Transport for NSW has released the final Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan, which provides a blueprint for how people will travel across the region both now and into the future.
By 2041, an extra 100,000 people are projected to call the Illawarra-Shoalhaven home, increasing the total population of the region to 505,000 people.
The plan, developed in conjunction with the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment’s (DPIE), will support the delivery of new homes, jobs, and services for the growing population, influencing localised travel behaviour and demand.
New South Wales Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said the plan outlines the required services and infrastructure to support the growing region.
“There are 71 initiatives in the updated Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan, including promoting more journeys by walking, cycling and public transport, and improving connectivity between the Illawarra and Greater Sydney,” he said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said community feedback had helped shape the plan for a stronger public transport and road network across the region.
“The plan aims to reduce the number of crashes on local roads and better use technology to support a safer, more sustainable and accessible transport network, delivering infrastructure and services that will move the local community for generations to come,” Toole said.
Member for South Coast Shelley Hancock said residents would benefit from the $1.9 billion investment in the Princes Highway Upgrade Program, including supplementary upgrades.
“The final plan also commits to investigating improvements to freight connections to Canberra and the Far South Coast, public transport opportunities to Nowra and beyond, and fast rail for the Sydney to Bomaderry corridor,” she said.
Transport for NSW will report on the progression of initiatives annually and undertake a review of the plan every five years.
For more information about the plan visit the Future Transport webpage on future.transport.nsw.gov.au/isrtp.
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