South Coast locals are being encouraged to have their say on the future of roads and the transport network in the South East.
The NSW Government’s draft South East and Tablelands Regional Transport Plan is out for consultation until the 24th of February 2023.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the draft Transport Plan outlines the government’s vision to build the roads and transport infrastructure to make getting from A to B easier.
“We are planning for the travel of tomorrow and to make the future brighter for our region with this plan,” Mr Farraway said.
“This plan lays out the projects we are currently building along with the projects we are investigating to deliver safer, more reliable, and more efficient transport connections within the South East and Tablelands, and between Canberra, Greater Sydney, and Wollongong.
“In the Bega electorate, initiatives include improved public transport connectivity to Eden as a global gateway for the region and continuing upgrades on the Princes Highway between Sydney and the Victorian border.
“We will also look at better pedestrian infrastructure in town centres and improvements to the Illawarra Highway as well as the Snowy Mountains Highway between Cooma and Bega.”
Mr Farraway said with more people choosing to call regional NSW home projects and initiatives listed in the draft plan would cater for the expected population growth.
“We have incredible game changing projects already underway like the Nelligen Bridge, which is a year ahead of schedule, and the Princes Highway Upgrade program that will make travel through these regions quicker and safer,” Mr Farraway said.
“With every road we upgrade we strengthen our state’s supply chain by providing more direct routes which saves time and lowers the costs of moving produce and goods across the state.
“Since 2019, we have delivered an additional 2,500 bus services across our regions and this plan outlines how we can expand on that.
“The former Labor Keneally Government left our state with a $30 billion infrastructure backlog in 2011, and they have made their disdain for major transformative infrastructure projects known.
“It”s important now more than ever we have the energy and vision to ensure our state remains prosperous with a bright future ahead of it.”
The draft plan covers the Local Government Areas of Bega Valley, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Hilltops, Queanbeyan-Palerang, Snowy Monaro, Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, and Yass Valley.
Public consultation on the Draft South East and Tablelands Regional Transport Plan is now open until Friday 24 February 2023.
Following the public consultation, Transport for NSW will update the plan to consider the feedback received and look to release the Final Plan in 2023.
To have your say on the Draft South East and Tablelands Regional Transport Plan, click HERE.
Images: Transport for NSW
