Women’s Asian Cup highlights $275 million impact of sports tourism on NSW visitor economy

The Minns Labor Government is delivering a strong pipeline of major sporting events for 2026, securing 34 events that will drive visitation, support local businesses and generate significant economic activity across Sydney and regional NSW.

This month, NSW will welcome Asia’s top female footballers and their legion of fans for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup, with Stadium Australia hosting two Quarterfinals, a Semi-final, the tournament’s Final and an important Matildas group match this Sunday 8 March on International Women’s Day. In total, Sydney will host 11 tournament matches, the most of any host city.

Through Destinations NSW, the tournament leads an action-packed sporting event calendar that throughout 2026 is projected to attract more than 280,000 visitors to the state and inject more than $275 million into the NSW visitor economy.

A new report from the World Economic Forum (WEF) has highlighted sports tourism as the fastest-growing segment of the global tourism industry. In 2025, sports tourism accounted for 10 per cent of global travel expenditure, with revenues growing at a compound annual rate of 28 per cent since 2020, above the 22 per cent growth seen across all tourism.

Research by Expedia Group shows the impact of sports-related travel extends beyond the host city. Three in five travellers with trips longer than a day stay in a destination outside the event location at some point during their trip and spend an average of more than $2500 across various trip elements.

The NSW Visitor Economy Strategy 2035 outlines the need for an event calendar that drives year-round visitation to support businesses and jobs. World-class entertainment, sport, culture and business events deliver major economic, social and cultural benefits, and stimulate regional growth.

The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics data confirms the impact of sports tourism on the NSW visitor economy. In December 2025, NSW welcomed 48,790 UK visitors (up from 41,970 in December 2019), including thousands of Barmy Army fans ahead of the New Year Test in Sydney.

In 2026, NSW has already hosted the United Cup, the Sydney New Year’s Test, UFC 325, Bathurst 12 Hour, Sail GP, Street League Skateboarding and Sydney 500. Major sporting events in the coming months include FIFA Series, State of Origin, Tottenham versus Chelsea for Sydney Super Cup, NRL Grand Final, Bledisloe Cup, Bathurst 1000, Rugby League World Cup, and TCS Sydney Marathon World Major, showcasing NSW as the nation’s home of major sporting event experiences.

Minister for Jobs and Tourism Steve Kamper said:

“Visitors are seeking genuine connections with destinations and sporting events are the perfect way to soak up the atmosphere that makes a visit to NSW so unforgettable.

“Travellers are prioritising experiences over attractions, and nothing beats the buzz that comes from being in full house for a Wallabies Test at Accor Stadium, or being trackside at Mount Panorama for the Bathurst 1000, or cheering on the Socceroos before they head off for the FIFA World Cup.

“Sporting events are sparking the decision to travel, but fans are staying long after the final whistle blows, immersing themselves in experiences across the state. Sports tourism doesn’t just fill stadiums; it fills hotels, restaurants, pubs and theatres, supporting thousands of businesses and jobs that rely on year-round tourism.”

Built, finished, opening: toll-free M12 Motorway goes live on Saturday, 14 march

The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments have set the opening date for the brand-new M12 Motorway – the driveway to the new Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport.  

After four years of construction, Western Sydney’s new, state-of-the-art motorway will open to traffic in the early hours of Saturday, 14 March, in time for the commencement of cargo and passenger flights at the new airport later in the year. 

The 16-kilometre section of the M12 connects Elizabeth Drive in the east to The Northern Road in the west, delivering an intersection-free, 100 km/h run straight to the airport precinct. It will serve as the key gateway to the new airport and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, which will become a thriving innovation precinct and create thousands of jobs for the region.

The M12 is designed to seamlessly integrate with the wider road network, improving connectivity for motorists and freight operators across Sydney. The final component – the M7/M12 Interchange at Cecil Hills – remains on track to open mid-year delivering a motorway-to-motorway and intersection-free connection between the M12 and the M7. 

