Illawarra Shoalhaven releases 20-year strategic transport plan

The NSW government has released the Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, a 20-year roadmap featuring over 40 initiatives to manage regional growth. The plan addresses significant increases in population and employment, with the region expected to add 150,000 residents and 60,000 jobs by 2041.

For freight, the plan manages a massive scale of movement. Road freight is projected to reach 42 million tonnes annually by 2041, up from 33 million in 2021. Port Kembla serves as a critical gateway, handling motor vehicle imports, minerals, and agricultural products. Key focus areas include major arterial corridors, heavy vehicle rest areas, and Performance Based Standards (PBS) vehicle access.

Public transport priorities include more frequent and rapid core bus services, including improvements to support the new Shellharbour Hospital. The plan also integrates transport with housing through Transport Oriented Developments near North Wollongong, Corrimal, and Dapto stations, which are expected to accommodate approximately 5,500 residents.