OLD PAGES > Illawarra Unites on Infrastructure Priorities

The Illawarra Business Chamber has today welcomed the united support of business, unions and other key stakeholders behind today’s release of the Illawarra’s submission to the national infrastructure audit. 

IBC President Mr Les Dion said today the region is speaking as one as to the priorities being put forward to the Federal Government’s for funding under the $20 Billion Infrastructure fund.

“The IBC congratulates the efforts of Sharon Bird and Jennie George and RDA Illawarra in bringing together the various parties to a united position regarding the regions Infrastructure Priorities, he said. 

The Submission identifies the expansion of the outer harbour at Port Kembla, the completion of the Maldon-Dombarton rail line, the upgrade of Picton Road and the upgrade of the Princes Highway from Gerringong to Jervis Bay as the four top priority projects for the region over the immediate term.

“These priorities match those identified by the IBC in our own transport infrastructure document released back in August.

These projects are critical in strengthening the local economy and a stronger economy which means more jobs for people living and working here in the Illawarra.

Mr Dion said the only missing piece was the position of our local State MP’s in regards their support for these projects.

IBC now urges our local State MP’s to throw their public support behind this submission to ensure all levels of Government are speaking as one.

Mr Dion said the timing of today’s submission was significant, given the last time such a united approach was taken to Government, the result was a commitment to develop the inner harbour.

Next month we will see all the car imports coming via Port Kembla.

It is now critical that we ensure the regions infrastructure is adequate to cope with the port expansion and able to stimulate the further growth in the regions economy.