The New South Wales Government has invited the public to provide feedback on draft blueprints for the future road and transport network of the South East and Tablelands, as well as the Hunter region.
The draft South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) outlines a vision for regional transport where communities are better connected by high quality road and transport infrastructure and services.
By identifying actions governments can take to improve transport options in line with future population growth and projected demographic changes, the draft SRITP presents potential short-, medium- and long-term progress opportunities for the community to consider.
Building on previous planning documents and developed through extensive consultation with local councils, members of parliament and community groups, the draft SRITP is now being shared with the broader community for the first time.
Community members can view the draft SRITP and provide comment until 28 February 2025, by visiting www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/south-east-and-tablelands
A survey has been designed to allow the community to easily provide feedback on the key themes heard so far and the initiatives in the plan.
During the public feedback period in February, Transport for NSW representatives will also be out talking to local communities in the region, listening to feedback at various pop-up locations.
Hunter region draft plan
The Draft Hunter SRITP outlines a vision for transport in the region where all communities are well connected by high quality transport infrastructure and services, allowing people to walk, ride, catch public transport or use their private vehicle safely.
The Hunter region is changing, with significant population growth and increased freight movements within and through the region.
Early engagement activities have been carried out in recent months with local councils, Members of Parliament and key regional representative groups, together with community insights from more than 2,000 visits to Transport’s Have Your Say platform.
Through this extensive consultation, analysis and investigation, Transport has identified more than 55 short and medium-term initiatives, which are now on public exhibition for broader community input.
The Draft Hunter SRITP and related documents are available at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/hunter with submissions invited until Friday 28 February 2025 via that page or by emailing engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au. Pop-up events will also be scheduled in early 2025 for Transport representatives to talk with local communities.
New South Wales Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, said, “We’re listening to the community, stakeholders, and experts to create a transport network that meets the diverse and dynamic needs of the Hunter region, including its major cities and small villages, across all modes of transport.
“I urge all residents, businesses, community and industry groups to visit the website, take a look at the draft plan and share your feedback.”
These draft SRITPs are two of nine Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans (SRITPs) being developed to better reflect the transport needs of regional communities now and into the future.
Expanding on previous transport plans, the SRITPs focus on delivering integrated short, medium and long-term solutions to help drive economic growth, improve connectivity, and enhance the quality of life for residents in the regions.
New South Wales Minister for the Hunter, Yasmin Catley, said that with more people moving to and visiting the Hunter, it’s critical we have quality and accessible public transport.
“It’s important this plan accounts for the Hunter’s diverse communities and everyone who lives there, which is why we’re consulting widely with community and experts.
“We want to better serve the people who live in this area and ensure they have access to more services and more places, across all days of the week.
“Our existing transport infrastructure network will be reimagined to support improved roads and public transport connections between homes, work, education, healthcare services and entertainment precincts so everyone can get where they need to be and make the most of our region.”
Minister Aitchison said that the SRITPs the government is developing in nine regions across New South Wales will help better guide future government decision making around investments and community priorities.
“I urge all residents, businesses, community and industry groups to visit the website, take a look at the draft plans and share your feedback.
“A lot of work has gone into developing the drafts and we want to make sure Transport for NSW gets it right when it comes to developing the final plans.
“Once all feedback is considered, the final plans will be prepared and released next year.
“The final plans will be accompanied by implementation plans to ensure we deliver better transport and road networks across the region and I am excited to see what the community feedback is and what the final plans looks like.”
