The NSW Government has released the Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper, outlining a long-term, evidence-based approach to transport and road planning through the Blue Mountains and the Central West.
The White Paper provides a practical assessment of future transport opportunities across the corridor, prioritising safety, resilience and reliability through targeted road upgrades, safer speed settings, resilience improvements, better rail services, freight efficiency and investment in active transport.
It establishes a framework for improving nationally significant routes alongside local streets, village centres and rail lines, recognising that the Blue Mountains and Central West comprise diverse communities rather than a single uniform corridor.
The White Paper will guide future infrastructure proposals and support business cases for funding across all levels of government, providing a platform for collaboration between Transport for NSW, local councils and State and Federal agencies.
The initiatives outlined form a pipeline of potential actions to address known challenges and opportunities, with any future investment subject to prioritisation and approval processes.
The release builds on work already underway across key corridors, 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.
NSW Minister for Roads and Minister for Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the White Paper sets a clear direction for planning transport across the region.
“This White Paper sets a clear direction for how transport will be planned and delivered across the Blue Mountains and the Central West,” Aitchison said.
“It focuses on safety, resilience and practical improvements that can be delivered and stand up to scrutiny.
“This is about honest planning, better connections and ensuring communities have safer, more reliable transport networks now and into the future.”
NSW Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said reliable transport links are critical for regional communities.
“For communities in the Central West and the Blue Mountains, reliable connections are essential to daily life, safety and economic opportunity,” Moriarty said.
“This White Paper provides a blueprint to guide future investment and improve transport outcomes across the region.”
The Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper is available on the Transport for NSW website.
