Regional NSW's 40 year transport infrastructure plan

Regional NSW’s 40 year transport infrastructure plan

The Future Transport Strategy has been released, which outlines a 40 year plan for NSW’s regional transport growth.

Customer-focused and technology driven services are planned to be implemented to improve connectivity between regional communities and industry.

The report builds on the current investments in regional infrastructure in the areas, which include the $500 million to upgrade the Newell Highway, $580 million for the Berry Bypass and $500 million towards fixing country roads.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said months of community and industry consultation has ensured the strategy’s priorities reflect those of regional NSW.

“This strategy will guide the transport infrastructure pipeline over the next forty years, ensuring our beautiful regional communities are connected to regional centres and can thrive well into the future,” Ms Pavey said.

“The strategy outlines 227 projects across regional NSW over the next forty years, showing this Government’s ongoing commitment to our regional communities,” she said.

NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the report is a step change in transport planning for regional NSW.

“In a major shift, this plan focuses on connections between regional cities and centres rather than on Sydney,” Mr Constance said.

“To cater for increasing populations and freight movements, we are looking at the state as a whole transport network, rather than planning in isolation,” he said.

Regional NSW is expected to grow by 700,000 people and freight movements are estimated to increase by 25 per cent by 2056 according to the NSW Government.

More information can be found at the Future Transport 2056 website.