Media releases

Major upgrade to Cairns’ Barlow Park gets green light A $91 million upgrade of Cairns’ Barlow Park is set to support the region to attract more major events and ensure that Cairns will play its part in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Connecting Western Sydney to the world Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) has landed its first international airline, with Singapore Airlines confirming its intention to operate from the airport and connect Western Sydney passengers to the world.

First test train on track on the Morley-Ellenbrook line The first train to Ellenbrook has taken to the tracks, with testing now underway on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line.

Aviation White Paper delivers for consumers, regions and workforce The Albanese Government will boost consumer rights, increase competition, support regional and general aviation, and help the sector decarbonise under the most significant overhaul of aviation for more than a decade.

All aboard as high-speed rail accelerates with first investigation works Nearly thirty boreholes being drilled in New South Wales will support critical geotechnical investigations required to determine the locations for the Albanese Government’s High-Speed Rail between Sydney and Newcastle.

Supporting Rex's access to Sydney Airport The Albanese Government is protecting Rex’s regional New South Wales slots at Sydney Airport to support it through the administration process. 

Safer, smoother and faster journeys for Geelong Trains will return on the Geelong and Warrnambool lines, with the Australian and Victorian Governments’ 72-day construction blitz on the South Geelong to Waurn Ponds Duplication now complete.

Albanese Government saves Reef HQ In a major boost for the region, the Prime Minister today announced the Albanese Labor Government will save the Great Barrier Reef Aquarium “Reef HQ” with an extra $100 million investment after the Liberals left it underfunded and doomed to

New CEO takes the helm at AMSA The Australian Government welcomes Ms Kaylene Dale as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), starting on 1 October 2024.

Independent reviews of critical shipping legislation underway The Australian Government has appointed Ms Lynelle Briggs and Prof Nicholas Gaskell to co-chair the reviews of the Shipping Registration Act 1981 and Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012. 

Tunnelling starts on North East Link project Tunnelling has started on the Australian and Victorian governments’ North East Link Project in Melbourne’s northeast. 

Completion date announced for Gympie Bypass Completion of the $1.162 billion Gympie Bypass is just weeks away, with confirmation that works are on track to be finished in October 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting.

Guidelines released for Round 2 of Growing Regions Program Program Guidelines have been released for the second round of the Albanese Government’s $600 million Growing Regions Program, with applications expected to open in September.

New roundabout to improve road safety in Ballarat A new roundabout at the intersection of Ripon Street South and Urquhart Street in Ballarat will improve road safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Cruise ship exemption extended The Australian Government is continuing the exemption of the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 until 31 December 2026.