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The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering for Western Sydney, with Stage 1 of the jointly funded $226 million Mulgoa Road upgrade now complete and Stage 2 underway.

The newly completed Stage 1 works between Jeanette Street and Blaikie Road have widened Mulgoa Road to three lanes in each direction, improving access to and from the M4 Motorway and delivering safer, more efficient connections to surrounding retail and residential precincts.

Stage 2 of the works will upgrade the section between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, targeting a key pinch point to further improve traffic flow and reliability for the thousands of motorists who rely on this corridor each day. Work is expected to be completed by late 2028.

Around 52,000 vehicles use this section of Mulgoa Road each day, making it a vital link between Penrith, Jamisontown, Glenmore Park and the wider Western Sydney region.

Despite the challenges of working on a live traffic corridor, construction was carefully staged to minimise disruption, with the project delivered ahead of time and on budget.

Crews put over 743,500 hours of work into Stage 1 of the project, with works completed including:

• Widening the road from four lanes to six lanes to increase capacity
• Constructing or relocating 8 kilometres of underground utilities including water, sewer, gas, electricity and telecommunications
• Installing 2,460 tonnes of steel reinforcement
• Pouring more than 6,750 cubic metres of concrete
• Laying over 12,000 tonnes of asphalt
• Upgrading five signalised intersections to ease congestion

The upgrade will also improve bus travel, with new dedicated bus priority lanes on Wolseley Street and Glenbrook Street. A new 3.5-metre-wide shared path along the eastern side and a pedestrian footpath along the western side will also be delivered.

Environmental outcomes were also a key focus, with more than 130,000 tonnes of material recycled during construction. While some trees were removed, the number was reduced by 20 per cent from initial estimates, with more than 450 new trees planted and measures put in place to support local wildlife, including the installation of habitat structures.

A 560-metre-long noise wall has also been delivered to reduce road noise in nearby neighbourhoods.

Further south at Mulgoa, additional safety improvements are also being delivered, including shoulder widening, minor road realignment, and the installation of safety barriers at the intersection of Mulgoa Road and Roscrea Drive.

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

“Mulgoa Road is busy, and the upgrades we’ve completed so far will make a big difference to how cars can flow on and off the M4.

“Thousands of people use this key north-south road through this growing part of Sydney, so these upgrades being delivered by the Albanese and Minns Labor governments will make a real difference.”

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

“For far too long, Penrith residents have seen housing development in the local area surge ahead without the critical infrastructure to support it.

“The former Liberal government simply failed to plan for our community’s growth, so having Stage 1 of this long overdue upgrade delivered ahead of time and on budget is an important step forward.

“There’s more work to do, and the Minns Labor Government is continuing to deliver the vital road upgrades communities like ours deserve – so residents can spend less time in traffic and more time with their families.

NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:

“We know how busy Mulgoa Road is, with around 52,000 vehicles using this corridor every day.

“That’s why this upgrade matters. We’ve widened the road, improved key intersections and delivered safer access, so people can spend less time in traffic and more time where they need to be.

“With Stage 2 already underway, we’re continuing to invest in the connections western Sydney needs as it grows.”

Member for Penrith, Karen McKeown said:

“Finally, the Stage 1 improvements to Mulgoa Road which have been greatly anticipated by our community for many years are completed.

“Opening these upgraded lanes, intersections and M4 interchange will make everyday travel safer and easier for people travelling to and across our city.”

Western Sydney’s favourite swim spot, Penrith Beach, is opening for an extra day on the new Anzac Day public holiday and operating with extended hours for the Easter long weekend so people can make the most of the season.

The beach will be the place to be on Easter Saturday, 4 April with free ice-creams and hot drinks offered to the first 300 visitors and a DJ and food trucks set to be on site as part of a community day.

It’s continued to be a popular destination welcoming 118,000 visitors so far this summer and almost 450,000 since opening in December 2023.

While it’s welcomed beachgoers from all over most visitors are local to Western Sydney, including 37 per cent from Penrith, 19 per cent from Blacktown, and 12 per cent from the Hawkesbury LGAs.

