Australia takes leap forward in self-reliance with launch of rocket motor manufacturing

The Albanese Government is strengthening the nation’s sovereign defence industrial base, resilience and self-reliance by investing an initial $126.9 million to establish solid rocket motor production in Australia.

Solid rocket motors provide the propulsion required for most guided weapons, and are in high demand worldwide.

Northrop Grumman Australia has been selected as the preferred industry partner to help establish domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing. This decision will leverage recently completed upgrades to facilities at the Government-owned Mulwala munitions factory in New South Wales in order to fast-track Australian production of these critical missile components.

Australia will begin by producing rocket motors for the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) missile at Mulwala by 2030.

A dedicated Rocket Motor Manufacturing Complex, designed to deliver high-rate production of multiple types of solid rocket motors, is planned to be operational from 2033.

In addition, Defence will work with DefendTex, Black Sky Industries and Anduril Australia to explore their novel manufacturing methods, with the potential for further opportunities to be extended to other Australian providers once domestic solid rocket motor manufacturing has been established.

This initiative will strengthen Australia’s defence supply chains and open new opportunities for Australian small to medium enterprises to enter the global market. By partnering with experienced and proven international rocket motor manufacturers, the program will build local industry capability at speed, support Australian businesses and create highly skilled jobs.

This announcement builds on Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG)’s successful static firing of the first DRACO solid rocket motor at Woomera in February. DRACO is an Australian designed and developed rocket motor, and this Australian-first firing marked a major milestone in advanced rocket motor research and development.

Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government’s investment in rocket motor manufacturing will strengthen Australia’s self-reliance, while supporting our industrial base and creating jobs for locals.

“This investment will ensure the Australian Defence Force has reliable, resilient access to the capabilities needed to defend Australia and our immediate region.

“The successful static firing of the DRACO solid rocket motor shows how quickly Australia’s expertise in energetics and missile technology is advancing. It’s a major step for sovereign capability, industry collaboration, and our long term defence preparedness.”

Australia-ROK joint statement on Energy Security

Today, we are pleased to announce Australia and the Republic of Korea have renewed our commitment to work together to maintain a stable, secure and reliable supply of diesel and other liquid fuels.

This follows sustained, direct engagement with international counterparts as part of the Albanese Government’s efforts to strengthen Australia’s fuel security.

Australia and South Korea are Comprehensive Strategic Partners with closely aligned strategic interests, a significant and complementary trading relationship, and vibrant people-to-people links. South Korea is one of Australia’s largest suppliers of refined petroleum products, and our largest supplier of diesel.

We have reaffirmed our shared commitment to open markets and rules-based trade, and have agreed to work together to address unjustified import and export restrictions and support open trade arrangements for energy and liquid fuels.

We have committed to work together to strengthen our supply chain resilience for energy resources, including through deepening regional cooperation and accelerating the energy transition.

We have agreed to notify and consult each other on potential trade disruptions, giving Australia advance warning of any fuel shortages and enough time to prepare.

We acknowledge the particular vulnerabilities of Pacific Island countries and will work to help uphold the resilience of their energy markets. We know our Pacific neighbours are experiencing the full impact of this crisis, and they remain at the front of our mind.

Along with our recent statements with Singapore, Brunei and Malaysia, this joint statement will put us in a strong position to manage our fuel security through the ongoing disruption to global energy markets as a result of the Middle East conflict and effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong:

“The Albanese Government is working with international partners to help secure the supplies we need – including diesel, petrol and fertiliser – and ensure Australia is prioritised as a reliable energy partner.

“The Republic of Korea is Australia’s top supplier of diesel. These imports enable Australia to continue being a reliable exporter of energy, food and other commodities to our region.

“We will continue working together to strengthen energy security, manage global shocks and help ensure peace, stability and prosperity in our region.”

Energy Minister Chris Bowen: 

“The Albanese Labor Government has acted swiftly and decisively to secure additional fuel for Australians and shore up our trading ties with major partners like the Republic of Korea.

“This partnership will help to keep Australia moving amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East while taking practical steps to harness the economic benefits of the energy transition for our region.”

Resources Minister Madeleine King:

“Australia remains a trusted, long-term and most importantly, stable energy and resources partner with countries throughout our region.

“We are resolutely committed to supplying the energy that Korea and other partner nations need to provide global economic stability and security. 

