out the coastal cabins, heritage-listed cottages and lighthouses, where you can eat, play and sleep in comfort.”
National parks have walks for every style of bushwalker, whether you need something suitable for prams or are after a longer, more challenging walk.
NPWS also offers a range of exciting, ranger-guided education activities, specifically designed for kids aged 5 to 12 years. They can explore the ancient Gondwana rainforest, become an insect detective, or join an Aboriginal Guide.
NSW national parks contribute about $18 million and 74,000 jobs to the NSW economy every year, and tourism to regional and rural national parks supports economic recovery, helping communities that have endured drought, bushfires and flooding.
The NSW Government is delivering the largest investment in national parks history, with $450 million dollars for more than 200 visitor infrastructure projects across the State by 2024.
Visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website to plan your next weekend or holiday.
Women’s voices at the heart of plans to make our cities safer for all
Women and girls are being asked to share their experiences and as part of a $30 million initiative by the Perrottet Government to improve safety on our streets, in parklands and at public transport hubs across NSW.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the Safer Cities Program will put female voices at the forefront of infrastructure design and is part of a wider $100 million investment in women’s safety.
“We want to hear from women and girls about how they feel in our towns, suburbs and cities. As part of the program we’ll also be partnering with 10 local councils to pilot safety-boosting initiatives,” Mr Kean said.
“We’re backing this program with a $30 million commitment that could go towards better lighting, wayfinding, smart technology and landscaping to create safer connections through streets, public spaces and around transport hubs.”
Minister for Cities Rob Stokes said $12.3 million would go towards initiatives including public space precinct improvements around Waitara, Stanmore and Redfern train stations, and in Parramatta Park and The Rocks, where extensive co-design with women and girls is already underway.
“We can only make cities, suburbs and towns better for women and girls by asking about their experiences and what their ideas are to improve the design of public spaces and parklands and transport infrastructure moving forward,” Mr Stokes said.
“That’s why we’ve invited students from Parramatta high schools to a workshop and walking tour around Parramatta Park to give us ideas and help us understand what makes them feel safe or unsafe and how we can invest to improve the experience.”
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said the Government is inviting women across the state to complete a short online survey to better understand their experiences around cities and towns.
“As we continue to design and plan for our growing cities, we need to hear from women to truly understand the experience through their eyes and to ensure the solutions we come up with, work for them,” Mrs Ward said.
“I’m alarmed that a recent survey found most women and girls think twice about walking at night in Sydney, which is why we are acting to ensure everyone has the right to move about their city the way they choose.”
Ten local government areas will also have the opportunity to share up to $10 million in funding through the program.
Canterbury-Bankstown, Bayside, Cumberland, Fairfield, Lismore, Griffith, Blacktown, Wollongong, City of Sydney and Central Coast councils are eligible to sign up for pilot initiatives to help our cities and towns feel safer.
The Program will set a best practice framework for public space interventions for women, girls and gender diverse people’s safety. A public education campaign focused on safety and reducing harassment will complement the infrastructure improvements to help educate and change behaviour.
The NSW Government will release further details on how the remaining funding will be spent over the coming months.
Visit https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/safer-cities until 8 February 2023 to take the survey.
Servo savings: The Cheapest stations to fill up these holidays
Drivers are being urged to log into FuelCheck before hitting the road this Christmas after the nation-leading app identified the cheapest petrol on routes in and out of Sydney and in popular holiday spots across the state.
Treasurer Matt Kean said the FuelCheck app can help NSW drivers save up to $800 a year by filling up at cheaper petrol stations.
“This time of year, many people hit the road to join family at Christmas celebrations and to holiday within the state. FuelCheck is free and can slash your petrol bill,” Mr Kean said.
“FuelCheck is easy to use and allows customers to compare prices at local petrol stations to find the best deal by location, price or fuel type with just the touch of a button.
“The numbers have been crunched and FuelCheck has found the cheapest petrol stations on major highways in and out of Sydney and in holiday hotspots like Byron and Batemans Bay.”
Customers can compare the prices of Unleaded 91 (U91), Ethanol 10 (E10), Premium 95 (P95) and Premium 98 (P98) as well as Diesel and Premium Diesel.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said
customers going to or through Canberra can now access cheap petrol prices with the FuelCheck app or website with 60 servos added in the ACT in the last month.
“Cheaper petrol is in the palm of your hand, so please take advantage of it heading into the holidays,” Mr Dominello said.
“Last week we saw a price difference of 34c between petrol stations just 1.5km apart, so jumping on the app can really make an impact.
“FuelCheck is just one of more than 70 ways people can save through the NSW Government these holidays.”
If motorists notice the price at the pump in NSW does not match what is shown on the FuleCheck app, they can make a complaint directly to NSW Fair Trading.
The FuelCheck website was launched in 2016 and has received 23 million visits, while the app has now had more than 2.3 million downloads.
For more information on FuelCheck and to download the app visit: fuelcheck.nsw.gov.au/app
Three cheers – public transport now included in your event tickets
Sports and entertainment fans travelling to the new Allianz Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will have even more to cheer about with public transport now included in all event tickets.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said this is a huge victory for fans, ensuring they can get to and from both venues safely and seamlessly.
“There is nothing better than a live event experience, and to help provide greater access to some of our world class stadiums is an outstanding result for the supporters of the teams that call Allianz Stadium and the SCG home,” Mr Henskens said.
“Sports fans can make the most of it this Thursday with the return of the Big Bash League, when the Sydney Sixers take on the Hobart Hurricanes at the SCG, which promises plenty of big-hitting action on-field and family-friendly entertainment – the perfect event to bring the whole family along to.”
Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said catching public transport was the best way to get to the Moore Park area with world class transport infrastructure, including light rail, train and buses servicing the precinct.
“After an extraordinary Socceroos performance at the FIFA World Cup, now’s the perfect time to lock in your Christmas Eve entertainment at Allianz Stadium with the Sydney FC’s A-League Derby double-header,” Mr Elliott said.
“So whether you’re a cricket, football, AFL, league or rugby fan, or off to see Elton John at Allianz Stadium in the New Year, we’ve got you covered as you won’t need to tap on and off with your Opal or contactless card, you just need to carry a copy of your event ticket.”
This has been made possible thanks to the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government and the Moore Park sports teams and bodies including NSW Waratahs, Sydney FC, Sydney Roosters, Sydney Sixers, Sydney Swans, Football Australia, Cricket Australia and Rugby Australia.
Travel on public transport to the precinct is covered on match-days only for patrons with a valid ticket, club or stadium membership until 2025, on public transport servicing the Sydney metropolitan area.