Latest news with #JennyAitchison
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Major change to speed cameras in one state
Drivers across one Aussie state will be forced to exercise further caution while driving on two major stretches of highway after state-government approved changes to speed camera functions come into effect on Tuesday. The NSW Minns Labor Government announced on Monday both light and heavy vehicles would receive penalties for speeding at two sites on two major NSW highways as part of a trial which has expanded the ability for standard traffic cameras to ping speeding light vehicles for the first time. Standard speed cameras will now be able to penalise light vehicle drivers for the first time in state history. NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia Until recently, 'average speed' cameras have only been used in NSW to detect the speeds of heavy vehicles like buses and semi-trailers, but this will expand on Tuesday to fall in line with the procedures of every other state and territory and include small vehicles like cars and bikes. The trial cameras are located on the Pacific and Hume highways in regional NSW, which disproportionately bears two thirds of the state road toll despite being home to a third of the population. Trial sites for average speed cameras have been set up on the Pacific and Hume Highways. Both sites extend capabilities for speed cameras to detect speeds of both heavy and light vehicles. NSW Government Credit: Supplied In the first week of the two month 'warning period' in which drivers would be formally cautioned rather than fined, one in every 122 cars and motorbikes were detected speeding on the Pacific and Hume Highways. Drivers were still fined occasionally during this period, but only if they were caught exceeding the speed limit by over 30km/hr. By the end of the seventh week, there was a notable increase in improved behaviour, with recorded speeding light vehicles dropping to one in every 235 on the Pacific Highway and one in every 194 on the Hume. Standard highway speed cameras in NSW have historically only penalised heavy vehicles for road misconduct. NCA NewsWire / Jeremy Piper Credit: News Corp Australia Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the severity of the road toll has been – and remains – a major point of focus for the Minns Labor Government. 'Speeding contributes to around 42 per cent of road fatalities every year and so far this year, speeding has contributed to 33 per cent of all road fatalities. That's 59 lives lost due to dangerous driving, just this year,' Ms Aitchison said. NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison speaks during Question Time at New South Wales Parliament House, in Sydney. NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard Credit: News Corp Australia 'Last year we committed to investigate ways to lower road trauma at our Road Safety Forum, including trialling the use of average speed cameras for light vehicles.' 'NSW is the only jurisdiction that has limited the use of average speed cameras to heavy vehicles, creating confusion across border communities and establishing a different standard for drivers.' The trial will continue for another 12 months, and all drivers caught speeding at the test locations will receive penalties during that period. Transport NSW keeps a running tally of annual road fatalities, which as of June 30 2025 is 182 – almost 30 more than the same time last year.
The Advertiser
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Game changer': $35m funding for the duplication of Thornton Bridge
The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community." The duplication of Thornton Bridge, one of the Hunter's worst bottlenecks, has moved a step closer with an allocation of $35 million to the project. The state government is also moving ahead with work to build a westbound overpass at Maitland Station following the federal government's recent $100 million funding commitment. The Thornton Bridge duplication funding, to be announced in the state budget, builds on the existing $15 million investment to kickstart planning work. An estimated 7000 new residents are expected to move into the area over the next 20 years. When delivered, the bridge duplication will ease congestion and expand access to Thornton Road, an essential flood-free route for local residents during natural disasters. Transport for NSW is carrying out early works, including surveying the road surface of Thornton Road and Railway Avenue between Huntingdale Drive and Glenroy Street. The work will help with designs for the project. The former Coalition government removed the cap on development north of Thornton Bridge, however it failed to invest any funds in upgrading the bridge. "This is a fast-growing community that needs new and improved road links to bust congestion and improve safety," Minister for Roads and Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison said. "Peak hour congestion around Thornton Bridge is so bad it is like a massive car park. This will be a game changer for the community, connecting people to home, work and essential services. The state government has also added the federal government's recent $100 million commitment to deliver a westbound overpass at Maitland Station into its forward program of road projects. Transport for NSW recently completed early investigation work, so construction can begin quickly when design scoping is complete and construction contracts are signed. The two projects add to a list improvements to major road projects in the Hunter Region in recent years including the Singleton bypass, the Muswellbrook bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass, upgrades to the New England Highway and Golden Highway, the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway to Raymond Terrace and the widening of Hexham Straight. NSW Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the Hunter was one of the state's most desirable places to live, work and play and required smart, future-ready infrastructure to cater for the demand. "We're focused on the essentials like safer roads, stronger bridges and upgraded intersections that locals use every single day - cutting congestion, boosting safety and making life easier for everyone," she said. "We're already delivering major projects like the Singleton Bypass, the Muswellbrook Bypass, the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace - and this is just another step forward in getting it done for our communities." Federal Paterson Meryl Swanson MP said the Maitland westbound overpass project would improve safety, reduce congestion, and make travel easier for families and businesses. "It will be a game-changer for daily commuters, finishing what was left incomplete and give Maitland the infrastructure it deserves," she said. "This is about the safe travel of local residents, businesses, and tourists and maintaining vital links in our community."