“We have seen in recent weeks how vulnerable energy supply chains can be to disruption and supply shocks.

“Australia by contrast has remained a trusted and reliable supplier of energy for well over half a century.”

Minns doubles down on speech ban while waiting for Queensland challenge

Minns doubles down on speech ban while waiting for Queensland challenge

The Premier has told 2GB’s Ben Fordham today that he will not progress a proposed ban on the phrase “globalise the intifada” until a challenge to Queensland laws is resolved, while doubling down on his desire to ban the phrase. During the interview, the Premier conceded that other rushed and unconstitutional laws have put NSW in a worse off position than before.

Greens MP, Solicitor and spokesperson for Justice Sue Higginson said,

“Premier Minns’ comments this morning are deeply concerning, and show that he is determined to keep threatening the community with more draconian anti-protest laws that eat at our civil liberties,”

“The Premier has consistently abused his position in reaching for new laws and heavier penalties in response to legitimate political expression and especially the pro Palestine protest movement, but he’s now been humiliated and embarrassed by losing two nationally significant constitutional challenges over his anti-protest agenda,”

“It’s very worrying that the Premier, with his track record of getting it wrong, can continue to advocate for laws that are likely to be deemed unconstitutional. There are very few constraints on state government power, the constitution is one of them. At least he seems to have recognised the risks and dangers to his own credibility and reputation through pursuing invalid laws, but he is still completely blind to the harm caused to the community and the danger to our democracy,”

“He needs to stop threatening political expression to please the Zionist lobby. Laws that try to ban the phrase ‘Globalise the Intifada’ will more than likely breach the constitution because that is serious overreach. We have hate speech laws that focus on what matters and that is intention and context in addition to what is actually said. I just wish the Premier would up skill on the law and save us all the harm, damage and costs,”

Australian Greens statement on Kumanjayi Little Baby

Our hearts ache for the family of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their community. The pain and grief being felt in Mparntwe Alice Springs and across the nation for the loss of this little girl is immense, and words cannot express the heartbreak of this loss. 

We support the family and community of Kumanjayi Little Baby and their right to grieve in accordance with cultural practices. The community must be given the respect it needs during this time of Sorry Business.

There will be questions about how to prevent anything like this happening again. The response must be evidence based and led by Aboriginal women and their communities. Aboriginal self-determination and leadership is critical to women and children’s safety. 

We condemn all violence against First Nations women and children. It is a human rights abuse and an epidemic. We must take leadership from and work in solidarity with First Nations women to address it.

After years of dedicated First Nations advocacy, a community-led plan to end violence, Our Ways – Strong Ways – Our Voices, was launched in March 2026. Governments must ensure funding and commitment to specialised services, and support the national peak body, Our Ways Strong Together. 

Federal intervention in First Nations communities has at best failed to deliver lasting change and at worst been harmful to those communities. Top down political responses do not work. Evidence based, community led responses focused on healing and safety do. 

Thank you to everyone who helped with the search, and all those who will hold her family close in this sorry time.

We owe it to Kumanjayi Little Baby, her family and her community to do better. Violence to Aboriginal women and children must end. 

Passive chemical exposure, human health at threat through Central West townships

Passive chemical exposure, human health at threat through Central West townships

Evidence of passive chemical exposure from agricultural poisons is observable on the streets throughout Dubbo and Narromine with significant die-back in vegetation that is causing permanent harm to the local environment and silently poisoning the community at large.

Members of the local community were joined by Greens MP Sue Higginson outside Dubbo Base Hospital on Thursday 30 April, calling for the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to commence baseline evidence gathering to establish the likely threat to human health as a result of passive chemical exposure.

Greens MP and spokesperson for Agriculture and the Environment Sue Higginson said,

“The sheer scale of the evidence that agricultural poisons are present in Dubbo and Narromine is shocking, and worse, this has been going on for decades. There is barely a street in Dubbo that doesn’t have a tree dying from the top down as these chemicals blow across town from season to season,”

“It was only because of community pressure that the EPA started air quality monitoring in more rural areas around the Central West – and those tests have demonstrated widespread detections of banned chemicals and other chemicals that affect human development, cancer rates and reproductive health,”

“It’s time for the EPA to act in the interests of community health and safety in the towns of the Central West. We have a right to know the chemicals that are settling on the trees and streets of Dubbo and Narromine, and the concentrations that people are being exposed to,”

“This is not just a local issue. The knock on effects of the entire Central West being exposed to invisible poisons is harmful for our food systems, water health, and the natural world that is essential for humans to live and thrive,”

“Narromine Shire Council has already passed a motion requesting air quality monitoring in Narromine, and Dubbo should ask the EPA for the same. We can see there are chemicals falling in these communities, so these communities have a right to know how they are being exposed,”

Coalition announces plan for more fuel, more storage, and more security

The Coalition will more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves to 60 days and deliver at least 1 billion litres of new storage through an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to protect Australians’ way of life and restore their standard of living.

