Indexation is not an increase’: welfare recipients react to Centrelink rise

Today people relying on poverty-level Centrelink payments will receive an insulting “increase” due to legislated indexation, a mechanism used to calculate new payment rates based on past CPI changes.

As the government celebrates its generosity for delivering on legislated requirements, the cold reality is that the maximum that will land in our bank accounts is a pittance that leaves us further behind*:

  • the JobSeeker payment will change by $7.55 to $408.75 a week
  • Parenting Payment will change by $9.80 to $533.15 a week
  • the Disability Support Pension will change by $11.10 to $600.45 a week
  • Commonwealth Rent Assistance will change by $2 to $109.70 a week for people who live alone. CRA for people in share houses will change by $1.34 to $73.14 a week.

Poor people are utterly exhausted by 4 years of Albanese government “no-one left behind” rhetoric and boasting about so-called “increases” to Centrelink payments. In reality, legislated indexation lags behind inflation and does not reflect the real increase in living costs for many people in poverty.

Over the same period, we have suffered relentless price hikes across every essential item, from housing costs to energy bills, transport to groceries. For example, energy bills increased 22 per cent in the past 2 years, while the Albanese government handed over $5 billion in subsidies to price gouging energy companies whose profits soared. In the past two years, indexation has seen the JobSeeker payment change from $385 to $409 a week – or about 6 per cent.

Indexation is not an increase.

As the flow on effect of war bleeds through the economy and the RBA continues to punish people for reasons beyond our control, action must be taken to stop companies profiteering from crisis at the community’s expense.

The Antipoverty Centre is calling on the government to:

  • Increase all Centrelink payments to at least the Henderson poverty line and work with welfare recipients to understand what payment rates should be for us to live a decent life.
  • Directly invest in buying and building high quality public homes, and upgrades for neglected housing stock.
  • Abolish negative gearing for property investors and capital gains tax discounts.

Tax breaks for the wealthy should be dealt with at this budget, but more must be done to reverse out-of-control inequality and fund essential supports that address high living costs and benefit us all such as public healthcare, housing, education and welfare.

Antipoverty Centre spokesperson Jay Coonan said:

Time and again this prime minister has failed to rise to the occasion. What does he want to be remembered for?

People are hurting a lot right now and what we need is to have some faith restored.

We need the government to stop hiding behind powerful lobby groups and muttering about consensus, while concentrating all the power and decision making in the hands of a tiny few who choose timidity over ambition.

If the prime minister doesn’t have the courage to help people out in our time of need he will only fuel more division and resentment.

The community is crying out for bold changes that will reduce inequality and the damage done by high living costs. No more corporate subsidies, no more tightly targeted policies, no more kicking the can down the road.

The things we are asking for are not as complicated as politicians want us to believe: increase Centrelink payments to ensure we can all live a decent life, invest in public housing to bring down housing costs for everyone, and abolish the tax breaks that go to people who profit from the rest of us suffering.

Crisis support and counselling services

If you need support you can seek guidance, counselling or crisis help from the below organisations or talk to someone you trust.

Appeal to locate teenage boy missing from Mayfield

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenage boy missing from the state’s north.

Eli Tomaszewski, aged 13, was last seen on Nile Street, Mayfield, about 8.30pm on Tuesday 17 March 2026.

When he was unable to be located, officers attached to Port Stephens Hunter Police District were notified yesterday (Thursday 19 March 2026), and commenced inquiries into his whereabouts.

There are concerns for Eli’s welfare due to his young age.

Eli is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, of thin build, with brown hair, and brown eyes.

He was last seen wearing a maroon shirt, black denim shorts and blue Nike shoes.

Eli is known to frequent the Raymond Terrace area.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to contact Raymond Terrace police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Train manufacturing jobs coming back to the Hunter

Almost 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the Minns Labor Government establishing two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff. 

This investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter, rebuilding the train manufacturing workforce after the former Liberal-National Government ended passenger train manufacturing in the region in 2013 and prioritised overseas manufacturers. 

The $447 million Tangara Life Extension program will extend the life of 55 eight-carriage trains by over a decade by replacing internal cladding, the computer operating system, installing more accessible emergency help points, emergency door release, passenger visual displays, upgrades to the passenger address system and CCTV.