The motorway between Elizabeth Drive and The Northern Road will open in the early hours of Saturday morning, because the Albanese and Minns Governments are determined to open the new road to Western Sydney residents at the earliest opportunity. 

The $2.1 billion project is funded with a $1.63 billion investment from the Albanese Government and a $408 million investment from the Minns Labor Government. It is expected to take around 25,000 vehicles a day off local roads, taking pressure off suburban streets and improving travel times and reliability across the region.

The Government has applied lessons from other new road corridors to ensure motorists can drive the M12 with confidence from day one. Signage, line-marking and lane guidance have been tested across key connections, with interactive driver animations available online so drivers can familiarise themselves with the route before opening.

Project highlights include:

  • Around 181,933 cubic metres of concrete used, equivalent to 73 Olympic pools
  • 5,217,117 hours worked
  • 10,000 people employed, including 4,900 local workers
  • Over 2.6 million m³ of earthworks completed, equivalent to 1,064 Olympic pools
  • Construction of 17 bridges
  • 461 bridge piles installed
  • 637 bridge girders installed
  • Over 1,5 million shrubs and grasses planted
  • 18,500 trees planted
  • 2,320 bridge lineal metres delivered

Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns:

“As a direct gateway to Western Sydney International Airport, this brand new toll-free motorway is critical to the future of this growing region of New South Wales.     

“Communities in Western Sydney deserve this world-class infrastructure which will ease pressure on local roads, cut travel times and improve connectivity with the rest of Sydney’s road network.

“From Saturday, thousands of motorists will have the chance to use this new motorway for the very first time to more quickly and easily get to where they need to go.” 

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

“Sydney’s new airport will connect Western Sydney to the world, and the M12 will play a critical role getting passengers to the terminal, and freight to the tarmac. 

“More than 8,000 people have worked on this project, more than 5,000 of them have been from here in Western Sydney. This road is their legacy, and I have no doubt many of them will use it, to get their families to the airport ahead of a big holiday in the years to come. 

“This project is part of the Albanese and Minns Government’s unprecedented investment in the future of Western Sydney, building the infrastructure this community needs to deliver jobs and connect it to the world.”

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car:

“This vital project is part of the $7.4 billion the Minns Labor Government has invested in Western Sydney roads since March 2023. 

“This is a good outcome for Western Sydney – a brand-new, toll-free motorway that takes pressure off local roads and gives people more time back with their families.  

“Under the former government, residents in growing communities have had to live with the impact of infrastructure being delivered decades late or not built at all. 

“This is an example of critical infrastructure being built and opened first. 

“With the opening of the M12, together with making the toll cap permanent, the Minns Labor Government is delivering practical cost-of-living relief for families.”

NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison:

“The M12 is a game-changing addition to the network – 16 kilometres of toll-free motorway and the new driveway to Western Sydney International Airport.

“Around 25,000 vehicles a day are expected to use this road – that’s traffic we can take off local streets by providing a high-quality, free alternative.

“And we’ve learnt from other new corridors: signage, line-marking and lane guidance have been tested at key connections, and drivers can preview the route using online driver animations so they can hit the M12 with confidence from day one.”

Senator for New South Wales, Tony Sheldon:

“I’ve raised my kids in Western Sydney for more than 15 years, so I know firsthand how much time people here spend on the road just trying to get to work, school or sport.

“The M12 will take pressure off local roads and make everyday travel easier for families across Western Sydney – meaning less time sitting in traffic and more time being where you want to be. This is what Labor Governments delivering for Western Sydney looks like.”

Federal Member for Werriwa Anne Stanley:

“Western Sydney families know the cost of congestion: it steals time from dinner tables, weekend sport, and being with the people you love. The toll-free M12 gives that time back.

“This is the driveway to Western Sydney International Airport, and it means people in our community will have a faster, more reliable run to jobs and opportunities as the airport opens later this year.” 

 State Member for Leppington Nathan Hagarty:

“People in Western Sydney have waited long enough. 

