On 9 December 2025 the NSW Government released the Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP), outlining a 20-year vision for a safer, better-connected and more sustainable transport network to support significant population and economic growth across our region.

The Draft SRITP proposes more than 45 initiatives spanning roads, public transport, walking and cycling, freight access and land-use integration. Collectively, these initiatives aim to ease congestion, improve safety, boost economic productivity and ensure the Illawarra Shoalhaven can grow in a way that is accessible, connected and resilient.

For residents and businesses alike, the plan promises smoother commutes, safer roads, more reliable public transport, and stronger connections between key employment centres, freight corridors and tourism destinations. Importantly, it recognises that transport is not just about moving people and goods – it is fundamental to workforce participation, productivity and regional competitiveness. This strategic intent has strong alignment with RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven’s FY26 Strategic Priorities across driving strategic investment and embracing economic opportunity.

Transport as a productivity enabler

RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven’s State of the Workforce report, released in May, identified transport access and commute times as critical factors influencing workforce participation, attraction and retention across the region. Long and unreliable commutes, limited public transport options, and poor connections between housing and employment centres directly constrain productivity and exacerbate skills shortages. Our research emphasised that better transport links are essential to unlocking economic potential and supporting local businesses to thrive.

The Draft SRITP begins to address these challenges by prioritising improved access and transport choice, stronger regional and inter-regional connectivity, and better alignment between land-use and transport planning. By supporting transport-oriented growth -where new housing and employment areas are designed around accessible transport – the plan has the potential to boost workforce participation, reduce time lost to commuting, and improve access to jobs for many workforce segments and those without access to private vehicles.

What the Plan proposes

• Upgrades across the road network and freight corridors, particularly along the Princes Highway, Picton Road and links to Port Kembla, to improve safety, reliability and freight efficiency (including a renewed commitment to plan for future freight use using the often discussed Maldon-Dombarton freight corridor).
• Public transport enhancements, with improved bus services, upgrades to the South Coast rail line and development of integrated transport hubs linking towns, centres and employment precincts.
• Improved safety and comfort at transport hubs including upgraded lighting at bus stops, trains stations, and parking areas
• Expanded active transport networks to support walking and cycling connections between communities, schools, transport hubs and workplaces and better integration of parking with city centres and active transport links
• Future-focused and sustainable transport initiatives, including electric buses, EV charging infrastructure, smart transport technology and climate-resilient assets

Taken together, these actions support not only economic growth and freight movement, but also healthier, more productive communities.

Implications for the Illawarra Shoalhaven

For communities, the Draft Plan offers the prospect of reduced congestion, safer roads, greater transport choice and removal of parking availability and security as barriers to public transport use. For businesses, it signals improved freight efficiency, stronger supply chains and increased investment confidence around major corridors and Port Kembla. For governments and councils, it reinforces the need for coordinated land-use and infrastructure planning, long-term funding commitments and ongoing engagement with communities and industry.

Have your say

The Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven SRITP is open for public consultation until 9 February 2026. Feedback from communities, councils, businesses, industry and stakeholders will inform the final plan and the staged rollout of initiatives.

RDA Illawarra Shoalhaven strongly encourages submissions on this draft report. Getting transport right is essential to improving workforce productivity, supporting economic growth and ensuring our region remains a great place to live, work and invest.

Submit here: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/illawarra-shoalhaven