AU Engine

Source: Mental Health Australia

The Australian and NSW Governments are building better communities in Western Sydney with design work set to begin on the now funded $1 billion upgrade of Fifteenth Avenue in Sydney’s growing south-west.

The Government has awarded a contract for concept design to WSP, a major step forward in this precinct shaping project, which will be an essential link to the Western Sydney International Airport precinct.

The Government can also share with the community for the first time the proposed scope of the long-awaited upgrade. Key features of the design will be:

• a four-lane carriageway, with two traffic lanes in each direction
• new active transport connections and pedestrian paths
• new signalised intersections, including one at Second Avenue, with dedicated turning lanes making it safer for locals
• a land reservation for future expansion, including for a dedicated bus transitway to support future rapid bus services from Liverpool to the Bradfield City Centre and new airport.

The land reservation and future rezoning will ensure that new buildings can no longer be built in the future corridor of this arterial route.

Transport for NSW will also begin the process of engaging with property owners about land needed for the upgrade and future expansion.

Whilst there is still some way to go on the design, these discussions are starting early to help provide a level of certainty for affected property owners and ensure the project can be delivered as rapidly as possible.

To ensure construction can commence as soon as possible, the Fifteenth Avenue Upgrade will be delivered in a number of stages. Stage one will be completed in three sections, the first involving duplication between Second Avenue and Cowpasture Road, ahead of works moving onto the second section between Second Avenue and Fourth Avenue.

The third section of stage one will involve duplication between Fourth Avenue and Devonshire Road, while future stages will include the full connection through to the Bradfield City Centre and Aerotropolis precinct, and delivery of the dedicated bus transitway.

Design plans revealed as early work set to begin for Liverpool’s key link to Western Sydney Airport precinct This staged approach will help to ensure the fastest and most cost-effective delivery of this long overdue upgrade.

The NSW Government has expedited the design and planning processes so the project can go to construction tender in 2026, ahead of major construction commencing in 2027.

For further information visit the Fifteenth Avenue project page.

Source: Mental Health Australia

As spring approaches, bike users are invited to explore the state’s west as part of NSW TrainLink’s revamped trial of roll-on bikes on long distance trains.

Under the trial, the XPT on the daily service between Sydney and Dubbo (and return) is fitted with a dedicated bike space, in which two bikes can be secured, meaning they don’t need to be dismantled, boxed and checked in as luggage. 

Bookings for this phase of the trial are now open. This follows a more limited trial in September last year. 

In this new phase, there is more flexibility for cyclists and the trial is being expanded to include weekends and school holidays. 

Bike riders can take journeys in both directions between Dubbo and Sydney with the added option to roll on and off at Bathurst and Orange stations.

Larger bikes with larger dimensions can now be accommodated.

The Dubbo XPT is the only NSW TrainLink service taking part in the trial and on all other services, including coaches, bikes still must be boxed as per current   operational procedures.

NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Roger Weeks said he was pleased to announce this second, expanded phase of the trial, following feedback from cyclists.

“We’re continuing to explore ways we can make regional journeys more convenient and accessible for cycling enthusiasts by allowing bikes to roll on and off our trains without the need for boxing,” Mr Weeks said.

“In this second trial we’re expanding options for cyclists to travel onboard with us by allowing the use of larger bikes, seven-day bookings and adding mid-journey stops at Bathurst and Orange.

“The ability to roll a bike on board makes it easier for cyclists to enjoy parts of beautiful regional NSW which is a win for both passengers and the environment. 

“We’re combining public transport with active transport, and we welcome bike user groups across the community to join the trial. We have been pleased to work with the bike community to test a solution and now look forward to gathering further feedback.”

Cyclist John Fuller, who took part in the phase one trial, said he’s pleased by the expanded options now available under phase two.

“We hope it will be an incentive for more people to take part in the trial, by allowing larger bikes and the option to travel on every day of the week,” Mr Fuller said.

“The process is quite simple to roll the bike on, put it in the right spot and strap it up.

“We’d like to call on any of the cyclists going into the regions to use the service. I think they’ll be surprised at how convenient it is and how enjoyable the trip will be.” 