“The Liberals and Nationals left Sydney with tollmania and the Minns Labor Government was determined the M12 would open toll-free, and that’s exactly what we’re delivering.”

Member for Liverpool Charishma Kaliyanda:

“The toll-free M12 is now open, and it’s a big win for Liverpool and Western Sydney.

“This motorway will provide the essential link for local families, workers and businesses to move across Western Sydney and connect to the new airport precinct.

“Motorists in Liverpool can breathe a sigh of relief, as the Minns Labor Government is ensuring the M12 is toll-free, helping manage cost-of-living pressures for Western Sydney households.” 

Billion-dollar distribution centre approval a first for Aerotropolis

A new billion-dollar Aldi Automated Distribution Centre has been approved in the Aerotropolis, continuing momentum and signalling growing global investment confidence in one of Western Sydney’s most strategically important precincts.

The innovative logistics hub, will be the size of 15 soccer fields and is expected to create around 3,700 construction jobs and 585 permanent local jobs, providing a major economic boost for Western Sydney.

Located beside the new Western Sydney Airport the global retail giant will be able to take advantage of incoming national and international freight to supply their more than 200 of its stores across the state.

Once built it will operate 24/7 with around 80 per cent of operations to be automated and rooftop solar panels, energy efficient design to help the facility reach a goal of net-zero operations by 2035.

The Aldi project is the biggest distribution centre green lit in the Aerotropolis and the first state significant approval within the Ingham Property Group Master Plan area, which is a key Aerotropolis precinct designed for mixed‑use industrial, commercial and retail opportunities located adjacent to Bradfield City, Australia’s first new city in 100 years.

The recently released draft Sydney Plan outlines the long‑term vision for the Western Sydney Aerotropolis and Bradfield City as a nationally significant centre for jobs, industry and global connectivity, anchored by Western Sydney International Airport and new city‑shaping infrastructure.

Since 2023 the Minns Labor Government have approved seven projects worth more than $1.9 billion in the Aerotropolis with a further 25 worth more than $5.8 billion in the pipeline.

Approved State Significant Developments in the Aerotropolis, include the Bradfield City’s 2 Advanced Manufacturing Research Facilities and large-scale industrial estates such as the Elizabeth Enterprise Precinct and Barings Luddenham Industrial Estate.

Deputy Premier of New South Wales and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said:

“This billion dollar investment will create more than 3,700 jobs and over 500 ongoing roles, a strong show of confidence in the potential of the Aerotropolis precinct.

“The Minns Labor Government is delivering on our promise to grow Western Sydney by backing projects that create jobs, attract investment, and unlock opportunity.

“This project will further solidify Western Sydney as a critical hub of employment, industry, and innovation.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This approval will enable a $1 billion investment that will create thousands of jobs cementing the Aerotropolis as an engine room for jobs growth.

“The Aerotropolis was designed to spark new industries and future-focused jobs, and Aldi’s investment decision shows that vision is taking shape.

“With Western Sydney International Airport opening in 2026, the timing of this approval underscores the growing recognition of Western Sydney as a strategic gateway for national supply chains and international markets.”

Treasurer attends super investment summit

New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will travel to the United States to address an international investment summit this week.

The Australian Superannuation Summit, co-hosted by the Australian Embassy and Ambassador Kevin Rudd, will commence in San Francisco, continue to Washington DC and conclude in New York City.

The Treasurer will use his address and a range of side meetings to highlight investment opportunities in New South Wales, including the state’s status as a premium destination for renewable energy, digital infrastructure and technology.

The United States of America is the world’s largest economy and one of NSW’s most important investment and trade partners.

The Treasurer will also meet with ratings agencies to provide an update on the Minns Labor Government’s responsible economic management and commitment to servicing debt.

The visit follows the success of last October’s Sydney Investment Summit which attracted institutional investors from Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.

The Minister for Finance Courtney Houssos will be Acting Treasurer until Thursday, 19 March.

