WE NEED A REAL VISION: WARD SLAMS LABOR FOR PUTTING ILLAWARRA INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE SLOW LANE

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward has used Parliament to move a Notice of Motion highlighting the need for Illawarra Labor MPs to use their collective political muscle to back region-building projects that shoulder Illawarra’s population growth and reduce congestion.

Mr Ward has said that spending on the Princes Highway has sunk under Labor’s watch with the stretch on the highway between Yallah and West Wollongong now heavily congested during peak times causing delays for locals and business.

“It’s time for local Labor MPs to use their collective political muscle and fight for region-building infrastructure which will make a meaningful difference,” Mr Ward said.

“In Government, I secured major investments that transformed the southern Illawarra and Shoalhaven. It’s now their turn and I’m ready to back projects of regional significance in Parliament.

“NSW Labor cannot confidently name a single Princes Highway upgrade that will commence this term. From the Dapto Access Ramps to the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass, none of their promises are being matched with actual delivery.

“Whilst Labor MPs keep talking about regional population growth, the Princes Highway south of Wollongong is heavily congested with no plans to improve it.

“Labor gets in a lather over a couple of little ramps on and off the M1. But what sort of vision is that?

“With so many local Labor MPs from our region, it’s time for them to start using their collective weight and raiding the Treasury to ensure our region is ready to meet growing pressures and build a better and more resilient community,” Mr Ward concluded.

Mr Ward’s motion in Parliament is:

1. Notes the Princes Highway is experiencing heavy congestion between Yallah and West Wollongong.
2. Notes the Government is planning for more growth but not investing in region-building infrastructure.
3. Condemns Labor for breaking a series of election promises by not delivering the Dapto Access Ramps this term or commencing upgrades to the Princes Highway South of Nowra.