Month: March 2025

The Albanese Labor Government is Building Australia’s Future, today announcing an additional $68.2 million investment to ensure the full delivery of the second stage of the upgrade to Barwon Heads Road from Reserve Road to Lower Duneed Road.

This includes upgrading approximately six kilometres of road infrastructure, from a two-lane to a new four-lane arterial road, doubling the existing capacity. 

Works will also include new traffic lights and upgraded intersections, along with a new shared-use path along Barwon Heads Road.

The $318 million Barwon Heads Road Upgrade – Stage 2 project is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments. 

Delivery will start in late 2025, and the Commonwealth will work closely with the Victorian Government and local community to upgrade Barwon Heads Road.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering quality infrastructure that will benefit all Australians. 

“This additional investment will ensure the full upgrade of Barwon Heads Road can be delivered, increasing the capacity of the road and intersections to allow traffic to flow more freely.” 

Quotes attributable to State Minister for Transport Infrastructure Gabrielle Williams:

“The second stage of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade will cut congestion and improve traffic flow across the Armstrong Creek community – delivering extra lanes and upgraded intersections.

“After ten years of neglect from the Federal Liberal Government, It’s great to have a partner in Canberra that can find Victoria on a map and deliver critical infrastructure that will cut travel times and boost safety.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Corangamite Libby Coker:

“The Barwon Heads Road duplication will create a safer road environment for our fast-growing region by improving traffic flow and ensuring working families spend less time in the car and more time at home. 

“By 2031 Barwon Heads Road is projected to carry up to 44,000 cars and trucks every day, and Armstrong Creek is one of the Victoria’s fastest growing suburbs. 

“I’m proud to be part of a Government that plans and invests in the infrastructure our communities need now and into the future.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney:

“The Barwon Heads Road Upgrade will cut congestion for locals that depend on these roads every day.

“We are getting on delivering transformative projects across Victoria’s growing south west to keep people moving.”

Quotes attributable for Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant:

“This second stage of the Barwon Heads Road Upgrade will enhance road safety and connectivity for the growing community that relies on these roads daily.”

 

Bandon Road

A long-awaited upgrade and extension of Bandon Road is one step closer with a contract now awarded to Arup Australia for critical concept design work.

The contract award milestone coincides with the release of new artists impression images which show the first stage of the Bandon Road upgrade, including features such as:

• a new car park for Vineyard Train Station where users are currently forced to park on a dirt verge
• an intersection and safety improvements
• a new bus stop.

When fully completed, the Bandon Road project will deliver motorists two additional lanes, an underpass at the existing rail crossing which closes up to five times per hour and a new connector road between Windsor Road at Vineyard and Richmond Road at Marsden Park.

Community consultation on the proposed design will open from Monday 24 March to Sunday 6 April.

Richmond Road

The Richmond Road upgrade is also moving into its next phase with a request for design and construction tenders now made for the upgrade between the M7 and Townson Road at Marsden Park.

Around 2.2 kilometres of Richmond Road will be upgraded from four lanes to six lanes with early work expected to start in the first half of 2026.

The centrepiece of the upgrade will be a new flyover bridge from the M7 Motorway Rooty Hill Road North off-ramp to Richmond Road northbound.

Garfield Road

Work on the Garfield Road East Project is also progressing with a contract expected to be awarded in coming weeks for vital design work and a new artist impression release showing what upgrades to the Piccadilly Street intersection will look like.

When construction is complete, the Garfield Road East project will see a 3.4 kilometre stretch of road widened from two to four lanes between Piccadilly Street in Riverstone and Windsor Road in Grantham Farm.

North West Sydney is a rapidly growing region with population in the surrounding suburbs of Blacktown, Hawkesbury and The Hills Shire districts expected to increase by approximately 300,000 people in the next few years, from around 800,000 to 1.1m people by 2036.  

The funding committed by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments will ensure these communities have the roads they need to support stronger, well-connected communities.

50/50 joint investment by Albanese and Minns Labor Governments includes:

• $150 million Bandon Road upgrade
• $440 Garfield Road East corridor
• $520 million Richmond Road.

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

“These are important upgrades that are delivering safer and more efficient road connections for residents in North West Sydney.

“The north west of Sydney is growing quickly, and the Australian Government is supporting that growth with our $555 million contribution to these projects.”

Premier of New South Wales, Chris Minns said:

“For decades, North West Sydney has borne the brunt of the State’s housing growth, without the adequate infrastructure needed to keep up with a growing population.

“We are committed to ensuring these communities have the roads they need to support them now and into the future.” 

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car said:

“Upgrading these roads is vital to keeping our community in North West Sydney moving.

“For far too long local residents have endured traffic congestion because of the former Liberal National government’s poor planning and inaction.

“Our Labor Governments are now getting on with the job, building the infrastructure our community deserves.”

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“It’s great to see these long talked about projects being delivered by the Minns Labor Government.