Innovative green hydrogen and ammonia project to cut emissions for Moree farms

Moree farms will soon be able to cut emissions with the region set to host an innovative green hydrogen and ammonia plant, powered by renewable energy, after the project was given the green light by the Minns Labor Government.

The Good Earth Green Hydrogen and Ammonia project will be one of the first large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production facilities in NSW.

The project will support local jobs expected to create at least 60 jobs during construction and 10 permanent positions once the facility is up and running. 

The NSW Government is investing $45.2 million in this project to increase the production and availability of green hydrogen across the state.

The more than $70 million project is a joint venture between Hiringa Energy Pty Ltd and Sundown Pastoral Company, will produce enough green hydrogen to create 4,500 tonnes of ammonia a year for use as fuel and fertiliser.

Once in operation the facility will primarily supply Sundown’s Keytah cotton farm ending their reliance on diesel and fossil fuel produced fertiliser.

What isn’t used by Sundown will be available to supply other local farming operations in the region, helping to decarbonise traditionally emissions heavy activity. 

This project has now reached financial close and is a great example of how ammonia production can be decentralised to further support sustainability by reducing the need for long-distance freight movements.

This will also help establish a commercial-scale green hydrogen and ammonia supply chain in northern NSW.

Minister for Energy and the Environment Penny Sharpe said: 
“The Good Earth Green hydrogen and Ammonia project demonstrates how renewable energy is helping reduce emissions in sectors like agriculture that are traditionally difficult to decarbonise.

“NSW is building the technology to cut emissions, support our industries and create new jobs of the future.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: 
“This is a project that will power the regional economy while helping NSW move towards a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

“Innovations like this which not only replace the use of traditional fossil fuels but cut the need for lengthy transportation are an exciting sign of how industry is evolving to support more sustainable outcomes.”

Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty said:

“This is a great example of how the oldest industry in the world – agriculture – is to this day continuing to find ways to innovate.

This is a great project that will see local farms able to  replace fossil fuels with renewables supporting a more sustainable future in NSW.”

$6 million boost for community projects in the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone

The Minns Labor Government is giving another $6 million to upgrade community facilities across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).

The funding will upgrade community spaces such as a school, childcare, youth centre, sporting fields and community halls.

13 local projects will receive funding to make sure local people get lasting economic and social benefits from the renewable energy transformation.

One of the projects is funding the Mid-Western Council to build Gulgong’s first Youth Centre. The old Gulgong Fire Station will be refurbished into a fun and safe space for young people to connect, develop their skills and grow.  It will include a flexible-use space, basketball half court, art wall, and new flooring.

Projects receiving funding include:

  • Dubbo Show Society Incorporated – Upgrade of External Track Lighting and Arena Lighting of Dubbo Showground
  • Dunedoo Pre-School Kindergarten – Landscaping & Play Equipment Upgrade of Dunedoo Preschool Kindergarten
  • Cerebral Palsy Alliance – Cerebral Palsy Alliance Dubbo Centre for Disability Upgrades
  • Elong & District Progress Association – Elong Public Hall Upgrade
  • Lake Windamere Under Canvas Camping Inc – Disability Care/Accommodation Building
  • Mid-Western Regional Council – Billy Dunn Gulgong Sporting Complex Improvements; Gulgong Youth Centre Refurbishment; and Lady Gowrie NSW Mudgee Early Education & Care Centre Expansion
  • Mudgee Arts Council- Kildallon Events Calendar
  • Orana Early Childhood Intervention and Education Project Inc – Resurfacing and installation of drainage to outdoor play area
  • Pathways Together Aboriginal Corporation- Ican Nursery Upgrade
  • Turill Community Committee and Sports Clubs Inc – Turill Community Hall Renovation and Air Conditioning
  • Warrumbungle Shire Council – Upgrade of Community Sporting and Recreation infrastructure at Robertson Oval Dunedoo

These grants are part of the Minns Labor Government’s larger $128 million investment for community benefits in the Central-West Orana REZ.