The Advertiser
16-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Prepare for lift off: airport city scores $800m pledge
An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure. The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June. Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city. Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday. Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure. The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney. The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive. "The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday. "Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later. "We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services." Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow. "We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said. The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year. The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts. NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December. An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure. The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June. Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city. Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday. Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure. The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney. The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive. "The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday. "Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later. "We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services." Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow. "We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said. The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year. The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts. NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December. An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure. The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June. Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city. Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday. Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure. The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney. The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive. "The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday. "Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later. "We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services." Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow. "We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said. The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year. The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts. NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December. An "airport city" projected to soar sky high as an urban model for other Australian centres to follow is getting a major cash injection for infrastructure. The aerotropolis precinct near the under-construction Western Sydney International Airport will receive $835 million in support as part of the NSW budget, to be delivered later in June. Some $30 million will go solely to ensuring road signs across the state capital can direct road users to the billion-dollar airport city. Sydney Water will also invest $644 million to deliver stormwater and recycled water infrastructure across the Mamre Road precinct, northwest of the airport, the state government announced on Monday. Much of the site is farmland serviced only by local roads and basic infrastructure. The surrounding 11,200-hectare industrial and housing zone is designed to create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in western Sydney. The airport is scheduled to open in late 2026, but delays in building the hub around it has prompted NSW Premier Chris Minns to be proactive. "The reason we're making that investment is to learn the lessons of previous governments," he told reporters on Monday. "Communities came, the homes went in, the population massively increased, but essential infrastructure just was never built, or it came years later. "We're trying to get in early ... whether it's this upcoming budget or the previous two, in southwestern Sydney, you are seeing for the first time in a long time, an investment in essential services." Other funding includes $150 million for roads around the airport district for freight transport and to account for the city's expanding population. Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison also noted how western Sydney, housing nearly half of the city's 5.6 million residents, was promised a lot from politicians but delivery had been slow. "We know that western Sydney has been struggling for a decade or more to get the roads infrastructure that it needs," she said. The $5.3 billion international aviation hub will cater for up to five million passengers per year. The area will also be fitted out with a new fire station that will become the largest in western Sydney, with $42 million to be spent on the Badgerys Creek facility and more than 50 extra firefighters. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey was upbeat about the budget on Sunday, saying it would show real wages growing and a recovery in disposable incomes after recent interest rate cuts. NSW was forecast to record a $5 billion budget deficit in 2024/25 amid sluggish home sales and fast-growing cost of insurance for state employees, according to a mid-year update delivered in December.
Daily Telegraph
15-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Telegraph
NSW Budget: $835m for Aerotropolis infrastructure
