The Minns Labor Government is seeking feedback from residents, workers, and visitors across the Hunter region, including Cessnock, as it develops the Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), aimed at improving travel options and the region’s transport network.
The draft SRITP outlines a vision for a well-connected Hunter region, where communities are supported by high-quality transport infrastructure and services. This plan seeks to ensure that people can safely walk, ride, use public transport, or drive their private vehicles, as the region continues to grow in population and freight activity.
Transport for NSW has released the draft SRITP for public consultation, which will run from 16 December 2024 to 28 February 2025. Residents are encouraged to participate in the consultation by completing an online survey at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/hunter. The survey covers a range of themes, including public transport, safety, active transport, freight, environmental concerns, and First Nations issues, allowing the community to highlight their specific priorities.
The consultation also provides an opportunity for community members to offer feedback on proposed actions and initiatives, which include a mixture of infrastructure projects, programs, and service improvements for the short, medium, and long term. Detailed feedback can be submitted by email to engage.sritps@transport.nsw.gov.au or through the Have Your Say page.
A copy of the draft plan, initiative lists, early engagement reports, LGA summaries, and other resources can be found on the project webpage at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp.
In addition to the online consultation, Transport for NSW representatives will visit various locations across the region in early 2025 to engage with local communities directly.
Member for Cessnock, Clayton Barr, emphasized the importance of community participation.
“Early engagement activities with local councils, MPs, and key regional groups have helped shape the draft plan, which is now on public exhibition for broader community input,” Barr said.
“I urge all residents, businesses, and stakeholders to review the draft plan and provide feedback. The SRITPs are critical to ensuring our transport infrastructure evolves alongside the region’s growing needs. Your feedback will help create a final plan that addresses today’s challenges and lays the foundation for a prosperous future in the Hunter.”
To learn more and provide feedback, visit the Have Your Say webpage.