This is a practical plan the government can adopt now to keep the economy moving and ensure Australian’s are not left exposed when global shocks hit.

The Coalition is calling on the Government to lift baseline stockholding levels from 1 January 2027, locking in current average stock levels as the new minimum. That will increase minimum levels for critical fuels in aggregate by nearly 25 per cent.

Leader of the Opposition Angus Taylor said Australians expect their country to keep running, but in a crisis the Prime Minister is always last to lead.

“This is a plan the Prime Minister should pick up today. No excuses, no delays,” Mr Taylor said.

“If fuel stops, Australia stops. It’s that simple. Trucks don’t move, supermarkets don’t stock, businesses shut their doors.”

“We are putting forward a practical plan to make sure that never happens. More fuel in reserve, more storage on the ground, and a country that can stand on its own two feet.”

“This is about protecting Australians’ way of life and restoring their standard of living. You don’t do that with talk. You do it with action.”

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said families and businesses needed confidence that fuel would be there when they needed it.

“People in the regions know how serious this is. If the diesel doesn’t turn up, the farm doesn’t run and the shelves go empty,” Senator Canavan said.

“This plan is just common sense. Keep more fuel here in Australia so we are not relying on overseas supply lines that can be cut overnight.”

“We cannot keep hoping for the best. We need to be ready, and this plan gets us there.”

Shadow Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Dan Tehan said the Coalition’s plan delivered a clear pathway to stronger fuel security.

“This is a practical, achievable plan that strengthens our fuel supply chain and backs Australian industry,” Mr Tehan said.

“It works with industry, builds storage where it is needed, and makes sure we have the buffer to withstand global shocks.”

Under the Coalition’s proposal, the government would work with industry on a clear roadmap to lift stockholdings in step with new storage coming online. If we start today, delivering 60 days of fuel security by 2030 is achievable.

Our plan to more than double Australia’s minimum fuel reserves is prudent insurance against the very real risk to our fuel security, which households and small businesses have experienced first hand. 

Together with measures announced last week to unlock Australia’s oil and gas reserves, the Coalition’s plan will bring Australia within range of our 90 day international oil stockholding ambition.

The Coalition understands that fuel security is national security. In government, we legislated the Minimum Stockholding Obligation, funded new fuel storage, and backed our refineries.

This stands in stark contrast to the Albanese Labor Government, which has cut funding for fuel storage, failed to build resilience, and left Australia exposed.

The Coalition’s plan is a comprehensive suite of measures to strengthen Australia’s fuel security:

Reducing the cost of fuel

  • Australians are being hit at the bowser and it flows through to groceries, freight and bills
  • That’s why we drove moves to halve the fuel excise and cut the heavy vehicle road user charge
  • This immediate relief lowers costs across the economy and takes pressure off families and small businesses
  • We have also committed to abolish the safeguards mechanism which is a carbon tax on business, this would save our refineries $165 million to 2029-30 according to some estimates. 

Strengthening transparency and resilience on fuel supplies

  • In a crisis, Australians deserve clarity, not confusion
  • We have called for the establishment of a daily public fuel data dashboard so Australians can see supply levels and shipping in real time
  • We will increase fuel supply monitoring and storage to ensure government and industry are ahead of disruptions, not reacting to them.
  • We have called for a Parliamentary Inquiry to learn the lessons of this crisis, restore confidence in the system and ensure Australia is never left in the dark again. 

