LACK OF STATE GOVERNMENT SUPPORT COULD SEE NOWRA BYPASS SCRAPPED

Independent Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has moved a motion in Parliament calling on the NSW Labor Government to commit to future work on the Princes Highway.

Mr Ward said Premier Minns has not yet committed to an 80:20 funding arrangement with the Commonwealth Government for regional infrastructure projects to ensure the Princes Highway upgrade continues.

“Since 2011, I have worked hard to transform and improve local, tourist and freight travel on the Princes Highway from Albion Park to the Jervis Bay interchange,” Mr Ward said.

“I want to see through the entire upgrade of the Princes Highway but the remaining upgrades are now in jeopardy as a result of the Infrastructure Australia review and lack of clarity from the Minns Labor Government.

“The Albanese Government is looking to tighten their budget and regional road projects are now on the chopping block.

“The former Coalition government signed an agreement to fund 80% of the total cost of major infrastructure projects in regional areas, with state governments only having to chip in 20%. 

“Without this agreement, upgrades like the Nowra Bypass and the Milton Ulladulla bypass will be competing with Sydney roads projects prioritised by Labor during the election.

“The Premier needs to throw his support behind the previously agreed funding arrangement which will ensure the delivery of a safer Princes Highway for motorists, truckies and travellers on the South Coast,” Mr Ward concluded.