The two new production lines in the Hunter, in addition to the existing three lines at Auburn and Flemington, will increase the pace of train upgrades from 12 per year to 20. This increased capacity means more upgraded Tangara trains will be on the network sooner.

The 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter brings the total number of jobs on the Tangara Life Extension program to 320. 200 people including apprentices are already working on the program at Auburn and Flemington. 

This investment in local skills will help develop the workforce that will build the new Tangara fleet in NSW, which will begin procurement by 2027 and meet the 50 per cent local manufacturing target as part of the Future Fleet Program.

The life extension program is part of the Government’s focus on improving rail reliability in response to the Independent Rail Review.

The Tangaras are some of the oldest rolling stocks and refurbished carriages will help to reduce maintenance faults. 

To date, four Tangara trains are undergoing upgrades with the first train now in the network undergoing dynamic testing activities before it re-enters service on the network.

Tangara vision and historic images can be downloaded HERE.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“I lived in Newcastle when it was a proud train building city. We’re now bringing train manufacturing jobs back to the Hunter, the home of the original Tangara fleet.

“The former government sent Hunter jobs offshore because of their obsession with buying trains overseas. Anywhere but NSW, that was their policy on transport manufacturing jobs.

“This investment accelerates the life extension of our Tangara fleet while creating real jobs and skills development in the Hunter region.

Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said:

“The people of Newcastle built these trains more than 35 years ago, and it’s only right that the Hunter is once again at the heart of this work. We’re truly a proud train manufacturing town.

“But this is about more than upgrading trains. It’s about creating secure jobs, training apprentices and giving local families confidence that opportunity exists right here in our region.

“We’re backing Hunter workers and making sure the skills and industries that built this region continue to thrive into the future.”

Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:

“Almost 40 years after the Tangara trains were first built in Newcastle, it is fantastic to see this work returning to the Hunter.

“This is what rebuilding public transport capability in NSW looks like – more skilled jobs in the Hunter, more apprenticeships and more work being done here at home.

“After years of offshoring and neglect, we are rebuilding the workforce and capability NSW needs for the future.”

Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos said:

“This is a key step as we rebuild our domestic manufacturing capability and turn around 12 years of offshoring by the previous Liberal-National Government.

“We know that for every one job in manufacturing there are a further 3.5 in the supply chain, and that’s why we want our procurement dollars creating jobs here in NSW.

“We want to better leverage our precious procurement dollars through projects like this so we can maximise our support for workers and industries here in NSW, not on the other side of the world.”

Member for Wallsend Sonia Hornery said: 

“The two lines to be added to this facility are also adding new jobs and apprenticeships, offering great opportunities for locals. 

“There will be cost savings associated with the acceleration of the program of work and by opening up these additional lines, the project will be finished sooner than previously forecast. 

“That means the benefits of this initiative will be felt far beyond Wallsend.” 

Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said:

“The Tangara Life Extension Program is the most comprehensive refurbishment of its kind ever undertaken by Sydney Trains.

“Our teams in Sydney and soon, in the Hunter are carrying out critical system upgrades, modernising on‑board technologies and improving safety and accessibility features to bring these trains in line with contemporary standards.”

Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2)

Today we will host New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters MP and Defence Minister Judith Collins KC MP for our annual Australia-New Zealand Foreign and Defence Ministerial Consultations (ANZMIN 2+2) in Canberra.

These dialogues are an opportunity to shape our cooperation to respond to the demands of our region, including how we strengthen our Alliance.

Australia and New Zealand have a uniquely close bond and are working together across a range of foreign affairs, defence, economic and cultural interests.

In the face of growing strategic challenges, working in partnership with New Zealand to strengthen regional stability and energy security has never been more important. 

In addition to the 2+2 meeting, the Australia-New Zealand Defence Ministers’ Meeting and Foreign Ministers’ Consultations will also be held in Canberra.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Collins will also visit the Australian War Memorial in recognition of our enduring ANZAC spirit.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence Richard Marles:

“Australia and New Zealand are fundamentally aligned across the challenges we face and are working together to advance our shared interests and those of our region.

“We are strengthening our defence partnership to become an increasingly integrated Anzac force in support of our shared interests and our common values.

