A 20-year vision to guide the future of the region’s transport system, called the Draft North Coast Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan, is now on exhibition.
The 172-page strategy covers areas from Tweed Shire to just south of Port Macquarie.
The NSW Labor government said in a media release, ‘For the first time in more than a decade, North Coast communities will be able to view a long-term plan that sets out transport priorities based on evidence, data and extensive consultation with over 800 stakeholders including councils, members of parliament and community groups’.
‘The Draft Plan identifies more than 50 short – and medium-term initiatives, along with longer term outcomes, across public transport, active transport, roads and freight to support the region’s population growth and changing needs.
‘The North Coast SRITP is one of nine plans being developed across regional NSW as part of the Minns Government’s commitment to improving transport infrastructure and services across the state.
‘Key directions of the Draft Plan include improving regional connectivity for people and freight, building a more resilient, disaster-ready transport network, expanding sustainable transport options, reducing transport disadvantage and supporting the visitor economy.
‘The Minns Government is now calling on North Coast communities to have their say.
‘Community members can view the Draft Plan and provide feedback until Sunday 14 June 2026 at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/north-coast.
‘A community survey has been designed to make it easy to provide feedback, with more detailed submissions also welcomed via the website.
‘During the consultation period, Transport for NSW staff will be out across the North Coast speaking directly with residents at local pop-up sessions’.
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary reads, ‘Our transport vision for the North Coast is one where the cities, centres and communities are connected by safe, reliable and sustainable transport infrastructure and services allowing residents and visitors to travel safely by walking, cycling, public transport or private vehicle, while also supporting the safe and efficient movement of essential goods and services’.
Train service removed in 2004
As for trains, the Labor government removed the local rail service in 2004 which connected Murwillumbah to Casino (and ran to Sydney). The Casino to Sydney XPT service has just returned after a year of refurbishing the train.
And while they left the disused line to degrade over decades, there are now rail trails along sections.
Public transport unreliable
On page 14 it reads, ‘Public transport services can be unreliable across the North Coast, with poor service frequency outside of centres and uncompetitive travel times compared with private vehicles’.
‘Dispersed towns and villages, long travel distances, and gaps in walking and cycling infrastructure can reinforce car dependence and limit affordable alternatives. These factors disproportionately impact disadvantaged communities, restricting access to employment, education, healthcare and social participation.
‘This Draft Plan identifies opportunities to improve the frequency, reliability and integration of regional, urban and on-demand public transport services to better connect communities with key destinations. Targeted investment in integrated walking, cycling and public transport infrastructure and services can support access and reduce car dependence. Designing accessible services and infrastructure and aligning services with healthcare, education and employment needs will support equity, participation and wellbeing, and help deliver a more inclusive, reliable and sustainable transport network for the North Coast.
On-demand services
On page 135, it reads that the government should ‘Investigate opportunities for new on‑demand public transport services across key North Coast centres including: • Byron Bay • Murwillumbah • Wauchope • Laurieton • Kendall. Investigate the extension of the Woolgoolga on-demand service to Moonee Beach.
Regional rail project fleet
Yet there appears some appetite to establish train services between Qld and NSW. On page 137, it reads, ‘North Coast and interstate passenger rail service improvements – Undertake a staged review of North Coast rail services, aligned with the introduction of the Regional Rail Project fleet, to improve service timings and strengthen connections between communities, regional centres and capital cities. Stage 1 will focus on: • improving train timetables where feasible, particularly in the Northern Rivers and to Queensland, to address infrequent and inconvenient services times. Stage 2 will investigate opportunities for transformational change to rail services across the North Coast and into Queensland, including: • accessing future fleet needs, such as additional rolling stock and the continued provision of sleeping accommodation for longer-distance journeys • identifying options to increase service frequencies to major centres and capital cities • improving interchange and integration with the connecting coach network to support more seamless journeys.
Rail trail
As for rail trails for Ballina Byron, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley, and Tweed Council areas, it reads on page 140, [The govenrment will] Work with councils across the Northern Rivers to support delivery of the remaining Northern Rivers Rail Trail sections and improve safe active and public transport connections to the rail trail from nearby towns and visitor destinations, helping to strengthen the region’s cycle‑tourism economy and improve local access’.
Vulnerabilities
The strategy also acknowledges the vulnerabilities that regional towns face.
On page 16 it reads, ‘The North Coast is increasingly vulnerable to more frequent and severe natural disasters with key corridors including the Pacific Highway, North Coast Rail Line and critical east-west links regularly disrupted, isolating communities, constraining freight and limiting emergency access. Towns with single access routes are particularly exposed, including discrete and isolated Aboriginal communities’.
‘Repeated damage to bridges, local roads and rail infrastructure combined with limited route redundancy and maintenance backlogs undermines reliability for the community’.
You can upload a submission or send feedback by emailing [email protected].
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