The Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Stage 1 are scheduled to open in 2028. As planned from the beginning, both projects will operate as tolled motorways.
Dylan Anderson
Forecast toll revenue increase explained
The NSW Budget shows a significant rise in toll revenue for 2028–29, increasing from $180 million to $283 million. This is directly linked to the one-time commencement of toll collections on these two new motorways.
The projections use Environmental Impact Statements and planning documents that were prepared and released under the former Liberal-National Government. There have been no new decisions to raise toll rates or add two-way tolling, and future forecasts will adjust once actual operational data is available.
Ownership structure
Unlike the previous approach under the Liberal-National Government, which involved selling motorways to private operators with long-term toll guarantees, the current NSW Government is retaining ownership. The Minns Labor Government is keeping the Western Harbour Tunnel and M6 Stage 1 in public hands, alongside the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Sydney Harbour Tunnel. This will double the number of toll roads in the network that are publicly owned.
Dylan Anderson
$60 weekly toll cap and toll relief
To ease the impact on drivers, the NSW Government introduced a $60 weekly toll cap on 1 January 2024. As of the latest data:
- Number of claims paid: 476,894
- Total claims paid: $139,740,215
The cap is designed to support regular commuters, especially those in Western Sydney who rely heavily on the toll network for daily travel.
Broader tolling review underway
A full review of NSW’s toll system is underway, aimed at creating a fairer and more transparent structure. The focus is on balancing affordability for motorists with reduced emphasis on private sector profits.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