“I look forward to discussing how we can further strengthen our defence and security Alliance.”

Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Australia and New Zealand’s relationship is built upon generations of deep friendship, democratic values and a common outlook as Pacific countries.

“The trans-Tasman relationship is more important than ever as we work with our Pacific neighbours to respond to global developments and create a more peaceful, stable and prosperous region.

“We extend a warm welcome to our Kiwi counterparts – I look forward to discussing how we can deepen our cooperation to advance our shared interests and those of our region.”
 

Greens Motion to Bring Funding and Certainty for Community Services

Greens MLA Laura Nuttall will today move a motion calling for a $20 million annual funding increase and greater funding security to community organisations that provide essential services to the Canberra community.  

 “Everyone knows that we’re in a cost of living crisis, but right now the government is failing to support the organisations who help those most in need”, said Miss Nuttall. 

“So many Canberrans are struggling and need help, and the government leaves it to the community sector to provide this support. But right now this sector simply doesn’t get the funding or funding security they need. 

“Organisations which provide things like food relief, mental health and homelessness support, family, domestic and sexual violence crisis services and services run by and for women, LGBTIQA+ folks, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with a disability are supporting more Canberrans who are increasingly dealing with more complex issues.

“But right now, they’re forced to do so with insufficient funding, meaning they often have to choose which key services to cut.

“Too often, community groups are also held back by a lack of funding security. We’ve heard genuine fear from community organisations who don’t know if their contracts will be renewed until the last possible minute. 

“Systemic underfunding also has a brutal impact on the workers, who pour their heart and soul into helping people at the toughest point in their lives, and do so without the pay and protections of their peers in the public sector.

“That’s why my motion calls on the government to seriously consider providing a $20 million funding boost to the sector every year over the forward estimates. It calls on the government to account for the real costs of delivering these services, to ensure decisions on funding renewal are made at least 6 months in advance, to seek parity between community and public sector workers’ protections  and to make sure the community sectors’ buildings are climate-resilient and disaster-proof. 

“While many see Canberra as a wealthy city, the reality is that many are only one missed paycheck or rent or interest hike away from needing to rely on the community sector for help.” 

Greens set the benchmark for future climate strategy as Labor agrees to key asks

The Greens have secured support across the Legislative Assembly to ensure the next climate change strategy is fit-for-purpose, and to increase funding in the next budget for environment groups in the territory.

On Tuesday afternoon the Greens also won support to ensure that Canberrans who would struggle to afford the shift to renewable energy will not be left behind, making this a leading priority in the territory’s ongoing transition to clean power.

Leader of the ACT Greens, Shane Rattenbury:

“Over the past year, Labor has dragged its feet on delivering a credible strategy to cut emissions in the territory. Thanks to the Greens, we now have the clearest picture yet of what the next climate strategy will actually include, and it sets a much higher bar.

“But Labor saying they’ll do it is one thing, delivering on promises is another entirely, and Canberra deserves action, not just words.

“The ball is now firmly in Labor’s court.

“The Greens have given them a nudge, and secured agreement that supporting environmental groups and helping Canberrans who can least afford the transition will be considered in the next budget and climate strategy.

“We want them to listen to what the community has been asking for and consider their duty of care to future generations, and their enabling of fossil fuel companies to quietly buy social licence with sponsorships and advertising.

“The Greens have now set the bar Labor has to reach to show if they’re serious about real climate action. Canberrans are counting on us to push for a clean, fair future, and the Greens are not backing down.

“The motion that passed today also emphasises the need for Labor to make sure the next phase of climate action is not a challenge for individuals alone.

“Governments and industry need to fix big systems to make it easy for our community to cut emissions and live a good life amid climate change impacts.

“That means tackling one of our biggest sources of emissions – transport – by accelerating the shift away from petrol cars, expanding electric vehicle charging, and making it easier for people to get around by public transport, walking and cycling.

“It also means planning properly for the phase-out of fossil fuel gas, investing in climate adaptation and disaster readiness, and being honest about the ACT’s broader climate footprint, including all the indirect causes of polluting greenhouse gas emissions.”

