NSW Government Unveils 20-Year Transport Blueprint for Riverina Murray

The Minns Labor Government has released the Riverina Murray Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, a 20-year blueprint outlining 52 initiatives aimed at upgrading road safety, public transit, and freight networks across the Riverina Murray region in New South Wales.

The regional population is projected to increase from approximately 283,000 in 2021 to 331,000 by 2041. According to the government, 40 of the 52 identified initiatives are slated for delivery or progression within the first five years of the plan.

Formulated with input from more than 450 community submissions, the final strategy targets several infrastructure and public transit projects. Key road and freight proposals include investigating options for Murrumbidgee River crossings at Wagga Wagga—specifically a feasibility study on duplicating the Gobbagombalin Bridge—and adding the Blue Cut and Hay bridges to an upgrade investigation program. The plan also prioritises upgrades to the Tynan Road and Burma Road intersections on the Hume Highway at Table Top, a Temora bypass feasibility study, and corridor improvements along the Sturt Highway.

Public transit initiatives focus on the rollout of the new Regional Rail Fleet and investigating day-return transit connections to regional hubs such as Wagga Wagga, Albury, and Griffith. The plan additionally outlines opportunities to expand bus coverage, improve operating hours, and increase service frequency in centres including Albury, Wagga Wagga, Griffith, Moama, and Leeton.

The framework builds upon existing government projects, such as the $375 million Euston to Tocumwal corridor upgrade and the $141 million Newell Highway flood mitigation project between West Wyalong and Forbes. The blueprint is one of nine regional transport plans being prepared across the state.

Transport for NSW stated it will provide annual progress reports and formally review the Riverina Murray plan every five years in coordination with local councils, industry representatives, Aboriginal organisations, and local communities.

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