NSW releases transport White Paper for Sydney to Central West freight corridors

The NSW Government has released the Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper, outlining a long-term, evidence-based framework for transport and road planning across the Blue Mountains and Central West regions.

The White Paper assesses future transport opportunities across a corridor of national and regional significance, focusing on road safety, network resilience, rail improvements, freight efficiency and active transport. It is intended to guide future infrastructure proposals and support business cases for funding across local, state and federal levels of government.

Key priorities identified include road upgrades, safer speed settings, resilience improvements to address bushfire and flood risk, enhancements to rail services, and targeted freight efficiency measures. The framework recognises that the Blue Mountains and Central West do not function as a single corridor and emphasises planning approaches that support local communities, village centres and regional connectivity rather than treating the area solely as a through-route.

The White Paper also builds on work already underway, including a $100 million investment in the Bells Line of Road, delivering safety upgrades such as wider curves, improved intersections, new safety barriers and additional rest areas.

Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison says the White Paper sets a clear direction for transport planning across the region.

“This White Paper sets a clear direction for how we plan and deliver transport across the Blue Mountains and the Central West, honestly, transparently and based on evidence,” Aitchison says.

Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty says reliable transport connections are essential for communities across the corridor.

“For communities in the Central West and Blue Mountains, reliable connections are not a nice-to-have, they are essential to daily life, safety and economic opportunity,” Moriarty says.

The White Paper will act as a foundation document for future planning, with any proposed investments subject to further prioritisation and approval processes.