Chalmers’ inflation denial has turned the trajectory to higher interest rates

“Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ active inflation agenda has ensured that the trajectory of interest rates is upwards while the rest of the world is headed downwards”, said Shadow Treasurer, Tim Wilson today.

Mr Wilson’s comments follow the announcement of the Reserve Bank of Australia today to increase rates by a quarter of a percent from 3.85 per cent to 4.1 per cent.

“Twelve months ago the Treasurer said Australia had turned the corner on inflation and interest rates, but ABS data shows that the Treasurer doesn’t understand that by pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire he is stoking it”, Mr Wilson said.

“The Treasurer will blame international factors, but Australia’s inflation problem was reported in the December data from Canberra, not March in Tehran”.

“Jim Chalmers’ job was to put out the inflation fire, by keeping it alight it means Australia will be doubly hurt”.

“Australians are living the consequences of the Treasurer’s inflation denial. When Australians pay their mortgage or go to the supermarket, they feel the consequences of Jim Chalmers’ active inflation agenda whether he acknowledges it or not”.

“The rest of the developed world has experienced declines in inflation and interest rates, Australia is a standout in having rates rising before the outbreak of the Iranian conflict”.

“Under Jim Chalmers, living standards have gone backwards, uniquely in the developed world. And with inflation outstripping wages, and costs continuing to rise Australians don’t have to ask if they’re getting poorer – they’re living it”.

“With the Federal Budget less than two months away, Australians are getting poorer and the only response from Jim Chalmers is inflation, higher interest rates and new taxes”.

“Australians desperately need hope, and that will only come with a change of government that stops pouring debt petrol on the inflation fire”, Mr Wilson said.

$3000 fines for cab drivers who rip off passengers with disability

Taxi drivers who refuse to accept travel subsidy dockets and cards from passengers with disability or rip off passengers who use a wheelchair face $3000 fines as part of a series of new measures to enhance transport accessibility.

A longstanding loophole has meant taxi drivers who refuse to accept payment under the NSW Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme have faced no penalty.

They will now be fined $3000 for knocking back paper dockets or smartcards under the scheme which provides a 50% subsidy up to $60 per trip to people who aren’t able to use the public transport system.

The Minns Labor Government has been concerned at reports of cab drivers refusing to accept payment under the scheme – and even leaving passengers on the side of the road after disputes over payment.

Some drivers have claimed their taxi is not equipped to take payment under the scheme, but these reforms will compel all taxi service providers to ensure all drivers in NSW are set up to meet the requirements of the scheme.

To protect interstate travelers, the fines will also apply to NSW drivers refusing subsidies from interstate schemes.

The fine for taxi drivers who start the meter before a passenger in a wheelchair is safely secured in the vehicle is being increased from $300 to $3000.

This underhanded tactic has inflated the final fare on numerous passengers who use wheelchairs, costing them and NSW taxpayers.

The Minns Labor Government has tightened penalties and introduced a number of passenger-friendly reforms, including:

  • Introducing a disqualifying offence for drivers convicted of two or more refusals of a passenger travelling with an assistance animal or assistance animal in training.
  • Tripling the fine for those animal refusal offences to $3000.
  • Tripling fines to $3000 for first fare-related offences around overcharging, refusing fares and refusing to use a meter.
  • Introducing a $60 flat fare from Sydney Airport to the CBD to eradicate rip-offs that blight the experience of visitors and tourists.
  • More than $1 million in fines have been issued by the Point to Point Commissioner to drivers over the past two years.

The NSW Government has also approved the extension of NSW incentives to ACT-based wheelchair accessible taxi operators when serving Queanbeyan residents.

Queanbeyan residents who use wheelchairs rely on ACT-based accessible services but are not prioritised, because those taxi operators are not eligible for incentives under the NSW Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Disability Insurance Scheme.

Transport for NSW and the Point to Point Transport Commissioner are now working to provide access to the scheme for ACT taxi operators to ensure they’re fairly incentivised and compensated for providing their services to Queanbeyan residents.

FARE FACTS

  • The Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme was introduced in 1981.
  • Provides a 50% subsidy of the total metered fare to a maximum of $60 per trip for approved passengers with disability.
  • 93% per cent of trips are paid for by TTSS smartcard.
  • Payment by smartcard is made via the Cabcharge terminal, as it provides compliance and trip information to Transport for NSW.

