Blueprint for the future of transport in the South East and Tablelands released
The NSW Government has delivered a key election commitment, launching a strategic vision for transport in the South East and Tablelands on Wednesday.
The South East and Tablelands Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan provides a 20-year vision of the key transport priorities for the region, which surrounds the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and borders Victoria and other parts of NSW.
The plan, comprising 60 key actions and initiatives, was shaped following extensive consultation with stakeholders and the community. Some of these actions and initiatives include:
- Enhance services within and between strategic centres (Queanbeyan, Goulburn, Bega, Moruya) and to Greater Sydney, Wollongong, and Canberra.
- Introduce new or improved bus and on-demand services, including cross-border links with the ACT.
- Enable High Productivity Vehicle (HPV) access on key freight routes (Hume Hwy, Princes Hwy, Kings Hwy, Snowy Mountains Hwy).
- Improve heavy vehicle rest stops and plan for OSOM movements to support freight and renewable energy projects.
- Upgrade major corridors like Princes Highway, Barton Highway, and alpine routes (Clyde Mountain, Brown Mountain).
- Implement town entry gateway treatments and intersection upgrades to improve safety and resilience.
Over the public consultation period in late 2024 and early 2025, Transport for NSW received more than 1000 pieces of feedback from residents, businesses and transport users via online survey and map pins.
More than 50 submissions were received from individuals and key stakeholders including local councils, peak bodies, community organisations and transport interest groups.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said, “For too long, regional communities were silent in transport planning. This plan reflects the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to put people in regional NSW first.
“We know roads and transport are key to better connected cities and towns. It helps people get to work, school, medical appointments and the things that matter in their daily lives.
“This is a long-term vision that gives certainty to communities across the South East and Tablelands. It sets out the priorities that will guide investment, improve safety and strengthen the vital links that support local economies and regional lifestyles.
“What we have heard from communities is clear. They want more choice, they want safer and more reliable journeys, and they want planning that recognises the unique needs of regional NSW. This final plan is about delivering exactly that, and ensuring the region thrives well into the future.
Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, said “This plan is about delivering real, practical improvements for people right across the Bega electorate and the Minns Labor Government is getting on with the job.
“From safer highway upgrades to better local bus connections and stronger freight access, this plan reflects what our community has been asking for and what the region needs to keep growing.
“Transport is not just about moving from A to B. It is about access to jobs, education, health care and supporting local businesses across our region.”
Member for Monaro, Steve Whan, said “The Minns Labor Government is backing communities across Monaro with a long term transport plan that puts safety, access and reliability at the centre of future investment.
“This plan recognises how important good transport is for tourism, freight, local jobs and everyday life right across Monaro.
“It gives our region the certainty it deserves and lays out a clear path forward for better roads, improved public transport and stronger links with Canberra and the coast.”
A copy of the final plan and initiatives, consultation summary and engagement report is available on the project webpage at www.transport.nsw.gov.au/south-east-and-tablelands-sritp.