The New South Wales government has released a white paper that seeks to focus on road safety and efficiencies.
The Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper outlines an evidence-based framework for future road and transport planning across the Blue Mountains and Central West.
The white paper shifts the focus away from large, unfunded mega projects toward practical improvements that prioritise safety, resilience and reliability for both communities and freight operators.
It identifies opportunities for road upgrades, safer speed settings, improved freight efficiency, rail service enhancements, resilience uplift and greater investment in active transport.
Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said the document provides a clear and realistic planning direction.
“This white paper sets a clear direction for how we plan and deliver transport across the Blue Mountains and the Central West – honestly, transparently and based on evidence, not politics,” said Aitchison.
The strategy recognises that the Blue Mountains and Central West are not a single, uniform freight corridor, and that transport solutions must reflect local conditions rather than treating towns and villages as thoroughfares.
“That means safer roads, better resilience during fires and floods and practical improvements that stand up to scrutiny,” said Aitchison.
The white paper will form the foundation for future infrastructure proposals, supporting business cases for funding across all levels of government and enabling closer collaboration between Transport for NSW, councils and state and federal agencies.
Minister for Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, said reliable connections were critical for regional communities and industry.
“For communities in the Central West and Blue Mountains, reliable connections are not a nice-to-have, they are essential to daily life, safety and economic opportunity,” said Moriarty.
The plan builds on existing investments, including a $100 million safety upgrade program on the Bells Line of Road, delivering wider curves, improved intersections, new safety barriers and additional rest areas.
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