Building strategic fuel security

  • Australia is dangerously exposed at the end of long global supply chains
  • We will more than double minimum stockholding levels to 60 days for critical fuels
  • We will establish an $800 million Australian Fuel Security Facility to unlock over 1 billion litres of new storage capacity, with a focus on diesel
  • This is about resilience: making sure Australia can stand on its own two feet when global shocks hit

Unlocking Australian fuel supply

  • The long-term answer is simple: more Australian fuel for Australians
  • We supported legislation to underwrite fuel imports in the short term while domestic supply ramps up
  • We will reverse regulatory barriers through EPBC reforms that are deliberately slowing oil and gas approvals
  • We will designate National Strategic Priority Projects to fast-track nationally significant developments
  • And we will reinstate the Junior Minerals Exploration Incentive, including $50 million for oil and gas, to unlock the next wave of discoveries

This is a plan focused on one thing: making sure Australia keeps moving no matter what the world throws at us.

Because when you get fuel security right, you protect jobs, you back businesses, and you give Australians the confidence that their way of life is secure.

Glitz, gowns and glamour shine a light on Newcastle’s couture connections

Newcastle Museum is rolling out the red carpet for a new exhibition that celebrates the city’s connection to Australia’s fashion industry.

Showcasing 10 years of Newcastle-based fashion magazine and modelling agency Façon, the retrospective offers an insight into couture culture, with a focus on how local designers, models, personalities and locations have been celebrated in print and on the runway.

Julie Baird and Lara Lupish at Newcastle MuseumCity of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning Julie Baird and Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish with the Toni Maticevski gown featured as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, which opens at Newcastle Museum on 1 May.

City of Newcastle’s Director of Museum Archive Libraries & Learning, Julie Baird, said the exhibition was testament to the vision of Façon founder and stylist Lara Lupish, who saw an opportunity to intertwine her experience in the international fashion industry with her hometown. 

“Newcastle Museum is a place where local stories are shared, celebrated and preserved and this same ethos has been at the heart of Façon from the very beginning,” Ms Baird said.

“They proudly prioritised their Newcastle identity, providing opportunities for local photographers, models, designers and creatives alongside nationally and internationally recognised names.

“They celebrated the place where the magazine was produced, showcasing the city’s iconic locations like Fort Scratchley, the Civic Theatre and the Newcastle Ocean Baths.

“From the famous faces that have adorned its covers, to the designers whose looks have styled its pages, Façon has spent a decade bringing high fashion to Newcastle – and Newcastle to the world.”

Enlarged reproductions of the magazine’s covers and fashion shoots take visitors on a journey through the years, featuring everyone from Newcastle’s own Miss Universe Tegan Martin to the universally loved icon of Australian television Kate Ritchie and Indigenous supermodel Samantha Harris.

Some of the magazine’s signature looks are also brought to life in the exhibition, with mannequins dressed in clothing and accessories from Newcastle-based and nationally renowned designers including Jean Bas, High Tea With Mrs Woo, Saretta The Label, Studio Melt and vintage Givenchy.

Facon 10 exhibition at Newcastle MuseumDesigner fashion on display at Newcastle Museum as part of the Facon 10: Retrospective exhibition, including a gown designed by John Robinson (far right).

Never before displayed couture from the Museum’s own collection is included in the exhibition with mid-twentieth century gown, The Lantern Dress by John Robinson. The Newcastle designer combined made-to-measure craftsmanship with theatrical embellishment, often incorporating hand-applied sequins and beads. 

A selection of Robinson’s gowns from the Museum’s collection were featured in the Winter 2021 issue of Façon magazine, reaffirming their enduring significance within Australian fashion history.

The showpiece of the exhibition is a sculptural evening gown created by renowned Australian designer Toni Maticevski, which was worn by singer and television presenter Ricki-Lee Coulter for the cover of the Summer 2019 issue.

Ms Lupish said Façon has become more than a magazine, it is a conduit for launching, shaping and celebrating people, places and creativity.

“Façon was designed as a celebration of Newcastle and the Hunter; a way to highlight local businesses and creatives alongside luxury national and international brands,” Ms Lupish said.

“But it has become more than a magazine; it is a record of time, place and community.

“We’re proud to have launched and progressed the careers of countless up-and-coming models including Face of Façon finalist Sarah Henderson, who went on to sign with Metropolitan Models Group in Italy, walk the runway at Australian Fashion Week and for DIOR in Paris.

“We’ve prioritised First Nations models and stories including the development of The Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship to celebrate, sustain and grow Indigenous art, design and storytelling.

