The NSW Government has unveiled its 40-year blueprint for the future of the transport system in regional NSW.
The transport strategy, Future Transport 2056, outlines the state’s ongoing commitment to long-term growth and connectivity between regional communities and industry with a strong focus on improving customer-focused, technology-driven services.
NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, said months of community and industry consultation has ensured that the strategy’s priorities reflect those of regional NSW.
“This strategy will guide the transport infrastructure pipeline over the next 40 years, ensuring our beautiful regional communities are connected to regional centres and can thrive well into the future,” Mrs Pavey said.
“The strategy outlines 227 projects across regional NSW over the next 40 years, showing this government’s ongoing commitment to our regional communities.”
Future Transport 2056 builds on the current record investments in regional infrastructure by the Liberals and Nationals, with over 2000km of new or upgraded roads delivered since 2011.
These include:
- $500 million to upgrade the Newell Highway
- $580 million for the Berry Bypass
- $104 million to upgrade the Great Western Highway at Kelso
- $500 million Fixing Country Roads
- $400 million Fixing Country Rail
NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Andrew Constance, said Future Transport 2056 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.”
Regional NSW is expected to grow by 700,000 people and freight movements are predicted to see a 25 per cent increase across the state by 2056.