Minister for Transport, John Graham said:

“People with disability have every right to lead their lives fully and the Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme helps ensure they can do so.

“To hear stories of people being refused service by taxi drivers, or meter rip offs against wheelchair-bound passengers, is infuriating.

“These $3000 fines make clear our zero-tolerance for taxi drivers who take advantage of any passenger, disabled or not.

“The majority of cab drivers do the right thing every time and I want to thank them for that, but we will continue to pursue the bad apples in the industry.”

Minister for Disability Inclusion Kate Washington said:

“People with disability are entitled to the dignity of catching a taxi without having to worry about whether legitimate payments will be disputed, or whether they’ll be ripped off or left stranded.

“Taxis play an important role in making our communities more accessible, getting people with disability get to work, visit friends or play sport, so it must be dependable.

“We are increasing these fines to send a clear message to the small number of taxi drivers who are doing the wrong thing, this kind of discrimination will cost you – so cut it out.”  

Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:

“For many people with disability, particularly in regional areas, taxis aren’t a convenience – they are essential.

“This reform closes a loophole that should never have existed. If you operate a taxi in New South Wales, you must be equipped to accept Taxi Transport Subsidy Scheme payments.

“Starting the meter before a wheelchair user is safely secured is an underhanded tactic that exploits vulnerable passengers and costs taxpayers. Tripling the fine to $3000 sends a very clear message: that behaviour will not be tolerated.

“We know that the overwhelming majority of drivers do the right thing, and they deserve credit for the professional service they provide every day. But those who refuse fares, refuse TTSS payments, or attempt to overcharge will face serious consequences.”

Point to Point Transport Commissioner, Anthony Wing said:

“Passengers who rely on wheelchair-accessible taxis must be able to travel with confidence, and that begins with drivers meeting their obligations.”

“These strengthened penalties make it clear that refusing a valid TTSS payment or starting the meter before a wheelchair user is safely secured is unacceptable. These actions cause real harm to people who already face barriers in their daily travel, and we will act where obligations are not met.”

“The majority of drivers provide safe and professional service every day, and I thank them for that. Our focus is on the small number who choose not to comply with the law, and we will continue to take firm enforcement action to protect passengers.”

NSW Taxi Council Chief Executive, Nick Abrahim said:

“Taxis play a vital role in transporting passengers with disability. In many cases, these passengers may not have any other alternative transport options for getting around.

“Whilst we are grateful for the majority of drivers who go above and beyond to look after our most vulnerable passengers, we must ensure that those individuals who choose to do the wrong thing are identified and dealt with by the full force of the law.

“The increase in penalties sends a strong message to those choosing to do the wrong thing and we will continue to work with Government and the Disability sector to ensure that people with a Disability have access to a safe, reliable and affordable transport experience.”

The Minns Labor Government works with industry to introduce facial recognition code to reduce gambling harm

The Minns Labor Government is continuing to work with industry to develop new harm minimisation measures to combat high risk gambling.

The government is launching a landmark guide for the use of facial recognition in pubs and clubs which sets out minimum expectations for industry should venues voluntarily operate facial recognition technology.

The code of practice has been developed to provide guidance to hotels and clubs with gaming machines which are already using this technology and prepare industry for future changes to gaming legislation to mandate the use of facial recognition in venues, once the statewide exclusion register is operating.

The implementation of facial recognition technology aims to minimise gambling harm and prevent money laundering, by enforcing statewide exclusions in NSW hotels and clubs.

Given the sensitivity of the biometric data that facial recognition technology collects, the code is a critical guide for industry. The Minister for Gaming & Racing has approved the code of practice under section 48 of the Gaming Machines Act 2001.

The code was developed following a full consultation with a wide range of stakeholders including advocates and experts in the fields of gambling and health, government, the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, the NSW Privacy Commissioner, industry, businesses and facial recognition service providers.

The government is committed to continuing to work in collaboration with industry and other stakeholders to ensure the appropriate facial recognition technology and practices are implemented along with ensuring hotels and clubs can satisfy all requirements in the code. 