“This has allowed us to support recipients including filmmaker Jahvis Loveday, photographer Sean Kinchela, fashion brand Miimi and Jiinda, who have now showed at Australian Fashion Week numerous times and singer-songwriter Ruby Shay, who went on to secure an ABC Country Charts #1 after her scholarship win.

“Through it all we’ve proudly celebrated our city and its stories. We will continue to create and put Newcastle on the map, not only in our own country but in the world.” 

The free exhibition, Facon 10: Retrospective, will open tomorrow and remain on display at Newcastle Museum until 27 June 2026.

Cultural communities craft new opportunities as applications open for annual grants program

Twenty‑eight women from Arabic, Afghan and Indian backgrounds have turned their creative skills into a source of income thanks to a mentoring program supported by City of Newcastle.

Applications will open on Monday for City of Newcastle’s annual grants and sponsorship programs, which last year helped provide economic opportunities for a group of refugee and culturally diverse women through Shared World Collective’s Make, Gather and Market initiative.

Shared World Collective founder Katrina Gulbrandsen with participants of the Make, Gather & Market initiative selling hand-made products at Olive Tree Markets. City of Newcastle’s Executive Manager Media Economy Engagement and Corporate Affairs, Nick Kaiser said programs like this demonstrate how targeted funding can deliver practical, long-term benefits for the community.

“Our grants and sponsorships programs provide support across nine different streams to help organisations like Shared World Collective deliver initiatives that respond to local priorities, ease cost-of-living pressures for our community and contribute to a stronger Newcastle year-round,” Mr Kaiser said. 

“Applicants can apply for grants of up to $25,000 across categories supporting social inclusion, upgrades to sports and recreation facilities, arts and culture initiatives, environmental projects and a wide range of events.” 

Participants in the Make, Gather & Market program were given guidance and small business training to help them use their existing creative skills to create hand-made products they could sell at the Olive Tree Markets. 

Shared World Collective Director Katrina Gulbrandsen said the program focused on building confidence, skills and pathways to economic participation. 

“This grant gave us the resources to remove cost barriers and support participants all the way through from learning artisan skills to selling their work at local markets,” Ms Gulbrandsen said. 

“The program included visits to circular economy initiatives such as Full Circle Collective and The Makers Place to learn about sustainable sourcing and selling, as well as candle making, natural ink painting, sewing and hand embroidery workshops.

“Participants told us the experience was calming and empowering, and many gained confidence, business knowledge and pride in their skills while strengthening connections within the community.” 

City of Newcastle’s grants and sponsorships program supports initiatives that deliver social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits for the local community, with funding available through Infrastructure Grants, Community Support Grants and Event Sponsorship. 

Event Sponsorship supports conferences and events of all sizes, including general, incubator and major events hosted across the city. Last weekend, national skate competition King of Concrete led by world champion and Olympic judge Renton Millar was held at Bar Beach after receiving support through the 2025 general event sponsorship. 

Major Events supported include the Beach 5s weekend festival at Nobbys Beach, the 20th anniversary Hill to Harbour in March and OzTheatrics Junior Theatre Festival. 

Recent Infrastructure Grant recipients include Stockton Bowling Club, which received funding for a disability access ramp and Kotara South Netball Club, which was supported to upgrade court lighting. 

Community Support Grants assist projects across environment, arts, culture and history, social inclusion and sustainability. Previously, City of Newcastle has supported the Salvation Army to deliver weekly community lunches for the homeless and disadvantaged, and the Share Shop in Hamilton to expand their range of electric appliances and tools.  

Applications for City of Newcastle’s 2026 Grants and Sponsorships programs open 4 May and close 31 May. 

To learn more or apply, visit https://newcastle.nsw.gov.au/community/grants-and-sponsorships

New Warringah Freeway bus lane gives buses an un-interrupted run to the CBD as upgrade nears completion

The Minns Labor Government is marking another milestone on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, with a series of traffic switches taking place this weekend including a local dedicated southbound bus lane that will mean safer and more efficient journeys for thousands of commuters travelling into the Sydney CBD.

The 2.2km bus lane, running from just south of the Miller Street overpass uninterrupted into the city, is a major step forward in improving traffic flow on one of Australia’s busiest transport corridors.

It will cut travel times for bus commuters coming from the North Shore, reduce congestion and improve safety for 250,000 motorists who use the Warringah Freeway each day.  