More funding will be made available to communities over the next three decades, generated from fees paid by projects with an access right to connect to the REZ network infrastructure.

For further information on the Community and Employment Benefits Program (including the Local Community Fund grant stream), visit: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/cebp.

Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe said:

“These projects give young people and families in the Central West Orana better places to connect, learn and live.

“The Minns Labor Government is making sure the renewable energy transformation is delivering benefits for everyone. That’s why we’re investing in projects that improve daily life, from childcare and sport to youth and community spaces.”

Minister for Regional NSW and Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:

“These grants are being provided to upgrade community facilities and support projects that will make a real and lasting positive difference in the communities of Dubbo, Dunedoo, Mudgee, Elong Elong, Turill and Lake Windamere.

“Our Government is focused on working with regional communities through the renewable energy system transition which will bring them cleaner and cheaper energy for their homes, farms and businesses.”

EnergyCo Chief Executive, Hannah McCaughey said:

“I’m excited to see these projects provide tangible, community-led benefits for locals across the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone.

“EnergyCo has consulted with local communities and is committed to providing them with long lasting benefits as we deliver NSW’s five renewable energy zones.”

Mid-Western Regional Council General Manager said:

“I am very excited for this project to get off the ground. The Old Gulgong Fire Station will be completely refurbished into a youth centre through the addition of a multi-purpose space, basketball half-court, art wall, accessible toilet, storage and new flooring.

“This crucial funding is very important to the Gulgong community, increasing accessibility, connection, safety and engagement of local youth.”

Violent crimes continue under Minns Labor government

In a further sign that the Minns Labor Government is losing control of community safety, Sydney has woken to news of yet more shootings overnight.

With a man shot in Lalor Park, another seriously injured in Bass Hill, and a linked car fire in Georges Hall, communities across Sydney’s west and south-west are being left anxious as criminal activity grows more brazen and violent.

Shadow Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism, Anthony Roberts, said law-abiding families deserve better than a government that has been too slow to respond to the worsening law and order situation.

“Yet again, Sydney communities have woken to reports of shootings in suburban streets, with violent criminals appearing increasingly emboldened to carry out attacks suburbs,” Mr Roberts said.

“NSW Police continue to support our communities as best they can. Unfortunately, the Minns Labor Government continues to be reactive, and questions remain about whether police have the resources they need to respond without stretching frontline services even further,” Mr Roberts said.

“The people of New South Wales, especially families in Western Sydney, deserve to feel safe in their own neighbourhoods.”

“The Opposition will continue to call on the Minns Labor Government to make the further, necessary investments in our police force, to equip them with the resources and capability to crack down on this behaviour and restore safety to our communities.”

Design contract signals decisive step in Henderson Defence Precinct consolidation

The Albanese Government has taken the next step in establishing a consolidated defence precinct at Henderson to support sovereign shipbuilding and sustainment in Western Australia.

Bechtel Infrastructure Australia (Bechtel) has been appointed as the design services consultancy to undertake master planning of the defence precinct.

Bechtel will provide specialist infrastructure design advice and work with a range of stakeholders to create the plan.

In 2024, the Albanese Government announced $127 million to progress planning for the defence precinct.

Last year, the Albanese Government backed this commitment with an additional $12 billion to support the delivery phase for the long-term development of the defence precinct.

This contract is the next step in realising these investments in the west.

The defence precinct will play a vital role in securing continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment in Australia, delivering critical capabilities for the Australian Defence Force, and contributing to the support of about 10,000 direct jobs in the west over the next two decades.

The Commonwealth is working hand in glove with the West Australian Government to deliver the defence precinct.

The defence precinct will include:

  • Construction facilities for the Royal Australian Army’s landing craft and Australia’s future Mogami‑class frigates following successful consolidation of the Henderson precinct;
  • Support infrastructure for conventional submarines and surface combatant vessels;
  • Contingency docking capabilities for Australia’s future conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines; and
  • Depot-level maintenance capabilities.

Planning and feasibility studies have already commenced and will continue throughout 2026.

