Figure 11. Location of MidCoast centres, from Local Strategic Planning Statement

Strengthen and connect the network of centres

People living in rural areas rely on urban centres to access jobs, services and connect socially. Urban centres are not only our major towns, but a network of village and community centres across our rural areas that provide important destinations for residents and visitors, and support rural lifestyles, productivity, connection and heritage.

Long-term planning and plan-making will be informed by a common understanding of the role and function of each centre within the network, and efforts to strengthen connections to and through these centres.

A key component of this will be improving the transportation networks that tie our region together. Investing in our towns, villages and transportation network not only provides a framework for greater economic growth but complements the movement of people throughout the MidCoast area to live, work and play.

Figure 11. Location of MidCoast centres, from Local Strategic Planning Statement

A key consideration of the Rural Strategy has been how to support dispersed rural communities, that can experience much lower level access to employment and other services, while also providing safe and enjoyable experiences for people travelling between these communities by road, rail and by alternative means including walking, cycling and horse riding.

In this regard, the NSW Government generally supports a corridor-based approach to long-term planning to balance the cost of construction and maintenance of the network with the desired outcomes of each community and region.

In conjunction with the recommendations of the MidCoast Infrastructure Zones Review project, this Strategy has established a hierarchy of key transport corridors based on their comparative relevance e.g. National, State, Regional or Local to freight, commuter and visitor traffic, collectively.

Noting that the key transport corridors are not intended to reflect the entire network of centres or transport corridors within the MidCoast but highlight those that are expected to accommodate the highest-order of freight, community, tourism and recreation traffic within the region and where planning should be prioritised to ensure suitable management arrangements.

Plan for diverse needs within the transport network

Major road and rail networks traverse the MidCoast's rural areas, providing important through-routes and linking local areas to the rest of Australia. These networks afford the MidCoast convenient connections to global gateways such as Newcastle's Port and Airport, as well as to jobs and services in regional centres.

The approach to planning for transport infrastructure (road and rail) in rural areas begins with defining and categorising corridors. These will be used as a basis for working with various road authorities and communities to establish and work toward a common vision for each corridor.

This approach will help to improve decision-making over the long-term, including through the review of planning controls, and the allocation of funding to deliver desired outcomes within three main networks.

The Transport network provides the basis for most trips within and through the MidCoast.

The Freight network provides for the safe and efficient distribution of goods and resources.

The Visitor network includes key touring routes and scenic drives.

Some corridors, particularly those that cater to a higher volume of traffic, are relevant to more than one network. A broader range of considerations and engagement will be required when planning for these corridors, particularly where to provide services and facilities along these routes, ensuring they are prioritised within existing towns and villages rather than across the rural landscape.

However, while planning and plan-making cannot ensure the provision or retention of improved services and facilities, suitable approval pathways can be established to protect and retain existing facilities; and allow facilities to co-locate, where suitable to support towns and villages and make the most of existing infrastructure.

Outcome 2.4.1. Plan for diverse needs within the transport network

a) Maintain locally relevant transport corridor plans that: • Describe current conditions, capacities and management arrangements; • Identify current and anticipated roles in servicing various centres and providing transport-oriented services and facilities; • Identify current and anticipated s in accommodating commuter, freight, visitor traffic and any other relevant form of transport; and • Provide a basis for identifying strategic land use changes or other development opportunities and improvements. b) Plan for improved access, including heavy vehicle access, to rural industries and hubs such as abattoirs and sale yards. c) Apply planning principles for transport-related services and facilities in line with local planning benchmarks and guidelines, including recommendations from RMS regarding development and access along the Princes Highway and major transport routes.

Local Plan Recommendations LEP provisions

Apply the infrastructure zone to key transport corridors to reflect their strategic importance and support long-term planning and delivery mechanisms. Update land acquisition mapping to reflect transport corridor requirements.