The Minns Labor Government is calling on communities of the Central West and Orana to help shape the region’s transport future.
The Government has today released the draft Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for public consultation.
The Central West and Orana is a growth powerhouse for regional NSW, supporting jobs, industry and innovation across the state. The draft plan outlines a long-term vision for safer, more reliable and better-connected transport to support that growth.
Developed in close consultation with communities, all levels of government, industry stakeholders and community representatives, the draft plan identifies more than 60 practical initiatives to inform future planning, including:
- Changes and upgrades to public and active transport for smaller and ageing communities
- More frequent and reliable transport services
- Safer, more resilient roads and freight corridors
- Targeted upgrades to services, roads and the broader network to ensure people are better connected to jobs, education, health and services
- Better use of existing infrastructure to improve safety and travel times.
The plan also recognises the region’s shifting demographics. By 2041 the population is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent to 323,000, and the number of residents aged over 65 is projected to grow as well.
The draft plan, supporting materials and details of local drop-in sessions where you can speak with the team are available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/central-west-and-orana.
Submissions close midnight on Sunday 14 December, and can be made via the Have Your Say webpage, by emailing engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or by writing to us at Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans, C/O Strategic Transport Planning Branch, Locked Bag 928, North Sydney NSW 2059
Copies of the plan will soon be available at local libraries too.
Community feedback will help refine the final plan, due for release in 2026.
The Central West and Orana SRITP is one of nine regional transport plans being developed as part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to plan for the future by strengthening safety, reliability and connectivity for communities across regional NSW.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“The Central West and Orana is powering NSW. From agriculture and mining to health, education and renewable energy.
“The region is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent by 2041 and we’re delivering on our commitment to plan for that growth.
“We want to ensure everything that keeps us connected and moving keeps pace with the needs of local communities, businesses, industries and visitors.
“I am pleased to now be calling on the people within the Central West and Orana region, businesses and industry to have their say.
“This plan is about listening to the people who live, work and travel in the Central West and Orana and needs to consider how government can deliver better services for them.
“We want to hear directly from the people who use the roads, buses, rail lines and active transport options every day. Your feedback will help develop a long-term blueprint to help shape a transport network that supports a stronger, safer and better-connected future for this region.”
Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
“The Central West and Orana sits at the heart of our state. It’s where regional industry, innovation and opportunity meet.
“This plan will inform future plans, ensuring our transport network keeps up with growth and continues to connect people to the jobs, services and opportunities that make this part of NSW such a great place to live.
“From our freight corridors to our local roads, the SRITP takes a long-term, practical view of how we can make travel safer and easier for everyone.
“We know this region has unique challenges – vast distances, ageing populations and a growing economy – and that’s why local feedback is so important. I encourage everyone to have their say.”
Member for Orange, Phil Donato said:
“Having the necessary transport infrastructure and services to meet the needs of our growing region is essential.
“I welcome the Minns Government’s initiative to invite locals to have their say in the planning for transport infrastructure upgrades and transport services for our region, and I encourage everyone to visit the online link and have their say.
“Last year Minister Aitchison facilitated a similar ‘have your say’ public platform regarding Orange Passenger Rail. Based on the Minister’s initiative – and the input of locals – there’s already been progress in planning for improved rail services to meet the needs our community.”