Great Western Highway Speed Cut to 70km/h
A 70km/h limit on an 8.1km stretch of the Great Western Highway begins 23 July, adding under a minute to journeys but improving safety for cyclists and wet-weather driving.
Location: Western Sydney
First public transport to new Western Sydney airport starts 5 July
From 5 July, electric buses link Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown to Western Sydney International Airport, the first direct public transport links to the precinct.
Katoomba Culture Dose for Kids Returns: Free Arts Program, Apply by 22 June
Families have just 10 days to apply for the free, evidence-based Culture Dose for Kids arts and wellbeing program returning to Katoomba from July 25.
Route 52 returns: 24/7 bus link from Parramatta to CBD
The new Route 52 24/7 bus service from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD launches 21 June 2026, restoring a direct limited-stop link after a community campaign.
Blacktown Council releases first $1 billion draft budget
Blacktown City Council has released its draft 2026/27 budget, the first to top $1 billion, with $292 million for capital works and a proposed 15% rate rise for many residents.
Penrith businesses get rare tour of the new WSI Airport ahead of opening
Penrith tourism and hospitality businesses can get a guided tour of the new airport’s precinct as part of a free council-funded training and mentoring program on 15 June.
Flying From Sydney’s New Western Airport: What WSI Actually Means for You
Your no-nonsense insider’s guide to Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport: who it’s for, how to get there, and whether you should hold off booking that overseas trip until it opens. Here is the honest read before you commit. You will love it if: you live anywhere from Penrith to Liverpool to Campbelltown, you fly […]
Western Sydney’s electric buses start rolling three months before the airport
Five new electric bus routes connect Penrith, Mount Druitt, Liverpool and Campbelltown to Western Sydney International Airport from 5 July, three months before the first flight.
Emirates and Qatar Airways get Western Sydney International Airport slots – but no flights confirmed yet
Federal Government approves seven weekly slots each for Emirates and Qatar Airways at Western Sydney International Airport, but neither airline has confirmed they will operate the flights when the airport opens in October 2026.
Blue Mountains becomes sixth Australian destination with eco certification
The Blue Mountains achieves ECO Destination recertification, becoming one of only six Australian destinations to meet rigorous sustainability standards.
Metro closes full M1 line two weekends running for Southwest testing
Sydney Metro shuts the entire M1 line for consecutive weekends in May as Southwest extension testing intensifies ahead of the second-half 2026 opening.