“We know communities have been waiting for years for government to deliver better roads and infrastructure in Sydney’s North West and the Minns Labor Government has listened and is delivering on our election commitments to improve the daily lives of people in Western Sydney.”

Federal Member for Greenway, Michelle Rowland said:

“These milestones are evidence of State and Federal Labor governments working together to build a better future for North-West Sydney.

“This momentum is all part of our plan for residents of North-West Sydney to spend less time in their cars, and more time with family.

“These upgrades will turbo charge development in the region and clear evidence of the Minns and Albanese Government’s plans to improve road safety and traffic flow.”

State Member for Riverstone, Warren Kirby said:

“Key elements of the Bandon Road upgrade include the road underpass of Richmond Railway line north of Vineyard Train Station and removal of the existing rail level crossing, improving traffic flow and safety.

“The project will also provide an upgrade and realignment of the existing flood evacuation route along Wallace Road and Bandon Road and deliver an off-road shared path for walking and cycling.

“The upgrade and extension aims to improve access to Riverstone Industrial Area, Marsden Park, Riverstone and Vineyard precincts.”

Greater Sydney is on track to run out of landfill space by 2030. With food and garden waste making up about a third of red-lid bins, diverting food and garden waste is a critical step in easing pressure on landfill.

The NSW Government became the first state to mandate FOGO statewide and backed it with the $81 million FOGO Fund. This $31.4 million round of the Go FOGO grants, is one part of the full package.

These grants will support councils to move all households to FOGO recycling by July 2030.

Councils can access this grant funding based on the number of households making the transition to FOGO, with extra support for high-density areas. Grants include a flat rate of $25 per apartment, and $50 per house, if there is no existing organics collection.

The grant round announced today is in addition to the following support:

• $1.9 million awarded to Sutherland, Blue Mountains, Blayney and Parramatta councils to introduce new FOGO services, under Round 3 of the Go FOGO grants
• $2.1 million allocated to 14 projects to help organisations like Accor Hotels and TAFE NSW to reduce and separate food waste, under Round 2 of the Business Food Waste Partnership grants
• $340,000 available for councils with existing services to do more community education.

Since November 2022, $18.6 million across three Go FOGO rounds has helped 23 councils deliver the changes to almost 680,000 households. The money has covered education, staff, audits and essential infrastructure like bins and kitchen caddies.

Councils who want to apply for the Go FOGO and Scrap Together grants can apply until Tuesday 29 April on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.

Quote attributable to Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe:

“Greater Sydney is on track to reach landfill capacity by 2030 – we need solutions now.

“Food and garden waste makes up about a third of our red-lid bins. FOGO diverts this from landfill, reduces disposal fees, cuts emissions and creates a valuable resource for soil in gardens, landscaping and agriculture.

“I’m excited that NSW is the first state in Australia to mandate the transition to FOGO, and we’re backing this up with real support for councils and businesses.

“We’re giving councils, residents and organisations the funding and tools needed to succeed – empowering NSW to take control of food waste and drive our shift to a circular economy.

“Now’s the time to act – we’re supporting the switch to FOGO to help NSW tackle food waste head-on.”

The Minns Labor government invested $2.9 million towards this facility which will house up to 72 horses. 

Gates and other security features have been installed to ensure horse safety. About 200 metres from the training facility is a sandy jog track for drivers and their horses to use for exercise drills. A new gravel carpark with 27 spaces and a horse float parking area has also been completed. 

The training centre will make harness racing more accessible as aspiring drivers can lease a stable to house their horse for a nominal weekly fee. On-site facilities will give drivers flexibility to train horses and visit when they choose. Staff at the training centre will manage the upkeep of the facility, reducing the burden on the trainers and drivers, many of whom are hobbyists who engage in the sport recreationally.  

The new facility will benefit aspiring drivers looking to become the superstars of tomorrow as it is close to the Bathurst Harness Racing Club where numerous major events are held throughout the year, including the annual Gold Crown Carnival at the end of March.  

Bathurst Harness Racing Club is one of the state’s largest and most successful harness racing clubs with a strong harness racing following and participation with around 52 TAB race meetings a year.  

The training facility will encourage more trainers and drivers to visit the Bathurst region, boosting the economy and harness racing participation rates. 

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: 

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities and investing in our regions. This significant investment from Crown Lands will help Bathurst go from strength-to-strength as one of the state’s premier harness racing destinations.  

“Our statewide investments in maintaining and improving Crown reserves like this one in Bathurst helps ensure they can continue to serve their communities for many years to come.” 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said: 

“This brand-new facility adjoining the famous Bathurst Harness Racing Club will make it much easier for drivers to get into the sport and stay there, ensuring harness racing can continue to flourish. 

“Harness racing contributes millions to the NSW economy each year supporting jobs, communities and regions and investments like this from the Minns Labor Government are key to ensuring it has a sustainable future.” 

Harness Racing NSW CEO Peter Buckman said: 

“This training facility is going to be a huge boon for the local community. Youngsters can find it hard to break into the sport due to the cost of maintaining a horse, but this facility will make it much more accessible for the average punter to get their foot in the door.  

