JENNY AITCHISON

MINISTER FOR REGIONAL TRANSPORT AND ROADS

MEDIA RELEASE - NSW BUDGET DELIVERS CRITICAL REGIONAL ROADS, RAIL AND TRANSPORT FUNDING

Roads, rail and transport services are critical to life in regional NSW, connecting communities to one another and supporting the movement of goods produced in our regions to national and international markets.

Today, the Minns Government’s first Budget has delivered on its commitment to ensure that the roads
used by regional communities daily are reliable, and the essential transport infrastructure they rely on is safe and accessible.

The 2023-24 NSW Budget includes:

•$1.4 billion for the delivery of a new regional rail fleet to replace the ageing regional fleet.

• $390 million to establish the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to support regional councils in managing existing roads and prioritising works based on the needs of their communities, particularly those damaged by natural disasters.

•$334 million to establish the Regional Roads Fund to build new roads in rural and regional areas.

•$333.9 million to replace ageing timber bridges through the Fixing Country Bridges program; providing improvements to regional bus services; and supporting councils through the Fixing Local Roads Program.

•$95.9 million for the Fixing Country Rail program, to deliver improved capacity and reliability to the regional rail network and deliver a highly functional network for moving freight in and out of regional areas.

•$29.4 million to plan for the transition of fleet to Zero Emission buses, including trials, analysis and development.

•$20.2 million to continue the Transport Connected Bus Program.

•$10 million to improve the network of heavy vehicle rest stops across regional NSW.

No matter where you live in NSW you should have access to safe, reliable transport options. The Minns Labor Government is setting out a long-term plan to repair the budget so we can deliver the essential infrastructure and services families across regional NSW rely on.

No matter where you live in NSW you should have access to safe, reliable transport options. The Minns Labor Government is setting out a long-term plan to repair the budget so we can deliver the essential infrastructure and services families across regional NSW rely on.

MEDIA: Wendy Fitzgibbon | Minister Aitchison | 0408 427 540