We all know that the traffic on Bells Line of Road is significantly higher due to the closure of Victoria Pass, and people like Ursula, Alex and others have told me that it's being felt by local residents and businesses. I'm in constant discussion with the New South Wales Minister for Transport's office, passing on the feedback, so please keep letting me know what you're experiencing.

There are some changes coming. The New South Wales government and council have agreed to reopen a truck rest-stop, seven kilometres east of Bilpin, so that, when truckies need a break, they have a safe bay to park in and trucks are not impacting local businesses. Significant slope remediation works will also begin this month, to keep sections of the Bells Line of Road stable. These are urgent works and will be done over 10 weeks, 24 hours a day, with the road open at all times. You'll also see new speed limit restrictions, but I'm advised the aim is to minimise any delay to travel times, which are expected to increase by two minutes. I'm glad that some of our concerns are being addressed by these measures.

On top of this work, of course, the Albanese government is delivering $514 million on the new North Richmond bridge, construction of which will begin later this year, plus another $100 million for Bells Line of Road safety upgrades. This is a record investment in these roads to keep the Hawkesbury moving.

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