“Not only will the facility be greatly beneficial for the future of our sport, but it will also benefit the Bathurst community as a whole as tourists and trainers from neighbouring towns will visit the city and spend here.” 

Local trainer Nathan Goulding said: 

“This facility is so important for our sport, especially for young people who can’t afford to buy their own property as now they can keep their horses near the track and know they’ll be taken care of.  

“It’s so important we make it easier for the next generation to take up this sport, and I thank Crown Lands for helping us secure funding for this really critical piece of community infrastructure.” 

The centre will be delivered with the announcement that Unions NSW has been selected by Multicultural NSW to establish the state’s Migrant Workers Centre. 

The NSW Migrant Workers Centre will partner with multicultural communities and organisations such as the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre (IARC) to deliver support for at-risk workers that is culturally sensitive and accessible.

The centre will span the state ensuring migrant workers in metro, regional, rural and remote communities are supported by providing workplace, work health and safety, and immigration advice.

Unions NSW has undertaken a leading role in advocating for migrant workers protections and providing individual advice and assistance to migrant workers. Their current Visa Assist partnership with IARC has supported over 3000 temporary migrant workers experiencing workplace exploitation and is the only program in the state to provide both employment and immigration legal support to migrant workers in the one service.

Reports from the Federal Government, State Government, and research organisations like The McKell Institute highlight that limited English proficiency, lack of awareness of Australia’s workplace laws, and inadequate access to support systems are key contributors to exploitation.

The NSW Government will invest $6.5m over four years to deliver the Migrant Workers Centre.

Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper said:

“Migrant workers have built our state and continue to be at the heart of so many industries. They deserve the same rights, protections, and respect as any other worker.

“This centre will give them the tools and support they need to stand up for fair wages and safe conditions—no matter their background, visa status, or industry.

“In NSW, we believe in a fair go for everyone, and that means making sure no worker is left behind.

“For too long, migrant workers have been some of the most vulnerable in our workforce, facing unfair treatment, underpayment, and unsafe conditions. That changes with this dedicated centre, which will provide direct support to ensure people know their rights and can stand up to exploitation.

“This is not just about protecting migrant workers—it’s about protecting all workers. When bad employers get away with exploitation, it drags down wages, conditions, and safety for everyone. By tackling this issue head-on, we’re building a better NSW for all.”

Unions NSW Secretary Mark Morey said:

“Successive government and independent reports have recommended the establishment of Migrant Workers Centres as initiatives to support and empower migrant workers to exercise their rights in the workplace.

“All workers in New South Wales and Australia, regardless of where they come from or their visa status are entitled to fair enforceable rights and safe workplaces.” 

After successful trials in Bathurst and Dubbo, a new Contactless Ticketing Program will be rolled out to more than 400 fare-paying bus services in rural and regional communities.

This technology means most passengers will now be able to use their smart phone, watch or debit/credit card to pay for their fares.

Until now, people who catch buses around towns in rural and regional NSW have been forced to pay with cash, except for in a few locations where bus operators have independently introduced their own form of contactless payment technology.

The new regional Contactless Ticketing Program now makes the option of contactless payment technology available to bus operators statewide, bringing the regions in line with metropolitan areas where passengers have been able to pay without cash for years.

Wagga Wagga will be the first community to benefit from the Contactless Ticketing Program with 21 local buses next due to be fitted out with the tap and go payment technology in coming months.

Transport for NSW is finalising details of the further stages of the roll out and will announce the first communities to receive the new technology in coming months, with the program expected to be completed by the end of 2027.

Passengers will still be able to pay with cash on buses when the new technology is rolled out.

The Contactless Ticketing Program does not include dedicated school services where students mostly already use pre-paid bus passes or NSW TrainLink long distance coach services where tickets are pre-paid.

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“The Minns Labor Government has heard people in regional communities who’ve told us they want to be able to pay for bus services using their smart phones, credit or debit cards.

“Despite having 12 years to roll out contactless ticketing, the former Liberal and Nationals government put the needs of city commuters ahead of regional bus passengers who were left with cash-only services in most locations.

“Where trials of contactless payment technology have been done in Bathurst and Dubbo, we’ve seen strong uptake with 42 per cent of passengers in those communities now paying without using cash.

“The trial technology will now stay permanently in Bathurst and Dubbo and we will progressively roll out the same technology to other communities across the state.

“We hope this increased convenience and alternative payment option will help increase patronage on buses in regional and rural areas.”

Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said:

“In Question Time last October, I asked Minister Aitchison about the rollout of contactless payment for Wagga Wagga bus passengers, and I welcome her commitment to bringing this new technology to our city.

“It will provide streamlined travel options for passengers wishing to pay fares with cards or devices but importantly, those who wish to pay by cash will still be able to do so, delivering a diversity of choice which will hopefully encourage more people to use public transport in Wagga.”