The Minns Labor Government has today delivered on a major election commitment with the release of the Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan – a long-term strategy to guide the region’s transport future and support growth for the next two decades. For the first time in over a decade, the Hunter now has a clear set of long-term priorities based on evidence, data and collaboration, with elected representatives from all levels of Government and across parties having participated in its development. Following extensive consultation with government, community and industry, the Plan sets out 49 short and medium-term actions across public and active transport, roads and freight to support one of Australia’s fastest growing regions. Importantly, the Plan recognises that public transport use in the Hunter is low and needs to increase. This Plan sets a framework to enable long-term, well-planned decision making and investment in the infrastructure that can support an uptake. Over the next five years, 30,000 new homes are expected to be built across the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle, while the Hunter’s population will grow by almost a quarter over the next 15 years. The Plan identifies actions to support growth with better transport connections, including investigating: • More reliable and frequent services on the Hunter Rail Line, extending to the strategic centres of Singleton and Muswellbrook. • Increased bus services across both peak and non-peak periods. • Upgrades to more than 20 key road corridors, including Newcastle Link Road, Cessnock Road and the Morisset M1 interchange. The Plan also considers the Hunter’s role in renewable energy, identifying critical freight links from the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones, and recommends improving safety with bridge replacements and Pacific Highway intersection upgrades. It also calls out priority locations including suburbs and regional centres that need better public transport connectivity, as well as key attractions such as Newcastle International Airport, universities and other hubs that need quality public transport access to flourish.
The Minns Government is already acting to boost spending in the Hunter region, and this reform provides a blueprint to inform future investment decisions. This announcement takes us one step further in building a better and fairer NSW. More information and a copy of the final Hunter SRITP can be found here. Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley: “The Hunter is powering New South Wales, and our transport network needs to keep pace with that growth and ambition. This Plan provides the framework to do just that.” “It’s about making it easier for people to get to work, school, university, the airport and the shops, while also keeping freight moving to support our industries and our economy.” “For locals, it means more reliable public transport, safer roads and better connections between our towns and our growing suburbs.” “For businesses, it means confidence that the Hunter’s transport links are being planned for the long-term, backing jobs and giving industry the certainty it needs.” Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison: “Today we release a long-term vision for the future of Hunter transport. “The Hunter region has the most people living in it today of any area in our state outside of Sydney, and by 2041 it is expected another 185,000 people will live here so we need to get planning and transport priorities for that growth right now. “Only the Minns Labor Government will deliver for one of the fastest growing regions in Australia. The Liberals and Nationals showed their cynical disregard for the Hunter with 12 years of neglect. “Our long-term transport vision for the Hunter puts people first. It recognises that the region is changing and growing. Families are moving in droves to enjoy the quality of life in our major centres and regional towns. We’re booming but we will be held back without well-planned infrastructure. “This Plan will inform long term decision making. The Minns Government has already started this process and is not sitting on its hands. “I wish to thank all community members and stakeholders who took the time to offer insights and feedback, to help ensure that this Plan reflects community priorities. “We heard loud and clear that public transport is a key priority and this Plan identifies opportunities to explore future transport options. “Some of the initiatives are already in planning while other new and will require further investigation to determine their feasibility.”
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION The Plan was finalised following a 10-week formal consultation period inviting the public to have their say via an online survey, email submission, and an extensive ‘have your say’ process using pin drops on an interactive map to encourage broader engagement During development and public consultation Transport for NSW received more than 1500 pieces of feedback to help inform the Plan. There were almost 600 responses from residents, businesses, public and active transport users as well as key stakeholders such as local councils, other government agencies, peak bodies, community organisations and transport operators. Transport is committed to providing annual status updates on the initiatives and undertaking a review of the Plan every five years to ensure long-term outcomes are realised.