The Minns Labor Government is planning for the future of the Riverina Murray, with a new 20-year transport plan outlining more than 50 initiatives to deliver safer roads, better public transport and stronger freight connections across the region.
The final Riverina Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan identifies 52 initiatives to improve the region's transport network, with 40 prioritised for delivery or progression in the first five years.
After more than a decade of underinvestment in regional roads and transport infrastructure by the former Liberal and National Government, the Minns Labor Government is focused on delivering the improvements regional communities need today, while planning for the challenges of tomorrow.
With the Riverina Murray's population expected to grow from around 283,000 in 2021 to 331,000 by 2041, the plan provides a long-term roadmap to ensure roads, public transport and freight networks keep pace with growing communities and industries.
Improving public transport is a key priority, with the plan identifying opportunities for more frequent bus services, longer operating hours, expanded route coverage as well as better and safer connections in Albury, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Moama and Leeton.
It also includes investigating new day-return public transport services linking surrounding towns with major regional centres, making it easier for people to access healthcare, education, employment and essential services without relying on a car.
More than 450 pieces of community feedback helped shape the final plan, with residents, councils, industry and community groups identifying road safety, public transport and reliable regional connections as key priorities.
Following that feedback, the final plan includes:
- Investigating long-term options for Murrumbidgee River crossings at Wagga Wagga, including a feasibility study for the potential duplication of Gobbagombalin Bridge.
- Improving connections on key corridors like the Sturt Highway making it safer and more efficient to move agricultural produce from regional hubs along the highway toward major export markets.
- Adding Blue Cut Bridge and Hay Bridge to a priority program investigating upgrades or replacements of critical regional bridges.
- Rolling out the new Regional Rail Fleet as well as investigating new day-return public transport connections to Wagga Wagga, Albury and Griffith from surrounding communities.
- Prioritising the Tynan Road and Burma Road intersections at Table Top as part of a broader program of Hume Highway interchange upgrades.
- A Temora bypass feasibility study to investigate alternative heavy vehicle routes and improve road safety, freight efficiency and town-centre amenity.
The plan also recognises the need for longer-term freight planning around Wagga Wagga to support population growth, increasing freight demand and the Inland Rail project.
The new roadmap builds on major investments already being progressed by the Minns Labor Government, including the $375 million Euston to Tocumwal corridor upgrade and the $141 million Newell Highway flood mitigation project between West Wyalong and Forbes.
These investments will help improve road safety, strengthen freight productivity and ensure regional communities are better connected, particularly during severe weather and flooding.
Transport for NSW will provide annual progress updates and review the plan every five years, working alongside local councils, industry, Aboriginal organisations and communities to progress priority initiatives.
The Riverina Murray plan is one of nine Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans being developed across NSW to guide future transport investment and ensure regional communities have a stronger voice in decisions about their transport networks.
The final plan and engagement report are available at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/riverina-murray
Minister for Minister Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said:
"For too long, regional communities were left waiting for the road upgrades and transport services they need, while the former Liberal and National Government failed to plan for the future.
"The Minns Labor Government is changing that, with a clear plan to build a safer, better connected Riverina Murray that supports families, businesses and our regional industries.
"We know that living in regional NSW often means travelling long distances to get to work, school or a medical appointment, and that makes safe, reliable transport connections absolutely essential.
"That's why this plan puts the priorities of local communities front and centre, with 40 initiatives identified for delivery or progression in the first five years.
"From safer intersections on the Hume Highway to better bus connections and stronger freight routes, we're planning for a transport network that grows alongside the communities it serves."
Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton said:
"People across Murray travel significant distances to get to work, school, medical appointments and essential services, so having safe roads and reliable transport connections is absolutely critical.
"I'm particularly encouraged to see a focus on better public transport and stronger freight connections, which are vital to supporting our communities, farmers and regional businesses.
"The community has made its priorities clear, and the important thing now is making sure those priorities translate into real improvements on the ground."
Independent Member for Wagga Wagga Dr Joe McGirr said:
"The people of Wagga and surrounds know the Gobba Bridge can already be a bottleneck at peak times and will only get worse as the city grows, which is why more than 10,000 people signed my petition to have the bridge duplicated.
"I'm delighted to see the potential duplication of the bridge recognised in the final plan, alongside the need to investigate long-term freight solutions for our city.
"The duplication is essential to our community, and I look forward to seeing detailed planning progress to identify practical solutions that will deliver the infrastructure we need for a thriving future."
Labor Spokesperson for Murray Bob Nanva MLC said:
"The Minns Labor Government understands that strong regional communities need safe roads, reliable freight routes and public transport services that meet their needs.
"From upgrades along the Euston to Tocumwal corridor to investigating better bus connections, this plan is about supporting the families, businesses and industries that keep the Riverina Murray moving.
"We're listening to regional communities and making sure their priorities help shape future transport investment."