Establishment of the defence precinct will occur over the next decade to align with defence capability needs and minimise disruption to local industry and communities.

Alongside the Albanese Government’s record investments across shipbuilding and AUKUS in the west, these commitments will support 10,000 direct jobs over the next two decades as well as providing opportunities for small and medium sized businesses across the state.

For more information visit: Henderson Defence Precinct | Business & Industry | Defence

Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP:

“Awarding this contract moves us closer to making the Henderson Defence Precinct the home of continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment, and a critical sustainment site for our future submarine capability.

“The master planning stage is an important step in shaping the defence precinct’s future capability needs and supporting a strong, sovereign industrial base.

“This contract reflects our commitment to partnering with industry to build a smarter, faster and more innovative maritime capability hub.

“Input and insights from industry and other stakeholders will lay the groundwork for defence industrial depth and long-term national resilience.”

WA Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Paul Papalia CSC MLA:

“The Cook Government welcomes the appointment of Bechtel Infrastructure Australia to complete master planning of the Henderson Defence Precinct.

“This project will support thousands of highly skilled jobs and ensure Western Australia is home to the largest naval maintenance hub in the southern hemisphere.

“The WA Government is working closely with the Albanese Government to help local industry and workers to take advantage of the enormous opportunities this investment will create.”

Virtual support service delivers safer, more efficient care for WNSWLHD patients

Patients in rural and remote communities across regional NSW are receiving safer care, thanks to Western NSW Local Health District’s Virtual Support remote monitoring service.

The Virtual Support service operates as a patient safety net, monitoring existing digital health data of patients at 35 rural hospitals and health facilities across western NSW in real-time.

Using complex algorithms, the sophisticated remote monitoring software tracks routinely collected data points from rural and remote patients in emergency department and admitted in-patient beds, triggering alerts and generating early warning scores. 

Raw data is monitored and assessed centrally by the District’s Western Virtual clinicians 24 hours a day, seven days per week with key information and concerns relayed directly to local frontline staff caring for patients.

This monitoring helps to identify clinical deterioration earlier and allows rural clinicians to provide timely and appropriate responses when needed.

When hospital staff are alerted to patient deterioration through early detection, appropriate escalation and action is possible regardless of where the patient is located.

A two-year evaluation project led by the University of Sydney’s School of Rural Health, in collaboration with the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, has shown the measurable improvements the Virtual Support service is delivering.

This includes improvements in patient safety, earlier detection of clinical deterioration, and an increase in health system efficiency.

Since the introduction of the Virtual Support service, there has been a 12‑percentage‑point improvement in vital signs monitoring, helping staff identify when patients may need additional support and enabling timely care when required.

This rapid response means better patient outcomes, such as reduced complications of care or earlier discharge.

Virtual Support has also helped staff in the early identification of more patients at risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), a serious but preventable blood clot condition and one of the leading causes of preventable death in Australian hospitals due to its ‘silent’ symptoms. 

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:

“Everyone should be able to access quality healthcare when they need it, and we know that initiatives like these can make a real difference for our patients in rural and regional areas.

“This innovative Virtual Support service is improving access for patients right across Western NSW, delivering safer, timely and more connected care, closer to home.”

Labor Spokesperson for Bathurst, Stephen Lawrence:

“Regional patients travel further for healthcare, but this new vital virtual care service is helping support patients and the clinical teams that treat them.

“It’s better for staff and patients, by improving care, safety and overall health outcomes for the region.”

Digital Health Cooperative ResearchCentre CEO Annette Schmiede:

“This research shows virtual support, when designed around clinicians and patients, can significantly improve safety and care quality in rural hospitals.

“It demonstrates how evidence-based digital health solutions can reduce inequity, strengthen local services, and deliver measurable value to the health system, with the potential to scale virtual models of care across regional and rural Australia.”

WNSWLHD Director of Virtual Health Meegan Connors:

“Keeping our patients safe and reducing unnecessary transfers are our biggest priorities. The Virtual Support service means more patients can receive high-quality care closer to home, without the disruption and risk of being transferred long distances.

