Poll: Is the tunnel the only way or do targeted upgrades work better? Have your say

In a major shift toward evidence-based planning, the Minns Labor Government exclusively revealed to this masthead its Sydney to Central West Corridors White Paper, abandoning high-cost, unachievable mega-projects in favour of immediate improvements for communities west of the mountains.

Minister for Roads, and Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, said her government will move past the "hollow promise" of an 11-kilometre bypass tunnel being the only solution to the Great Western Highway's notorious pinch points at Blackheath and Mount Victoria.

Instead, the NSW Government will focus on improvements including:

"For years, the Liberals and Nationals told communities in the Blue Mountains that a tunnel was just around the corner. It wasn't. They knew it wasn't. And they mothballed it themselves when the truth caught up with them," she said.

"You cannot claim to fix the Great Western Highway if your 'solution' ends before the worst section, and that's exactly what the former Government tried to sell - it was a fantasy.

"We are not repeating that failure. This white paper is about honesty and vision - telling people what can be done. That means safer roads, better resilience during fires and floods, and practical improvements that stand up to scrutiny."

This document now serves as the official foundation for future funding and collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies.

Blue Mountains MP, Trish Doyle, said the white paper "acknowledges our real pressures" and that it outlines future options that respect both "our World Heritage environment and our communities".

"This is a vision built on evidence, not slogans, and that's what people in the mountains deserve," she said.

The white paper reinforces that the Blue Mountains and Central West are more than just thoroughfares, that they are unique communities that deserve dedicated planning.

The NSW Government claims that by focusing on "smarter, faster, and more targeted" improvements, it aims to build a transport system that works for everyone, from local families to freight drivers.