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News. The biggest fire station in Western Sydney, upgraded roads and new stormwater infrastructure will be major headline acts in next week's NSW Budget, as the Minns government injects more than $835 million into infrastructure in the Aerotropolis to support the new Western Sydney Airport. The investment package will include more than $150 million for upgrades to local roads across the Aerotropolis. More than 1000 green direction signs will be installed across Sydney to direct traffic to the area, along with new traffic lights and signals at the Elizabeth Drive and Luddenham Road intersection. The money will also go to planning three key routes along Devonshire Road, Devonshire Link Road and the Bradfield Metro Link Road. The new money will bring the total allocated in the upcoming budget to Aerotropolis road projects over four years to $2.7 billion, which is jointly funded with the Federal government. Renders of the new Badgerys Creek fire station. Picture: supplied Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said the new road funding focused on the 'must-have priorities' to get the road network ready for the opening of the new airport. 'New and widened roads, intersections, safety upgrades – that will bust congestion in this growing area,' she said. The budget will also include $42.2 million to finish the Badgerys Creek fire station, which will be constructed on Adams Road in Luddenham, and will be the largest in Western Sydney when complete. The funding brings the total cost of the station to $57.6 million, including the recruiting of 52 new firefighters for the 24 hour station. The now completed Western Sydney International Airport Terminal. Picture: NewsWire Handout via WSIA Fire and Rescue NSW commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said the position of the new station is designed to allow crews to easily respond to fires at the new airport when it opens towards the end of next year. 'The fire station's proximity to the airport means it can immediately respond and support aviation firefighters in any emergency,' he said. 'It's also a reflection of our ongoing commitment to firefighter wellbeing through modern design and safety-focused infrastructure.' Jeremy Fewtrell, the Fire and Rescue NSW Commissioner, said the position of the new station is designed to allow crews to easily respond to fires at the new airport when it opens towards the end of next year. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw Construction on the station will begin later this year, to be completed by the end of 2026. State-owned utility provider Sydney Water will also fund an additional $644 million in stormwater and recycled water infrastructure for the Aerotropolis, designed to service the 1,020-hectare Mamre Road industrial precinct, and kick-start water connections for 7,267 hectares of industrial land around the new Western Sydney Airport. Premier Chris Minns said enabling infrastructure in the Aerotropolis was critical. Photo: NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard The funding will prioritise the building of naturalised channels and waterways instead of concrete pipes and drains in the area. It will also fund land acquisition for the development of new wetlands for the purposes of stormwater capture and harvesting. The $644 million was largely funded by infrastructure contribution fees paid by property developers with projects on the Mamre Road precinct. Premier Chris Minns said funding the enabling infrastructure was critical to unlocking 'the full potential of the Aerotropolis'. 'With billions of dollars now committed, we're not just talking about building a new airport—we're creating a connected, thriving region that will deliver jobs, homes and opportunity for generations to come,' he said.
The Advertiser
24-05-2025
- Climate
- The Advertiser
Premier tours flood-ravaged Hunter region as disaster clean-up begins
Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated. Testers Hollow re-opened on Saturday, May 24, as the region recovers from historic flooding that has left residents cut off over the past three days. Areas around Gillieston Heights, which had been isolated when the water cut the roadway, were reconnected at the weekend, Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison said, but warned that the road to recovery was still ahead. SES deputy commissioner Daniel Austin said the service was tracking 148 ongoing emergency warnings across the Hunter Valley and Mid North Coast. Still, as skies cleared for the first time in days at the weekend, it was expected that number would diminish as the first stage of the multi-agency emergency response shifted to reconnecting isolated communities and returning evacuated residents to their homes. Premier Chris Minns said some 600 people had been rescued over the past three days, with SES crews tracking 864 incidents throughout the flood zone in the 24 hours to Saturday, 44 of which were flood rescues. Some 10,000 properties have been damaged, Mr Austin said, as 2400 volunteers and other emergency services work to assess the fallout. Ms Aitchison, the Maitland MP, said the state's road network had taken a beating in the weather, even as the recovery continued from the previous flooding disaster in 2022, but said parts of the M1 that had cut freight and transport were expected to be reconnected by 6pm Saturday. Areas about Maitland that had been isolated were gradually regaining road access. She urged residents to follow emergency services directions, avoid floodwaters, and follow transport directions as road crews work to clear the way. Premier Chris Minns said hardship grants would be made available for eligible residents displaced or impacted by the disaster, but it was unclear when applications would open. "When you have such a large number of people that are accessing this payment, we want it to be seamless," he said. "That takes a few days in terms of the technology and the system. It won't be long, but it is not today." As emergency services move toward clean-up operations across the disaster zone, Emergency Services Minister Jihad Dib said the number of incidents crews were responding to was gradually decreasing. "We are seeing the transition to the next stage, which is clean-up," he said. "We have seen inspired efforts today. "Last night, there was an Australian-first drop-off of medicine to a home that desperately needed it and had been cut off by the floods." "There were fodder drops in agricultural areas that have been affected." "We will be here for the long run. This is a strong, resilient community, and we'll stand shoulder-to-shoulder with them." The Williams and Paterson rivers were falling on Saturday, the Bureau of Meteorology said, as waters peaked at 0.66 metres at Belmont at Lake Macquarie about 7pm Friday night, May 23. Rivers fell below the minor flood level at Wollombi Brook, but major flooding continued downstream at Bulga. "River levels remain elevated along the Lower Hunter River, where minor flooding is occurring at Maitland and Raymond Terrace," forecasters for the Bureau said. "Small renewed rises are possible during Saturday as upstream flows from Wollombi Brook arrive." The details of this report are developing. It may be updated.
