People who live, work or visit the Riverina and Murray are being invited to help shape the region’s transport future, with the Minns Labor Government today releasing a draft 20-year blueprint for roads, public transport and freight.
The draft Riverina Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan sets out a long-term vision for the region, identifying 51 potential short, medium and long-term initiatives designed to improve safety, connectivity and transport choice while supporting future population growth and changing community needs.
For the first time in more than a decade, Riverina and Murray communities can help shape a single integrated transport plan for their region.
The draft Plan has been informed by more than 550 pieces of community feedback and over 20 written submissions. Developed in consultation with local councils, Members of Parliament and community groups, it builds on previous planning work and is now being released for broader community feedback.
The Riverina Murray SRTIP is one of nine plans being developed across regional NSW as part of the Minns Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and services across the state.
Key directions of the draft Plan include:
- improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, recreation and Country for Aboriginal communities
- enhancing access to local, regional, metropolitan and cross-border destinations
- upgrading transport networks and improving services to support future growth
- improving freight efficiency and productivity
- creating a safer and more resilient road network.
The Minns Government is now calling on the community to have their say.
Community members can view the draft SRITP and provide feedback until 11:59pm Friday 11 September by visiting https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/riverina-murray. A community survey has been designed to make it easy to provide feedback on key themes and initiatives proposed in the plan.
More detailed submissions are also welcome and can be sent to engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or posted to PO Box 484, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650.
During the consultation period, Transport for NSW representatives will visit communities across the Riverina and Murray at a series of pop-up sessions to answer questions and hear directly from locals.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison:
“The people who know the Riverina and Murray best should be able to help shape its transport future, and that’s exactly what this draft Plan is designed to do.
“This is about using local knowledge to make it easier for people to get to work, school, healthcare and see family, while strengthening freight links that keep our economy moving.
“We’ve listened to hundreds of people already, and now we’re inviting everyone across the Riverina and Murray to have their say before the plan is finalised.”
Labor Spokesperson for Murray, Bob Nanva MLC:
“This is an excellent opportunity for locals in Riverina and Murray to have a say in how transport is planned and built to better service their daily lives.
“As communities change and grow, it is important that connectivity grows with them and for them, to ensure that their transport needs remain accessible.”