Communities across the New England and North West are being invited to shape the future of how they move across the region, with the release of a draft 20-year transport plan.
The Minns Labor Government has today unveiled the Draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), delivering on its commitment to partner with regional communities on long-term transport planning.
Informed by data and extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders - including councils, Members of Parliament, community groups and over 500 pieces of feedback received - the Draft Plan reflects the priorities and challenges facing New England communities.
It is the first time in more than a decade New England and North West communities have had access to a single, integrated transport plan that brings together evidence, local insight and long-term planning into one place.
The draft outlines a mix of short and medium term initiatives, along with longer term outcomes, aimed at improving connections between towns, supporting population and industry growth, and making it easier for people to move within their communities.
The New England North West 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 enabling economic growth and emerging industries, improving travel between towns and regions, strengthening network resilience, increasing travel choices within towns and enhance amenity and commitment to safety.
The Minns Government is now calling on the community to have their say.
Feedback is open until Sunday 14 June 2026 at https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west, where community members can complete a short survey or lodge a detailed submission.
Transport for NSW staff will also be travelling throughout the region during the consultation period, hosting pop-up sessions to speak directly with locals.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Transport and Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison:
"People in the New England and North West know better than anyone what works on their roads, on their rail lines and in their towns. This Draft Plan is about listening to those voices and putting them at the centre of how we plan for the future.
We are setting a clear direction for the next 20 years, but just as importantly, we are asking communities to test it, challenge it and help us get it right.
"We've already seen strong engagement, with over 500 items of feedback helping to shape the Draft Plan.
"I encourage everyone across the region to take a look and have their say, because the final Plan will be stronger for it."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Tamworth, Anthony D'Adam:
"Tamworth is a major hub for the New England North West.
"This Draft Plan is a real opportunity for the Tamworth community to help shape the future of our transport network and make sure it works for us, now and into the future."
Quotes attributable to Labor Spokesperson for Northern Tablelands, Peter Primrose:
"This is a practical, long-term plan that brings together the full transport picture for the New England and North West.
"It identifies the key corridors, the pressure points and the opportunities to better connect people, businesses and freight across the region.
"Importantly, it provides a pipeline of short, medium and long term actions so we can deliver improvements in a coordinated and financially responsible way.