Across the Easter long weekend, Penrith Beach will continue to be open daily, with the season now to be extended to include the new Anzac Day public holiday on Monday 27 April.

Importantly trained Surf Life Saving NSW lifeguards patrol the beach daily, to make sure it’s a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.

Beyond being a great spot to cool off this summer Penrith Beach has also hosted a number of great free water and sun safety programs.

The free Junior Lifesavers Program was extended due to its popularity, giving 120 local children the chance to learn essential water safety skills from Royal Life Saving experts in a fun and supportive environment.

In partnership with Royal Life Saving NSW, Surf Living Saving NSW and NSW Maritime, about 300 people have also participated in free Community Water Safety Days at Penrith Beach, aimed at increasing confidence and awareness among groups with limited water-safety experience, including newly arrived refugees.

A further 159 people received free skin cancer checks onsite over four days in summer, resulting in 12 people being referred for further health assessment.

The Minns Labor Government has already committed to opening Penrith Beach again during the 2026-27 summer.

For more information, visit NSW Planning.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“More than 118,000 people visited Penrith beach to cool off this summer, and I’m thrilled we’re extending the season as the warm weather continues. 

“Western Sydney communities deserve to have access to swimming facilities without driving for hours. Your postcode shouldn’t matter when it comes to a free and accessible place to enjoy the water.

“It’s wonderful to see the community continue to embrace Pondi and make it a Western Sydney favourite.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“Penrith Beach has become one of Western Sydney’s most iconic summer destinations, and its success highlights how vital it is for Western Sydney to have free, accessible and enjoyable places to swim and relax by the water.

“The Minns Government has introduced a new public holiday this year on the Monday after ANZAC Day so we’re extending the season to include it so beach goers can make the most of their favourite swim spot over the upcoming long weekends.”

Member for Penrith Karen McKeown said:

“Penrith beach has had another amazing season offering thousands of Western Sydney locals a free place to cool off close to home this summer.

“The Minns Labor Government is ending the season with a bang, hosting a community day full of family fun on Easter Saturday and extending the season for the new public holiday on April 27 so we can make the more of our favourite swim spot.”

The Minns Labor Government is continuing work to build a safer New South Wales for women, investing an additional $500,000 into the Run My Way initiative to help increase women’s participation in running in public spaces.

While there has been a rise in running events and run clubs around the state, new research shows half of all women have experienced harassment while running and most women say their sense of safety influences when and where they run.

To support women’s participation in running, the NSW Government is funding a series of Track Nights events in 2026, which will provide runners with opportunities to train and improve their running in a safe, welcoming community.

Delivered in collaboration with the NSW Office of Sport by Athletics NSW and the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Nights events will guide runners through drills and activities to integrate in their training and discuss findings of a new survey into running habits and safety perceptions.

This new NSW Government survey of more than 5,000 people highlights the significant role safety plays in determining when and where women choose to run:

• 50 per cent of women have experienced harassment on a run, compared to 14 per cent of men
• 70 per cent of women said they have felt unsafe while running, compared to 29 per cent of men
• 95 per cent of women say their sense of safety influences their running habits

The additional $500,000 in funding brings the NSW Government’s total investment in Run My Way to $1.3 million over three years from 2025 to 2027. The investment will be used to expand the number of safety initiatives and on-the-ground programs that are delivered in the next phase of the Run My Way program.

The Run My Way initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Safer Cities program, which is focused on improving perceptions of safety in public spaces, particularly for women, girls and gender diverse people.

The $50 million Safer Cities program includes consultation with women and girls about perceptions of safety, along with partnerships with organisations like local councils to test practical initiatives that may improve safety and confidence – such as improved lighting and upgrades to public spaces.

The first Track Nights event was held at Sydney Olympic Park Athletic Centre on Wednesday, 18 March and three further events will be delivered in 2026 at Sydney Olympic Park and ES Marks Athletics Track in Randwick.

These sessions are open to everyone and free to participate in. Registrations here: tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

More initiatives through Run My Way will be delivered over the next 18 months.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Running should be simple – lace up your shoes and go – but for too many women, safety shapes when and where they run.

