The New South Wales Government has released the Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (Draft Plan), a 20-year vision to guide the future of the region’s transport system.
For the first time in more than a decade, North Coast communities will be able to view a long-term plan that sets out transport priorities based on evidence, data and extensive consultation with more than 800 stakeholders including councils, members of parliament and community groups.
The Draft Plan identifies more than 50 short- and medium-term initiatives, along with longer-term outcomes, across public transport, active transport, roads and freight to support the region’s population growth and changing needs.
The North Coast SRITP is one of nine plans being developed across regional NSW as part of the NSW Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and services across the state.
Key directions of the Draft Plan include improving regional connectivity for people and freight, building a more resilient disaster-ready transport network, expanding sustainable transport options, reducing transport disadvantage and supporting the visitor economy.
The NSW Government is now calling on North Coast communities to have their say.
Community members can view the Draft Plan and provide feedback until Sunday 14 June 2026 at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/north-coast.
A community survey has been designed to make it easy to provide feedback, with more detailed submissions also welcomed via the website.
During the consultation period, Transport for NSW staff will be out across the North Coast speaking directly with residents at local pop-up sessions.
NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said this is a long-term, integrated blueprint for the North Coast, developed in partnership with the community to meet the needs of a growing and changing region.
“We’ve already seen strong engagement, with more than 2,000 items of feedback helping to shape the Draft Plan,” Aitchison said.
“We heard clearly that people want more travel choices, safer roads and better, more resilient connections, and this Draft Plan reflects those priorities.
“Community feedback will help us refine the final Plan and ensure we deliver a transport network that improves connectivity, supports local economies and enhances quality of life across the North Coast.”
NSW Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin, said the Draft Plan is about moving the North Coast forward with a clear, 20-year vision that prioritises local needs and real-world results.
“It reflects what we’ve heard from our community – the need for better connections, safer roads and more reliable transport options to support the way people live, work and travel every day,” Saffin said.
“This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity for our community to lock in the priorities that matter to them and ensure our regional transport network is fit for the future.”
Labor Spokesperson for Ballina, Clarence and Tweed, Emily Suvaal, said the Northern Rivers has seen significant growth in recent years, and with that comes increased pressure on roads, public transport and freight networks.
“This Draft Plan recognises the unique challenges facing communities in Ballina, the Clarence Valley and the Tweed, including resilience in the face of natural disasters and the need for more reliable connections between towns,” Suvaal said.
“I encourage communities across the Northern Rivers to have their say and help shape a transport network that reflects local needs and supports future growth.”
Labor Spokesperson for Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour, Cameron Murphy, said from Port Macquarie through to Coffs Harbour, locals know how important it is to have reliable connections along the coast and into our regional centres.
“We hear regularly about congestion on key routes like the Pacific Highway, as well as the need for better local road connections and more accessible public transport within our communities,” Murphy said.
“This is an opportunity for locals to review the Draft Plan and have their say to make sure it reflects the priorities of the Mid North Coast.”
