Dear all,

Now we can submit our comments to this plan via Have your Say option.

https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/new-england-and-north-west

When you visit above site, there is an Add Marker function at the bottom right hand of the map.  You can move it to the place you live and add your comments.

Submissions can be sent in the 4th Quarter of 2024.

See below the response I received from Angela, TFNSW re the scope of the plan. 

I have included my comments in italics under each important point in her response.

Siri

Response from Angfela, TFNSW

In regards to the New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, work will commence in Quarter 4 of 2024 with early submissions and the pin drop function open until the of the year (2024).These early inputs, along with targeted stakeholder engagements in early 2025 will inform the development of a draft plan. Transport for NSW aims to have a draft New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan available for public exhibition in in Quarter 4 of 2025. 

The New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan will align with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s (formally Department of Planning and Environment) New England North West Regional Plan 2041 to efficiently respond to anticipated changes in land use, demographics and travel demand across the New England North West.  

We need to study the plan by Dept of Planning and Environment.   How our ideas aign with it about anticipated changes?

This will include economic opportunities and public transport options to support jobs growth and regional connectivity across the New England North West. The New England North West Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans will consider: 

Maximising the use of the existing transport network in the area – including rail, road and maritime infrastructure and services 

What else do we need to maximise existing transport network?  Need to discuss and identify.  e.g. a second train, point out the inadequacy of coach service from Armidale to Tenterfield or its timing.  Emphasise there is no transport network north of Armidale.  So there is nothing to maximise?

Improving transport options, in all forms, for our communities – addressing obstacles to connecting communities and providing more choice and better access including for public and active transport for people in NSW 

Need to identify obstacles to connecting communities and providing more choice and beter access. Give examples.  Lack of train services north of Armidale as an obstacle.  Planned rail trail as an obstacle. Lack of active transport in Armnidale (Glen Innes and tenterfielkd too) connecting airport, town, UNE , High schools,TAFE and hospital as an obstacle.

Ability of cyclists to bring their cycles by train to towns such as Glen Innes and tenterfield would be paramount for future growth and active transport.

Supporting tourism though connectivity to and from attractions, including consideration of rail 

Passenger and heritage train serivices north of Armidale as mandatory to support tourism.  They appeal to a broader demograpohjic compared to a bike track in rail corridor.  Recently there was a news item saying visitors have increased to regional NSW exponentially compared to COVID period.

There is over 4 million in SE Qld.  Expected to rise to 5 million by 2050. We should put in place transport infrastructure to attract visitors from Queensland. Current focus is NSW and Victoria.? Not enough

The fact that both councils show no interest in proposals for heritage trains or passenger trains need mention. 

Enabling economic activity through boosting regional economies, connecting people with jobs and positioning regional businesses to take advantage of global markets.

  Lack of Public transport between Armidale and Brisbane/Queensland as an impediment to boost regional economy.   As a fast growing State, Queensland offers many job,education, and otehr opportunities for the people of New England-Northwest.  We are hamphered by the lack of connectivity.A cycle track to Glen Innes will not helpo in  comnnecting us with Qld?

I hope this helps. Please reach out if you have any further queries.

Kind regards

Angela Carroll

Senior Manager Communications and Engagement

Strategic Transport Planning

Transport for NSW