RDA Illawarra calls on political parties to prioritise connectivity in election commitments.

The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is in urgent need of additional public transport services with greater connectivity and cohesive route planning according to the region’s peak advisory body.

RDA Illawarra is calling on political parties to prioritise buses and trains and enable the 30-minute commute in the upcoming election in order to ensure the future prosperity and liveability of the region. Read the submission here.

With the region’s population set to increase by nearly 65,000 people by 2041 and cost of living pressures rising, tackling the public transport system’s shortcomings can also impact key areas such as housing, jobs and tourism.

RDA Illawarra CEO Debra Murphy said the need for “more services, more trains and more buses” was critical as efficient, safe and effective public transport is a key enabler to connect regionally significant precincts and promote economic growth.

“The Illawarra’s number one priority for the NSW Government is to provide more public transport services and optimise equity of access for everyone in the community,” she said.

“With just $10 million in funding from the NSW Government we can deliver more public transport services to the Illawarra region.

“Our region is poorly serviced by public transport with access points per thousand residents falling drastically below the Newcastle area. Our region is the third most populous in regional NSW and growing, yet because of outdated route planning and poor interconnectivity of rail, bus and community transport, more than 88% of commuter trips are completed in private vehicles.

 “Many people in this region travel to jobs or education and a lack of easy transport options contributes greatly to cost of living pressures, housing stress and access to further training or employment opportunities. Public transport alleviates regional congestion, reduces the land and investment required for road networks and delivers a more liveable region.”

The call for funding for Illawarra public transport services is one of four key themes targeted by RDA Illawarra in the lead-up to the March state election.

With the Illawarra facing unprecedented growth with $33 billion in construction and infrastructure development planned for completion by 2041, the advisory body has also highlighted delivering key infrastructure, developing the port of Port Kembla and fulfilling housing demand as fundamental issues in the region. In its pre-election submission, RDA Illawarra is requesting support from the NSW Government for two key infrastructure projects: the delivery of a dual carriageway along Picton Road ($650 million) and delivery of a network plan and business case for a direct rail link from Port Kembla to south-west Sydney ($30 million).

Naming Port Kembla as an underutilised asset that will be at the heart of international trade as other NSW ports reach capacity over the next decade, RDA Illawarra is seeking funding for an overall Strategic Port Precinct Masterplan ($25 million).

Finally, the acute shortage of suitable housing in the region, particularly at a time when the region needs to attract and retain skilled and essential workers, needs immediate attention. RDA Illawarra is calling for a commitment to the provision of a further 500 social houses over the next five years to help alleviate the current housing shortage for those most in need, and to help secure workers to deliver infrastructure investments of $33 billion for the region.

KEY FACTS:

  • The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is the third most populous in regional NSW.
  • By 2041 the region’s population is expected to increase by nearly 65,000 people.
  • The region’s public transport service rates only 0.29 access points (bus/train/ferry stops) per thousand residents – seven (7) times fewer than the Newcastle/Macquarie region.
  • Currently, more than 88% of commuter trips are completed by private vehicle.
  • $10 million in government funding would provide additional public transport services for the Illawarra region.

THE FOUR PRIORITIES:

  • Delivering critical infrastructure - Picton Road duplication ($650m) and South-West Illawarra Rail Link ($30m)
  • Development of the port of Port Kembla – Port Precinct Master Plan ($25m)
  • Improving public transport for a growing population – 30-minute commute ($10m)
  • Fulfilling housing demand – 500 additional social houses over five years

Media contact:

Denise Everton

Waples

denise@waples.com.au / 0417 852 442