MEDIA RELEASE The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government 22 May 2009 AA166/2009

CENTRAL WEST TRANSPORT NEEDS STUDY COMPLETED I have today released the study into the transport needs of the Central West of NSW, honouring the Government's 2007 election commitment. As part of finalising this comprehensive study, the independent consultant that undertook the work met with local representatives and held a number of workshops so as to give the community a chance to have their say. The key findings of the report are: A number of smaller scale projects - such as the building of overtaking lanes - would greatly improve the reliability and safety of the region's transport network. An upgrade of the Bells Line of Road to expressway standard, as an alternative route to the Great Western Highway, will not be required until after 2033 as the region's population and employment growth has fallen below the trends forecasted in 2004. The Government will now give serious consideration to the findings of this study, particularly those measures that could improve the movement of freight within and through this important part of NSW. We will also provide the study to Infrastructure Australia - the body tasked with planning for the nation's long term infrastructure needs - and refer those findings relating to passenger rail to the NSW Government for their consideration. The full study can be downloaded from: www.nationbuildingprogram.gov.au/publications/reports/index.aspx Media Contacts Jeff Singleton ( Mr Albanese's Office ) 0410 476 890 Central West Transport Needs Study Area (Click on image for larger version)   URL: http://www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au/aa/releases/2009/May/AA166_2009.htm