NSW releases Long-term Transport Master Plan
The NSW Government has released its 20-year vision for the state’s public transport, roads and freight network, incorporating all modes of public transport, roads, freight, cycling and walking.
The draft Long Term Transport Master Plan includes more than 200 short, medium and long term actions and recommendations.
More than $53 billion has been earmarked for transport and roads infrastructure and services over the next four years.
The draft plan builds on Sydney’s Rail Future – which includes the North West and South West rail links, a second harbour rail crossing and a new CBD line, providing the foundation for 60 per cent more trains in the peak – to deliver an integrated public transport network for greater Sydney and essential links for regional areas.
Following the completion of the final Long Term Transport Master Plan, the Government will develop transport plans for 10 regions, and integrated modal and freight strategies.
The draft Master Plan has been drawn up based on extensive consultation, which included:
- More than 1200 submissions on the discussion paper;
- Advisory groups – representing customers and community, local government, industry and transport specialists plus, in addition to freight customer consultation;
- More than 65,000 hits on the master plan website and 8,500 discussion paper downloads;
- 14 regional forums across the State, involving more than 1000 participants, both Ministers and senior Transport for NSW staff;
- Discussions with more than 130 key stakeholders;
- A dedicated 1800 phone number and Twitter feed.
The full 370-page draft Long Term Transport Master Plan and a summary are available at www.transportmasterplan.nsw.gov.au. Comments are due by 26 October 2012 and the final plan will be released later this year.