The next generation of regional trains will come to the coast to replace the ageing XPTs. The NSW government has begun the procurement process for a new type of train.

The older trains are nearing the end of their days. A decade after the introduction of the XPT, which transformed regional train travel, we added Endeavours and EXPLORERs, giving us an unrivalled country train network. Now, 40 years later, we have the opportunity to deliver trains that will surpass all of those.

The trains of the 21st Century are more comfortable, more accessible and packed with commuter friendly features.

The government will soon issue an EOI for the design, construction and maintenance of the new fleet. Innovation, increased customer comfort, and greater energy efficiency for regional customers are paramount.

A thorough tender evaluation will be conducted next year, ahead of the contract being awarded in early 2019. 

This announcement signals the our deep commitment to rural and regional communities by ensuring services deliver for country areas and are supported by long-term skilled jobs.

Litter Prevention Grants

Local councils are encouraged to apply for a share of $1.25 million to help fund litter prevention projects on behalf of their member councils.

The NSW government’s Regional Litter Implementation Program offers funding to the state’s 14 waste groups to support their member councils to work regionally to tackle litter problems unique to their communities.

The waste groups are eligible to apply for the funding to implement the anti-littering projects on behalf of their member councils. The program will help ua achieve the Premier’s priority of reducing litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020.

More information about the Litter Regional Implementation Program grants is available at epa.nsw.gov.au/wastegrants/council-litter.htm.