Government Hosts Public Session on 20-Year Illawarra Transport Plan in Wollongong Today

Government Engagement Underway for 20-Year Regional Transport Overhaul

Today, Friday, 23 January 2026, officials from Transport for NSW are holding an official public session at the Wollongong Crown Street Markets to gather feedback on the Draft Illawarra Shoalhaven Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan. The session, which is scheduled to run from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, is a key component of the state government’s engagement strategy for a 20-year infrastructure roadmap intended to reshape the region’s connectivity.

This public session allows residents to engage directly with government representatives about the future of transport in the city. The primary focus of the day is the exhibition of a draft plan that addresses the rapid population growth and demographic shifts expected across the Illawarra and Shoalhaven over the next two decades. Key topics on the agenda for today's discussion include:

• Expanding and improving the frequency and reliability of local public transport services.
• Safety enhancements and congestion management for major regional roads and commuter corridors.
• Integration of the regional transport network with the upcoming Western Sydney International Airport.
• Improving active transport infrastructure, specifically focusing on better connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

The strategy is being overseen by high-ranking state officials, including the Minister for Planning and Member for Wollongong, Paul Scully, and the Minister for the Illawarra and South Coast, Ryan Park. The plan aims to foster economic growth and improve regional quality of life by providing long-term, integrated transport solutions that align with future housing developments and the evolving needs of the workforce.

Lord Mayor Aligns Transport Plan with 2026 City Vision

The government's activity today complements the 2026 vision recently outlined by Lord Mayor Tania Brown. Earlier this month, Mayor Brown detailed the city's key priorities for the year, noting that 2026 would be a period of significant progress and opportunity for Wollongong. While there are no formal council sessions or votes scheduled for today due to the summer holiday period, the Mayor’s office has emphasized the importance of community participation in the current transport consultation.

According to the Mayor, the city is focused on several major infrastructure projects that will benefit from the state’s transport overhaul. These include the ongoing construction of the Southern Suburbs Community Centre and Library and critical coastal protection works at the North Wollongong seawall. Mayor Brown has also highlighted the continued push for a cruise terminal to be located at Port Kembla, which she believes will provide a substantial economic boost to the region if supported by the final integrated transport plan.

With major residential growth continuing in the West Dapto area, the Mayor has encouraged residents to utilize today’s session at the Crown Street Markets to ensure future transport links meet the needs of emerging communities. Formal submissions on the regional transport plan will remain open until Monday, 9 February 2026, making today’s in-person session a vital opportunity for residents to influence the finalization of the policy.