Bike spaces must be pre-booked. Booking can be made by calling NSW TrainLink on 13 22 32 between 7am and 10pm daily.

Information on the trial including bike dimensions is available here www. transportnsw.info/news/2025/roll-into-spring-with-your-bike-onboard-sydney-dubbo-xpt-service

Source: Mental Health Australia

Funding applications open for round 11 of Community Road Safety Grants.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Major route preparations are underway to safely deliver the world’s largest fun run this Sunday.

A sold-out field of 90,000 people are expected to power across Sydney’s streets on 10 August for the 55th annual City2Surf – a 14km fun run from the CBD to Bondi Beach.

The Minns Government is asking the public to prepare for road closures and detours, with strict parking restrictions to be enforced along the entire course.

The Government is also calling on motorists to prepare for significant delays across the Eastern Suburbs while roads are closed to keep runners safe.

Read the full media release here (PDF, 90 KB).

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on the M7 Motorway in Elizabeth Hills, Cecil Hills, Cecil Park and Horsely Park from 10pm Monday 11 August to 4am Tuesday 12 August 2025. 

During this work, there will be a full closure of the northbound lanes on the M7 Motorway between Cowpasture Road and The Horsley Drive to facilitate scaffold removal works.

Vehicles travelling under a permit must not travel off the approved route listed in their permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Please keep to the speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.

Transport for NSW thanks road users for their patience during this time.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on Bells Line of Road, Kurrajong, for work to stabilise slopes and repair drainage around 70 metres north-west of the Bells Line of Road and Stone Terrace intersection.

Work will be undertaken at this location between Sunday 10 August and Sunday 7 September, weather permitting. The work will be a combination of day and night shifts.

Day work hours will be 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Night work hours will be 7pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday.

There will be temporary traffic changes to make sure the work zone is safe. Lane closures and a 40km/h speed limit will be in place for the safety of workers and road users.

Motorists are also reminded that there are several repair sites along Bells Line of Road and to plan ahead allowing extra travel time.

Please drive to the conditions and follow the directions of signs and traffic controllers.

For the latest traffic updates across the network download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Road users are advised of changed traffic conditions on the M7 Motorway in Eastern Creek, Horsley Park, Hinchinbrook and Prestons between 8pm Friday 8 August and 10pm Sunday 10 August2025. 

If work is unable to take place at this time, we will complete work from 8pm Friday 15 August to 10pm Sunday 17 August 2025

There will be temporary northbound and/or southbound right lane closures along the M7 Motorway near the following locations for the M7 Motorway bridge concrete pour activities: 

Location	Closure Type
Reedy Creek Bridge, Eastern Creek	Northbound right lane closure
Waste Management Access Road Bridge, Eastern Creek	Northbound right lane closure
Austral Bricks Access Road Bridge, Horsley Park	Northbound right lane closure
Hoxton Park Road Bridge, Hinchinbrook	Dual right lane closures
Cabramatta Creek Bridge, Prestons	Northbound right lane closure

Vehicles travelling under a permit must not travel off the approved route listed in their permit unless an updated permit is obtained from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR).

Please keep to the speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs.

For the latest traffic updates across the network download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo is delighted to release the results from its Customer First Community Survey, a new initiative designed to better understand the community’s experiences, expectations and interactions with City staff.

The survey reached out to over 4,000 residents who interacted with the City over the past year and achieved a 35% response rate.

Key findings from the public survey include:

• Ease of contact: 92% found it easy or very easy to contact the City
• Feeling heard and understood: 95% agreed staff understood their needs
• Clarity of process: 91% said they were clearly informed about the next steps for their request
• Overall experience: 81% rated their experience as very good or excellent
• Trust in follow-through: 74% felt the City did what it promised

CEO Andrew Cooney said he was pleased with the positive results from the City’s Customer First Community Survey.

“The survey has provided valuable insights on ways the City can further enhance its overall customer experience with a focus on ease, action and outcome,” Mr Cooney said.

