WARD HITS OUT AT ROADS MINISTER’S ‘NOTHING-BURGER’ VISIT

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has criticised a visit by the Minister for Regional Roads and Freight for failing to commit a cent to local roads or taking back Jamberoo Mountain Road under the State Road Network. 

During the 2023 State election campaign where Labor promised ‘A Fresh Start’, NSW Labor said it was open to reclassifying the road, but since coming to government has failed to take any action.  

“When Ministers visit our region, I expect them to come with some good news. This Minister came and took a happy snap with the council and offered absolutely nothing new. This isn’t just disappointing, it’s not good enough,” Mr Ward said.

“NSW Labor dumped Jamberoo Mountain Road on Kiama ratepayers without a cent of compensation. This road used to come under the management of the State which meant it was maintained as a State road and asset. 

“The costs of maintaining this road are well beyond the resources of a small council like Kiama and it’s unfair that a road of regional significance should be funded by Kiama’s ratepayers. 

“Whilst I have advocated for State Roads grants to assist Kiama Council, these grants don’t reflect the significance of this road as an important artery between the coast, the highlands, and tablelands. 

“Whilst the Minister talks about ongoing ‘discussions’ with Council, what residents and road users want is real action. 

“Whilst the people of NSW were promised a ‘Fresh Start’ by this Labor Government, people are fast waking up to the fact that what we’ve got is a false start,” Mr Ward concluded.