“Feedback from local communities has described the VS service as reassuring and potentially lifesaving, particularly for patients without carers, as a means of improving continuity and safety of care.”.

University of Sydney, Associate Professor of Rural Health Georgina Luscombe:

“The Virtual Service is an investment in safety and efficiency; the research has provided valuable insight into the benefits of the service – safer care, fewer transfers, and more completed treatments for patients in rural settings.

“The research findings demonstrate the value of virtual care as a long-term investment. The findings confirm the Virtual service is delivering on its promise – improving patient safety, strengthening rural care delivery, and supporting clinicians to provide the best possible care.

“Continued investment will help ensure every rural patient in Western NSW benefits from safer, more connected healthcare.”

This collaborative research project was supported by Digital Health CRC Limited (DHCRC). DHCRC is funded under the Australian Commonwealth’s Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Program.

$16 million boost to flood-proof central coast and mid north coast national park roads

Visitors to national parks are in for a much smoother ride thanks to a joint investment by the Albanese and Minns Governments.

The $16.2 million grant to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund under joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

A total of 12 tourism roads will be upgraded in flood-impacted national parks in the Central Coast and MidCoast Local Government Areas to build resilience so they can better withstand future significant rainfall events and natural disasters.

Funding for the Central Coast national parks includes Brisbane Water National Park, Bouddi National Park and Watagans National Park.

Funding for the MidCoast areas will upgrade visitor roads in Myall Lakes National Park, Khappinghat National Park, and in collaboration with MidCoast Council, a key tourism road route linking Bulahdelah and Bombah Point.

Works will include raising and sealing sections of gravel road to improve flood resilience, road surface upgrades for driver comfort and safety, and additional culverts and drainage structures to improve under-road drainage.

Additionally, projects will include upgrades to priority fire trails with the installation of turning and passing bays as required under Rural Fire Service certifications.

Works across the 12 road locations within Hunter Central Coast Branch of National Parks have started and there will be temporary traffic flow disruptions outside peak school time.

Visitors to these reserves are reminded to check the closure and alerts page at www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts

Infrastructure Betterment Fund grants assist in the rebuilding of disaster-affected roads, bridges and infrastructure, making them better able to withstand future natural disasters. This $16.2 million upgrade will repair and rebuild public assets directly impacted by consecutive natural disasters.

Infrastructure Betterment funding ensures connection and continuity of access for communities and lowers the risk of economic and environment impact following natural disasters.Find out more online at https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/infrastructure-betterment-fund

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is committed to building disaster-resilient infrastructure, particularly in areas that are more vulnerable.

“With this significant funding, locals and visitors of the Brisbane Water, Bouddi and Watagans National Parks can feel safer when using roads that will be upgraded to be more flood resilient.

“We will continue working with the Minns Government to ensure that our roads and infrastructure are capable of withstanding disaster conditions.”

NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Penny Sharpe:

“These welcome upgrades are about protecting our National Parks and will help bring back tourists to the Central Coast and Mid North Coast regions.

Coast, Janelle Saffin:

“Communities across the Central Coast and Mid North Coast know all too well the disruption caused by floods and severe weather, and this funding is about making sure vital access roads in our national parks are rebuilt stronger so people can get back to enjoying these places sooner.

“Through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, we are learning from past disasters and investing in practical improvements that reduce the impact of future events, protect local jobs and tourism, and provide more certainty for communities when extreme weather hits.

“By upgrading roads, drainage and fire trails, we are improving safety for visitors, park staff and emergency services, while helping local communities stay connected to their national parks, which are so important to regional wellbeing and recovery.”

Federal Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:

“The Central Coast region has some of the best National Parks in NSW, and both the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are making them more resilient, accessible, and safe.

“As an avid bushwalker, I know that there will be many residents on the Central Coast, and across NSW, that will be pleased to see these investments in our National Parks infrastructure.”