The uninterrupted bus lane means bus drivers no longer need to navigate two merges with general traffic to merge from left to right to access the bus lane from the north. Cars and other vehicles will also no longer be able to cross the bus lane between Falcon Street and the Cahill Expressway.

The Falcon Street/Military Road southbound bus onramp which has been temporarily shared with general traffic since it opened in November 2025, will also now operate as a bus only lane. This will ensure a smoother journey for thousands of commuters coming from Mosman to the CBD.

These changes will deliver faster and more reliable travel times for buses between the Gore Hill Freeway and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, particularly during the morning and afternoon peak periods.

In addition to the new bus lane, new traffic changes coming into place from 6:00am on Saturday, 2 May will play a major role in unscrambling traffic along the freeway, removing unnecessary merges and lane changes.

Drivers are being encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes ahead of making their journey to help reduce congestion and ensure a smooth and safe transition.

Transport for NSW has worked to ensure the community is aware of changed traffic conditions through the roll out of digital signage, email updates,  letterbox drops and Live Traffic updates. Transport for NSW is also working with map providers, such as Google Maps and Apple Maps to ensure maps are up to date.

The major traffic switches include:

  • The Falcon Street/Military Road southbound on ramp will retain access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel. There will be no access to the Cahill Expressway and Alfred Street off ramp.   
  • Drivers can reach the Cahill Expressway via Miller Street or Mount Street, and access North Sydney and Kirribilli via Miller Street and the Pacific Highway. Drivers may consider using Sydney Harbour Tunnel, which has a similar destination to the Cahill Expressway.
  • The Ernest Street southbound on ramp will become a dedicated access point for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel only. Access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge will continue via Brook Street, Miller Street, Falcon Street, and Mount Street on ramps.
  • The ‘slip lane’ connecting the southbound Sydney Harbour Tunnel lanes to the Sydney Harbour Bridge – located just south of the Ridge Street shared user bridge – will close permanently. Motorists will no longer be able to cross from the inner freeway lanes to the outer lanes to avoid entering the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
  • Drivers travelling from further north, including the Gore Hill Freeway and Lane Cove Tunnel, will need to select either the Sydney Harbour Bridge or Sydney Harbour Tunnel lanes around 1km earlier in their journey. The final decision point is located just after the Miller Street overpass, adjacent to the Western Harbour Tunnel portal.
  • Over-height (greater than 4.4 metres) and dangerous goods vehicles must keep left before reaching the Miller Street bridge, as these vehicles cannot use the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. They must not use Ernest Street on-ramp and must use Falcon Street or Miller Street on ramps to join the freeway for Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill Expressway.
  • The reversible lane south of Miller Street will continue to operate during the weekday morning peak, approximately 5:30am to 9:30am, providing an additional southbound lane to the Sydney Harbour Bridge. This lane can be accessed from the right most lane just after Miller Street and is supported by digital signage.

For the latest traffic updates or to plan your journey, call 132 701, visit livetraffic.com, or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

For driver animation videos and further information go to: Warringah Freeway Upgrade

Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said:

“This is a major step forward as we continue the phased opening of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade.

“These changes will simplify this key corridor, delivering safer journeys for the 250,000 motorists who use this corridor daily.

“These changes remove cars from the entire stretch of the southbound bus lane, eliminating the weaving movements that slowed buses down, delivering a smoother, safer, more efficient journey for the 150,000 bus passengers who travel along the Warringah Freeway.

“But I want to be clear, these changes will mean the journey will look a little different for drivers, particularly around how they access the bridge, the tunnel and the city.

“Some familiar routes will no longer be available, and motorists will need to plan ahead and choose their route earlier than they may be used to.

“That’s why we’re asking all drivers to pay close attention to signage, allow extra travel time, and be patient as everyone adapts to the new layout.

“Our focus is on getting more people where they need to go, safely and efficiently, and this is an important step in making that happen.”

Transport for NSW Coordinator General, Howard Collins, said:

“Any driver who will be using the Warringah Freeway city bound after the weekend may face changes to their journey. It is critical drivers understand the changes, which is why we have released a series of practical driver-view animations and moving maps to show motorists the changes.

“Drivers will need to make earlier decisions about whether they’re heading for the bridge or the tunnel and some who use Ernest Street and Falcon Street/Military Road will have access to the bridge or tunnel changed with the final decision point now just after the Miller Street overpass.

