MOTORISTS travelling on the New England and Gwydir highways will notice new toilet facilities now open at four rest areas in the New England region.

Transport for NSW regional director north Anna Zycki said the new facilities deliver improved amenity for all users.

“Upgrades of the toilets at each of these locations have now been completed, with the existing facilities removed and the sites remediated,” Ms Zycki said.

“The new facilities each include an additional ambulant toilet, providing access for all users and doubling the number of toilets at each location.

“Each ambulant toilet stall also includes a hand washing station. Older-style composting toilets have been replaced with a collection well – pit style system, which requires minimal ongoing maintenance.

“Each new facility is also equipped with internal and external lighting powered by an on-site solar panel, allowing the facilities to be safely used at any time,” she said.

“Each site also includes a rainwater tank to service a new, bigger basin which is under cover, providing protection from the sun, rain or snow while users wash their hands.”

Work included landscaping to trim vegetation, replacement of topsoil and reseeding of disturbed areas around each location.

“The new facilities are a significant improvement on the ones they replace, and we are sure motorists will appreciate the convenience and comfort they provide,” Ms Zycki said.

New toilet facilities are now open at four rest areas in the New England region.

The locations of the upgraded facilities on the New England Highway are Goonoo Goonoo rest area, 18km south of Tamworth; Bolivia Hill rest area, 55km north of Glen Innes; and the Muswell Hill rest area 16km north of Bendemeer.

On the Gwydir Highway, new facilities have been installed at the Heffron lookout rest area, 80km northeast of Glen Innes.

Meanwhile, Transport for NSW this week announced $500,000 in funding for the latest round of its Community Road Safety Grants program.

Transport for NSW executive director for transport safety, Chadi Chalhoub, said the funding matches the significant investment made in 2024 and reflects the importance of community-led efforts to help make roads safer.

“Local communities know how to improve safety on their roads,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“With $500,000 available in this round alone, we are backing local champions who understand the unique challenges their areas face and are well placed to deliver effective solutions.

“I encourage every eligible organisation to apply and help us drive positive change on NSW roads.”

Eligible not-for-profit and charity organisations in New South Wales can apply for grants of up to $5,000 or up to $30,000 to fund local road safety initiatives.

Last year saw a record response, with more than 75 groups applying – more than double the number from the previous round.

From these, 35 projects across 17 metropolitan and 18 regional areas received funding between $5000 and $30,000. Due to the high number and quality of applications, the total funding was increased from $380,000 to $500,000.

“Since its inception in 2015, the program has distributed over $3.7 million to not-for-profit and community organisations across NSW,” Mr Chalhoub said.

“Whether it’s a small awareness campaign, an education program, or practical safety improvements, grassroots road safety initiatives play a crucial role in reducing crashes and saving lives.

“Last year’s surge in applications reflects the passion and commitment of local groups to build a stronger road safety culture in their communities.”

Applications for Round 11 opened on Monday, August 4 and will close at 4pm on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Successful projects will be announced in December 2025.

For more information and to apply, visit Community Road Safety Grants Program.