STATEMENT ON NOWRA BYPASS

I welcome today’s commitment to invest $105 Million towards planning for a Nowra Bypass.

Having delivered more than $2 Billion to upgrade the Princes Highway, I know how challenging getting things done can be.

As the first local MP to raise this matter in Parliament and petition for the Nowra Bypass project, I want to see this bypass delivered.

This project will cost more than $2 Billion to deliver. It will require bridges over the Shoalhaven either east or west of Nowra and could be up to 30kms in length.

More than planning money, what is needed is a real commitment to get shovels in the ground and get the project done.

The Pacific Highway enjoyed an 80:20 funding split between the Commonwealth and the State. A similar commitment is required before planning will turn into delivery and action.

Whilst planning is important, I won’t stop fighting until we see the rubber literally hit the road.