Multimillion-dollar Shoalhaven roads package called out by Andrew Constance

A multimillion-dollar package aimed at fixing pothole ridden roads in a NSW south coast region is yet to come into effect more than two years since its initial announcement.

The promised funding is set to be used to fix a litany of pothole ridden roads in the Shoalhaven.

A federal MP’s promised mega funding package to fix a litany of damaged roads on the NSW south coast has been called out by a political candidate, claiming the promise has not been delivered more than a year on.

Federal Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips promised a $40m roads package for the Shoalhaven region during the 2022 federal election, which would be given to the Shoalhaven Council to fix a number of pothole ridden and damaged roads in the region.

The funding was set to be split between a number of roads in the area, including $5m for Callala Beach Rd, $6m for Callala Bay Rd, $14m for Culburra Rd, $5m for Worrigee Rd intersection, $2m for Callala Bay Rd intersection and $8m for Forest Rd.

However, more than two years since the announcement, Liberal candidate for Gilmore and former NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance claims the funding was yet to be seen.

“Much was made by Labor following my commitment of $40 million for local road upgrades to Bay and Basin communities at the 2022 election, yet two years on, no money has been allocated and no roads have been built,” he said.

Liberal candidate for Gilmore, Andrew Constance.

“This is about saving lives, creating jobs and saving on car repairs for locals due to potholes blowing tyres and leading to extensive wear and tear on motor vehicles.”

Mr Constance said he wanted to see the promised funds in this week’s federal budget, however Mrs Phillips told The South Coast News the promised funds were already delivered in the October 2022 federal budget.

Federal Gilmore MP, Fiona Phillips.

“Due to Shoalhaven Council not having the capacity to undertake the work internally, council unanimously resolved in June 2023 to essentially contract the work out through a Program, Project Management and Engineering – PPME model,” Mrs Phillips said.

“Since that time, Shoalhaven Council has been working through that process, including completing the short-listing of partner consultants.

“Once the partner consultant is selected, the local road projects will be scoped up so work can commence.”

Mrs Phillips claimed Mr Constance – who is having his second attempt at running for Gilmore federally - did not understand how projects like this worked.

“What is clear is that the Liberal Candidate has no idea about the delivery of these funds nor the work that has been going on to ensure proper delivery of the roads projects,” she said.

However, Mr Constance said he simply wanted to see the roads fixed after more than two years of waiting.

“Enough is enough,” he said.

Shoalhaven Council said they were finalising the funding agreement with government representatives.

“The expectation is that funds will be spread over multiple financial years. Council has been preparing in the background to start the project once funding is confirmed,” a council spokeswoman said.

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