The code can be found on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/business-and-economy/liquor-and-gaming/resources/facial-recognition-technology-hotels-and-clubs

The government is pursuing an evidence-based approach to addressing gambling harm, including:

  • Removing outdated exemptions that enabled hundreds of pubs and clubs to operate gaming machines during standard shutdown hours, with over 600 venues required to shut down all gaming machines between 4am to 10am each day by the 31 March 2026 deadline
  • Reducing the cash input limit from $5,000 to $500 for all new gaming machines
  • Reducing the state-wide cap on gaming machine entitlements, so that every year the number of gaming machines reduces based on forfeiture rates
  • Banning political donations from clubs with electronic gaming machines
  • Banning external gaming-related signage and internal gaming-related signage that can be seen from outside the venue
  • Introducing Responsible Gambling Officers in venues with more than 20 gaming machine entitlements and mandating that extra Responsible Gambling Officers be on duty in venues after midnight
  • Mandating that all venues with gaming machines must keep a Gaming Plan of Management and a Gambling Incident Register
  • Banning gambling advertising on public transport and the ferries and terminals people catch it from. 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said:

“I’m pleased to launch a NSW-first code of practice for venues operating facial recognition technology to help pubs and clubs negotiate the complex landscape to best support the identification of excluded patrons.

“The Minns Labor Government takes gambling harm minimisation seriously and while the Coalition sat on their hands during their 12 years in government, we are continuing to work with industry to develop new and innovative measures to minimise patrons’ harm.

“We will continue to deliver evidence-based reforms to ensure we are striking the balance of addressing gambling harm while supporting an industry that contributes billions to the NSW economy and employs more than 150,000 people.”

Cyclone recovery works completed at Belongil Beach

NSW Government-funded cyclone repair works at Belongil Beach have been completed, with a vital access point used by emergency services in the region restored

Crown Lands provided an emergency grant of $50,000 to Byron Shire Council after damage caused by Cyclone Alfred left Belongil Beach’s vehicle ramp unusable.

Heavy seas, large swells, and strong onshore winds caused erosion in March 2025, undermining the ramp’s foundations by dislodging rocks and removing sand, as well as damaging a safety rail.

A 2.5 km stretch of coastline just north of the Byron Bay town centre, Belongil Beach is popular among both locals and tourists for surfing, swimming, and snorkelling. The beach is noted for its strong rip currents and occasional shark activity, making emergency access vital.

Ambulances, police cars, and lifeguards rely on the ramp to access the beach, which extends northwest from the seawall at Byron Bay’s Main Beach car park up to the mouth of Belongil Creek.

Emergency services now have access restored after the ramp was extended to meet the beach, and its foundations were strengthened by adding sand and backfilling rocks for wave protection.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Infrastructure like the emergency vehicle ramp at Belongil Beach is vital to ensure the safety of the local community and the many tourists who visit Byron Bay throughout the year.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on building better communities including supporting those impacted by extreme weather events such as storms, floods, and bushfires.”

Minister for Recovery and Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

“This project is a testament to what we can achieve when state and local governments collaborate to build back better.

“Belongil Beach is a jewel of the North Coast, and this work ensures that our emergency services have the robust, reliable infrastructure they need to respond rapidly to extreme weather.

“Recovery isn’t just about putting things back the way they were, it’s about making sure our communities are more resilient than they were before. By reinforcing this vital access point, we aren’t just fixing a ramp—we are protecting the lives of locals and visitors alike.”

Labor Spokesperson for Ballina Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“Restoring access at Belongil Beach is a practical but critical step in keeping people safe on our coastline. Whether it’s lifeguards, paramedics or police, emergency services need to be able to reach people quickly when it matters most.”

“This investment ensures that both the local community and the many visitors to Byron Bay can continue to enjoy the beach knowing that support is there when it’s needed.”

Byron Shire Mayor Sarah Ndiaye said:

“Belongil Beach is one of the most loved and visited stretches of coastline in New South Wales and maintaining safe, reliable access following storm events is critical for our community and visitors alike.

“Storms are a natural part of our coastal environment but they significantly impact how people connect with and enjoy the beach.

“The reinstatement of access at Belongil ensures locals and visitors can once again safely experience this beautiful place and we thank the NSW Government for its continued support.”