A new strategy is being conducted by the NSW Government in hopes of providing a better rail experience for regional communities. Photo: File.
The NSW Government has given the all-clear for a new development strategy for a better rail network for rural NSW passengers.
The strategy, titled Regional Network/West Uplift (RNEW), will be a 10-year investment by the state, focusing primarily on regional rail and its major stakeholders.
In a statement, Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said: “The RNEW Program will take a fresh look at where regional rail infrastructure investment is needed while putting proper evidence-based decision making at the forefront of planning work and giving industry, the government and the public a clear vision for the future of the network.
“The NSW Government is committed to providing rail networks across the state that are effective, efficient and reliable for all users – freight and passengers.
“The RNEW Program will allow us to understand better, manage, forecast, and deliver improvements on the state’s regional rail network, bringing projects under one banner to ensure a holistic and strategic approach.
“Through comprehensive data analysis, research into reliability and future capacity requirements, extensive evaluation of existing assets and wide-ranging consultation, the RNEW Program will ensure the NSW Government better manages, forecasts and delivers upgrades to the regional rail network.
“The program will also focus on opportunities to improve the Country Regional Network (CRN), which includes over 2300 kilometres of operational rail lines and is vital for transporting 2.7 billion gross tonnes of freight annually and delivering more than 120 passenger services per week.”
The RNEW Program team will begin engagement with the freight industry, rail operators and users, and local government in 2025, with the final strategy to be delivered in 2026.
Once developed, the blueprint will complement the Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plans being developed across the nine relevant areas in the state.
“Regional communities have been calling for investment in rail infrastructure in the regions,” Ms Aitchison said. ”This program will ensure any investment is made based on robust planning and development to enrich our state.
“The program will enable the NSW Government to develop a long-term pipeline of infrastructure investment initiatives whilst being flexible and agile enough to address emerging network issues.”
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