Milton Ulladulla bypass: Shelley Hancock joins community advocates in rejecting proposed route

South coast Liberal MP Shelley Hancock says Transport NSW needs to ‘go back to the drawing board’ after the release of the preferred route for the Milton Ulladulla bypass.

south coast Liberal MP Shelley Hancock has slammed the government’s preferred Milton Ulladulla bypass route. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

south coast Liberal MP Shelley Hancock has slammed the government’s preferred Milton Ulladulla bypass route.

Ms Hancock said Transport NSW, headed by fellow south coast Liberal MP Andrew Constance, needs to “go back to the drawing board” and has sponsored an online petition, launched by the Burrill Lake Community Association, with the intention of tabling it in parliament early next year.

The government announced their preferred route in August, and have allowed residents until December 20 to provide their feedback.

Burrill Lake residents have been concerned peak hour traffic chaos may be caused if the bypass enters back onto the highway just north of the village.

NSW Minister Local Government Shelley Hancock has told Transport NSW to ‘go back to the drawing board’. Picture: AAP Image/Joel Carrett

They are pushing for an external bypass to the west of Burrill Lake, with an internal bypass around Milton and Ulladulla.

“The government option reduces congestion in Milton and Ulladulla however ignores increased congestion in Burrill Lake and southern communities, the petition says.

Burrill Lake Community Association members took to social media on Wednesday, alleging signs for a community meeting on December 13 were being taken down by unknown people.

The NSW Government’s preferred Milton Ulladulla bypass route. Picture: Transport NSW

“Burrill Lake has a population equal to or greater than Milton and in holiday periods the population swells from 2,000 to 12,000. Therefore it makes sense that through traffic must be relocated from local roads to a western alternative for the safety of our communities. This would help retain the quality of life and sense of place which we have all enjoyed for decades,” member Stew Craig said.

Ms Hancock said while she is “pleased” progress is being made on the bypass, she said her party needs to “get this right”.

“Together we will send a strong message that the preferred route must be changed to protect Burrill Lake and deliver the highway we deserve,” Ms Hancock said.

Burrill Lake Community Association members claim signs have been moved. Picture: Facebook

“The community’s voice has been heard loud and clear, and what they are saying is that the preferred route for the Milton Ulladulla bypass is unacceptable. I am with them 100 per cent,” Ms Hancock said.

“The proposed strategic corridor aligns with the existing corridor identified in the Shoalhaven LEP, however a lot has changed in over 20 years including the significant growth of our Southern Shoalhaven communities and existing infrastructure upgrades, such as the new Burrill Lake Bridge.

Ms Hancock said she is concerned the current plan will split the community in half, and that the bypass doesn’t go far enough.

Options for the Milton Ulladulla bypass have gone through a community consultation process. Picture: Supplied

“Most significant is the proposed alignment along Canberra Crescent at Burrill Lake. It is simply unacceptable to divide the community of Burrill Lake with a major highway, funnelling traffic through the town, onto a two lane bridge and through several roundabouts,” she said.

“A bypass should be a bypass, and Transport for NSW must consider alternate options further west which include a full bypass of Burrill Lake, Dolphin Point and Lake Tabourie.

“I have already expressed my concerns to Minister Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole and staff at Transport for NSW.

“Today I also spoke to neighbouring MP and Minister Transport and Roads Andrew Constance who agrees with me that further work needs to be undertaken to deliver a better highway for Southern Shoalhaven residents.”