“It is particularly important that overheight trucks, or trucks carrying dangerous goods, do not get into lanes for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

“Overheight truck drivers must not use Ernest St southbound on-ramp which will only allow access to the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. For those travelling from further north, they must stay in the left lanes after West Street to head towards the bridge and avoid travelling to the tunnel.

“Road users know their regular journeys unconsciously, but we urge them to break internal mapping habits and get to know their journey ahead of time. This will help reduce last minute lane changes and congestion.

“Some GPS apps and devices, may take some time to update.

“Tolls are the same whether you’re crossing the harbour via Sydney Harbour Tunnel, Sydney Harbour Bridge or Cahill Expressway. So, if you do accidentally end up crossing the wrong way, this won’t change for you.

“We know that the changes may take some getting used to but we’re asking drivers to plan ahead, be patient as they adjust to the new layout and take extra care while travelling through the area.”

Busy storm season wraps up as SES continues to boost capabilities with new flood rescue vehicles

Preparations are already underway for future severe weather events as a busy storm season comes to an end, with State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers responding to more than 23,000 calls and 1,500 flood related incidents.  

With the weather outlook predicted to be relatively stable for the coming months, including below average rainfall forecast for May, preparations continue to ensure NSW remains ready for storms and rainy weather.

Storm seasons traditionally extend between September to April when the frequency of severe thunderstorms, strong winds and heavy rainfall increases.

As weather seasons become less predictable, the Minns Labor Government has urged communities to always be prepared for unsettled weather.

In readiness, disaster response and recovery operations across the state are being bolstered as the SES delivers 11 new specialised High Clearance Vehicles (HCV), a combined investment of more than $11 million.

The addition of these new High Clearance Vehicles brings the total number in the NSW SES to 20, more than doubling the fleet of vehicles available to help volunteers access isolated communities and perform critical rescues during flooding.

This boost to the fleet is part of the NSW Government’s ongoing investment in the NSW SES, providing volunteers with the equipment they need to keep communities safe.

Today the new vehicles were at Revesby Beach for final preparations before being dispatched to their new homes across the State. This financial year, the Government has delivered 131 new fleet assets to the SES including 44 new vehicles, 23 vessels and 64 trailers.

High Clearance Vehicles are designed to operate in extreme off-road conditions and through floodwaters up to 1.2 metres deep, enabling SES crews to complete rescues, deliver essential supplies and support other emergency services in remote and hard-to-reach locations.

As one of the most advanced flood operations vehicles in Australia, the new vehicles enhance crew protection and safety for rescued persons with a fitted canopy and side seating, while protecting equipment in harsh environments with sealed and pressurised underbody storage. They also increase operational safety and visibility with a significantly upgraded scene lighting package.

Some of the new vehicles also have the capability to carry and load heavy supplies or equipment using an integrated crane, which will strengthen resupply and recovery missions.

This storm season, NSW SES responded to more than 1,500 flood-related incidents, with many requiring vehicles that can get through deep water and reach people in remote or cut-off areas.

The HCV vehicles are being delivered to multiple flood and storm hotspots across the state including Broken Hill, Coffs Harbour, Dubbo, Forbes, Goulburn, Ku-ring-gai, Mid North Coast, Moruya, Murwillumbah, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, and can be deployed out of area during severe weather events.

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said:

“I would like to thank our NSW SES volunteers for their dedicated efforts this storm season, and the community for heeding the advice of emergency services.

“The work doesn’t end here for the SES and this multimillion-dollar investment by the Government ensures volunteers are equipped with purpose-built fleet to keep communities safe all year round.

“These 11 new high clearance vehicles will make a significant difference to communities across NSW and by placing them in key locations we can pre-deploy them or respond quickly during storms to bring rapid help when people need it most.

“I know they will make a real difference protecting communities and supporting our volunteers.”

NSW SES Commissioner Mike Wassing AFSM said:

“This investment brings our total number of High Clearance Vehicles to 20 and represents a significant step forward in our flood and disaster response capability.”

“We’ve worked closely with our volunteers and technical experts to ensure these designs meet the realities of field operations and the unique challenges we face here in NSW.

“Whether it’s wading through more than a metre of floodwater, navigating fire trails, or delivering supplies to residents cut off by floodwaters, this new fleet means that help will arrive faster when communities need it most.”