A long-term blueprint to guide the region’s transport future, and support growth for the next two decades, is a game-changer.

The Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan was unveiled by Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison in Lake Macquarie on Friday 3 October.

It identifies several actions, including investigating:

• More reliable and frequent services on the Hunter Rail Line, extending to the centres of Singleton and Muswellbrook
• Increased bus services across both peak and non-peak periods
• Upgrades to more than 20 key road corridors, including Newcastle Link Road, Cessnock Road and the Morisset M1 interchange
• Support for the Sharaz to Shore cycle trail
• Better links to Newcastle Airport, universities and key hubs
• Hunter Rail Strategy – options to expand the rail network including consideration of Lower Hunter Freight Corridor and new possible passenger connections to Cessnock

Its release comes as 30,000 new homes are expected to be built across the Lower Hunter and Greater Newcastle over the next five years.

“For the first time in more than a decade, the Hunter now has a clear set of priorities based on evidence, data and collaboration, with elected representatives from all levels of government and across parties having participated in its development,” Ms Aitchison said.

“The Hunter has the most people living in it today of any area in our state outside of Sydney.

“By 2041, it’s predicted another 185,000 will reside here, so we need to get planning and transport priorities for that growth right now.

“Our long-term vision for the Hunter puts people first.

“It recognises that the region is changing and growing.

“Families are moving in droves to enjoy the quality of life in our major centres and regional towns.

“We’re booming but we will be held back without well-planned infrastructure.

“I’d like to thank all community members and stakeholders who took the time to offer insights and feedback, to help ensure that this plan reflects everyone’s priorities.

“We’ve heard you loud and clear.

“Some of the initiatives are already in planning while others are new and will require further investigation to determine their feasibility.”

The Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan also considers the region’s role in renewable energy, identifying critical freight links from the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones, and recommends improving safety with bridge replacements and Pacific Highway intersection upgrades.

It also calls out priority locations including suburbs and regional centres that need better public transport connectivity, as well as key attractions such as Newcastle International Airport, universities and other hubs.

“The Hunter is powering NSW,” Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said.

“So, our transport network needs to keep pace with that growth and ambition.

“This approach provides the framework to do just that.

“It’s about making it easier for people to get to work, school, university, the airport and the shops, while also keeping freight moving to support our industries and our economy.

“For locals, it means more reliable public transport, safer roads and better connections between our towns and our growing suburbs.

“For businesses, it builds confidence that the Hunter’s transport links are being planned for the long-term, backing jobs and giving industry the certainty it needs.”

The Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan was finalised following a 10-week formal consultation period.

During its development, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) received more than 1,500 pieces of feedback.

There were almost 600 responses from residents, businesses, public and active transport users as well as key stakeholders such as local councils, other government agencies, peak bodies, community organisations and transport operators.

To view the plan, go to here.

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