OLD PAGES > State Government neglects Illawarra yet again

A new State Government infrastructure report has continued the neglect of the Illawarra with the region and its infrastructure priorities barely getting a mention in the 65 page document.

The report is the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Audit Submission to Infrastructure Australia and outlines the NSW Government’s infrastructure priorities over the next decade and beyond for possible funding from the Federal Government. Infrastructure Australia is the new independent Federal Government body that will determine the national priority infrastructure projects that should be funded.

Illawarra Business Chamber President Les Dion said that the Government’s infrastructure report overlooked the need to upgrade Picton Road as a critical link to the F5/M5 and M7. The report also mothballed the F6 extension until at least 2021, nor is there any mention of the Maldon Dombarton rail link. It also failed to deal with the crumbling rail infrastructure that is reducing rail trips on the current South Coast line to a top speed of 30km/h around the Escarpment.

“This document has shown that the Illawarra is not a priority for the NSW Government,” said Mr Dion. “This report demonstrates the NSW Government continues to be dominated by its Sydney-centric focus and while Sydney is very important for the state and national economy it should not result in the Illawarra being blind sighted.

“Infrastructure Australia will be drawing on these reports to determine what the nation’s infrastructure priorities should be. Based on this report, I doubt the Illawarra will be appearing anywhere on that list.” Mr Dion said that the report’s only interest in the develop of the Illawarra was solely focused on the growth of Port Kembla and even then failed to address the increase truck and freight movements on the regional rail and road network.

“Illawarra Business Chamber has produced its own transport infrastructure priority report, and is currently working with other key stakeholders and our Federal MPs with a view to of making a joint submission to the Federal Government to highlight the region’s infrastructure priorities as it appears the State Government continues to ignore the Illawarra’s needs.” Mr Dion concluded.