“Thank you to all the customers who participated in the survey. These results are a testament to the dedication of our staff and the importance we place on listening and responding to residents. We’re proud of the positive feedback and are focused on areas where we can do better.”

In addition to the internal survey, the City has released the results of the 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey, conducted annually by the Victorian Government under the Local Government Act 2020. This survey involved 401 randomly selected residents and assessed performance in areas such as customer service, community engagement, council direction, and service delivery.

Key findings from the Victorian Government’s benchmarking survey include:

• Customer Service was rated highly, with residents noting prompt and courteous responses from staff
• Service Delivery received favourable ratings in waste management, parks and gardens, and local roads
• Community Engagement showed generally positive feedback, though residents expressed a desire for more transparent and inclusive decision-making
• Council Direction received mixed responses, with optimism about future planning tempered by concerns around responsiveness

The recent survey outcomes identify that the City’s results remain stable and on par with statewide benchmarking.

Mr Cooney said the Victorian Government’s 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey results reflected the City’s ongoing commitment to delivering quality services while acknowledging areas for growth.

“We’re pleased to see solid ratings in customer service and service delivery, which are core to our community’s experience,” Mr Cooney said.

“At the same time, we recognise the need to improve how we engage with residents and communicate our decisions. These insights are invaluable as we continue to evolve and better serve our community.”

The City will now use the data from both surveys to review and enhance internal processes. 

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Detectives from the Joint Organised Crime Task Force (JOCTF) have arrested a 22-year-old male in relation to drug offences in Darwin.

In June, Australian Border Force (ABF) officers at the Sydney International Mail Gateway identified a package addressed to an alias in the Northern Territory, which allegedly contained hair products concealing 550g of ketamine.

ABF officers notified NT JOCTF members, and an investigation commenced as part of an ongoing importation operation.

Detectives identified that a 22-year-old male in Western Australia (WA) was allegedly involved in the illicit importation of substances under aliases to avoid detection by law enforcement.

On Friday 1 August, the 22-year-old male travelled from WA to the NT, and on Tuesday 5 August, he was apprehended by detectives from NT JOCTF while stopped at a petrol station along the Stuart Highway in Pinelands.

A lawful search of the male’s vehicle located a less than commercial quantity of Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD), a burner phone, three sim cards, and images of false identification allegedly used to facilitate importations.

The 22-year-old male was later charged with:

• 3 x Import border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
• 2 x Attempt to possess border-controlled substance (Commonwealth)
• 1 x Possess schedule 1 dangerous drug – commercial quantity (NT)

He faced Darwin Local Court yesterday and has been further remanded to appear in court on 30 September 2025.

Superintendent Lee Morgan said, “The successful arrest of this individual highlights the effective coordinated efforts between the Northern Territory Police Force, Australian Border Force and the Australian Federal Police.

“This operation demonstrates our commitment to dismantling organised crime networks and preventing dangerous drugs from entering our communities.

“We remain vigilant and determined to disrupt illicit drug importations and ensure those responsible are held to account under the law.

“I commend the dedication and professionalism of all officers involved in this investigation and reaffirm our ongoing resolve to protect the Northern Territory from the harms associated with illegal drugs.”

ABF Inspector Nathan Grant said the operation was triggered thanks to the expertise of Australian Border Force officers who detected the drugs at the Australian border.

“The investigation began because of the keen intuition and vigilance of Australian Border Force officers, whose expertise and use of advanced detection technology led to the discovery of this deadly drug.

“Their actions demonstrate the power of intelligence-led enforcement and the critical frontline role the ABF plays in protecting our communities from emerging threats.”

Australian Federal Police Superintendent Greg Davis said, “The AFP worked closely with NT Police and Commonwealth partners through the Joint Organised Crime Task Force to disrupt all levels of the drug trade to protect the Australian community.

“LSD is a dangerous hallucinogenic drug, while ketamine is a dangerous sedative. The use of either can seriously affect your health or be fatal.

“We are working hard to prevent illicit substances from reaching our streets and stopping those who are trying to profit at the expense of community misery.”

Source: New places to play in Gungahlin