“These new Track Nights will give runners the chance to try new training techniques, connect and build confidence in a safe and welcoming environment.

“By listening to women and trialling practical initiatives like this, we can learn and test new ways that can help make running safer and more accessible for everyone.”

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“Everyone should feel safe to run in their community.

“This investment is about removing barriers so more women, girls and gender diverse people can get active, build confidence and enjoy sport and recreation.

“Run My Way is an initiative of the Minns Labor Government’s women’s sport strategy, Play Her Way, a four-year plan to facilitate opportunities for NSW women and girls to get involved and stay involved in sport.”

Minister for Women Jodie Harrison said:

“These findings highlight a reality many women know too well – safety concerns influence everyday decisions about when and where they exercise.

“Initiatives like Run My Way are helping us better understand those barriers and through our Safer Cities programs take practical steps to address them.

“The Minns Labor Government is working to build a safer New South Wales where women, girls and gender diverse people can feel safe and participate fully in the community.”

Wayne Larden, Race Director, TCS Sydney Marathon:

“Becoming an Abbott World Marathon Major has given us a responsibility beyond race day, to help shape the future of running in Australia.

“Through the TCS Sydney Marathon Run Club, the Track Night Series is designed to bring the running community together, with dedicated sessions that create safe and supportive environments for women, girls and gender diverse runners, alongside opportunities for the broader community to connect and train.

“What we learn here doesn’t stop at the track.  It feeds directly into how we continue to evolve the event and contribute to a more inclusive marathon experience at scale.”

More information about the Run My Way program is available at sport.nsw.gov.au/play-her-way/run-my-way

Runners can register for Track Nights events at tcssydneymarathon.com/sydney-marathon-run-club

NSW community sport is the winner after the NSW Government awarded $4.49 million through the Local Sport Grant Program.

The funding was awarded to 586 projects that will increase participation in sport and active recreation across NSW.

The Local Sport Grant Program provides grants for minor facility upgrades, new equipment and programs that support and encourage participation in sport and active recreation.

Grants up to $20,000 were available, with $50,000 available in each electorate.

For further information, including the list of successful projects, visit: www.sport.nsw.gov.au/local-sport-grant-program

Minister for Sport Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is committed to supporting all people, communities and organisations across NSW to enjoy the benefits of sport and active recreation.

“The Local Sport Grant Program helps us achieve this by providing vital funds to community sporting organisations to invest in facility minor upgrades, new equipment and programs.

“With community sport budgets tight and clubs ever more reliant on volunteers, this funding will mean teams can purchase new jerseys and clubs can host events like gala days or come and try days.

“I congratulate the more than 500 sports organisations across NSW that were successful in securing funding and commend them for their commitment to our collective health, wellbeing and sense of identity.”

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have welcomed the Commonwealth’s decision to temporarily halve the fuel excise, after they called for immediate relief for NSW families and businesses. 
 
In contrast, the Minns Labor Government refused to advocate for the reduction and has yet to outline any practical measures at the state level to support drivers facing rising costs. 
 
Shadow Treasurer Scott Farlow said Labor’s vague commitment to consider measures down the track and maybe forgo extra GST revenue does little to help drivers now. 
 
“We welcome the fuel excise cut which is something the NSW Liberals and Nationals have consistently called for to support NSW families and businesses as they face rising costs,” Mr Farlow said. 
 
“This stands in stark contrast to the Minns Labor Government’s inaction and lack of leadership.” 
 
“After refusing to back the cut, the Minns Government must now be clear about what it will actually do to help NSW drivers.” 
 
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have already put forward three measures to provide immediate support, including the fuel excise cut, a fuel cap to lock in prices for 24 hours and free public transport over the Easter long weekend to support families and businesses as well as ease demand on service stations. 
 
NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh said with 75 NSW service stations without fuel of any kind it appears the situation is worsening in the regions. 
 
“The Minns Labor Government has been promising to address fuel shortages with fuel companies, but service stations are still running dry and they don’t have any answers,” Mr Singh said. 
 
“Almost two weeks on and there is no clarity on what the Minns Labor Government is doing to help regional communities being hit the hardest by this fuel crisis.”