The NSW Government has recently released the draft Central West and Orana Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP) for public consultation.

The draft plan, available online and in hard copy at libraries, outlines a long-term vision for safer, more reliable and better-connected transport to support growth in this region.

Stephen Lawrence, duty MLC for Barwon, Bathurst, Cootamundra, Dubbo and Orange, has welcomed the draft plan and invites the community to participate.

“Local community voices are critical to have in regional strategic planning, especially for transport which affects literally every single person across the Central West and Orana regions, and I encourage everyone to make their voice heard in this planning process," he said.

The draft plan identifies more than 60 practical initiatives to inform future planning, including changes and upgrades to public and active transport for smaller and ageing communities; more frequent and reliable transport services; safer, more resilient roads and freight corridors; targeted upgrades to services, roads and the broader network to ensure people are better connected to jobs, education, health and services; and better use of existing infrastructure to improve safety and travel times.

The plan also recognises the region’s shifting demographics. By 2041 the population is expected to grow by more than 11 per cent to 323,000, and the number of residents aged over 65 is projected to grow as well.

The draft plan, supporting materials and details of local drop-in sessions where you can speak with the team are available at the NSW Government's Have Your Say webpage.

Submissions close midnight on Sunday, December, 14 and can be made via the Have Your Say webpage, by emailing or writing to Transport for NSW.

Community feedback will help refine the final plan, due for release in 2026.