Nowra bypass blame game continues as State, Federal Government trade barbs

The NSW Government has been accused of ‘playing politics’ over funding for a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project on the state’s south coast. Find out why.

Labor’s Fiona Phillips has slammed the NSW Government for “betraying” south coast residents after state leaders allegedly failed to deliver on their election promise to help fund a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Labor’s Fiona Phillips has slammed the NSW Government for “betraying” south coast residents claiming state leaders allegedly failed to deliver on their election promise to help fund a multimillion-dollar infrastructure project.

However, the NSW Transport Minister has hit back at the accusation saying the next step was not up to them.

The Nowra bypass received $32 million in funding for pre-planning work in Labor’s first federal budget earlier this year.

Another $8 million was promised for early works by NSW Transport Minister Sam Farraway in April, but was absent from the state budget.

At the time, Mr Farraway told this publication funding would be contingent on Labor “stumping up” their share of the funding.

Labor member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips, left, with Bega MP Michael Holland. Picture: Nathan Schmidt

Three weeks after the federal budget’s release, Ms Phillips said there was no word from NSW Liberals on when the funding would be available.

“Well Minister – I have delivered on my promise,” Ms Phillips said.

“Now it’s time for you to deliver yours. The NSW Government betrayed our community by choosing to play politics with our Nowra Bypass.

“We don’t need words, we need action to get the bypass started now.”

In a statement, Mr Farraway said the NSW Government had been forced to wait for federal leaders to “honour their election commitment.”

“Here we go again,” Mr Farraway said on Tuesday.

“I would like Ms Phillips to explain how the NSW Government is ‘choosing to play politics’.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway speaks to the media during a press conference in Sydney. Picture: Flavio Brancaleone

“We were waiting to see what projects would be on her government’s chopping block.

“Now that they have finally committed their 80 per cent share of funding to the planning of this vitally important project, I encourage her agency to engage with Transport of NSW so we can start moving this along.”

Mr Farraway claimed Infrastructure Minister Catherine King had listened to his lobbying to keep funding for the Nowra Bypass business case “on the table”, but did not answer questions as to when the NSW Government’s share of the funding would be released.

Funding for the pre-planning work was to be split 80/20 between Federal and State Governments, according to plans unveiled in April by Mr Farraway and former NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance, Ms Phillips opponent for the contested seat of Gilmore.

Nowra bridge duplication. Picture: Transport for NSW

A similar deal had previously been struck between State and Federal Governments to fund the nearby Nowra Bridge.

While not opening fully until 2024, cars were able to traverse the $342 million bridge for the first time in November.

Over coming months, Transport for NSW has warned further temporary changes will impact already heavily congested traffic in the area.

Work also continues on major bypass projects in Milton-Ulladulla and Moruya, after receiving funding in the state and federal budgets.

As a result, Ms Phillips said it was “absolutely pivotal” funding for the bypass be released lest Nowra be left behind.

“The State Government has done nothing for the past four decades,” she said.

“Locals here know there is a lot of congestion on the roads around Nowra.

“The bypass is about improving the workability and liveability for people in Nowra.

“It will revitalise Nowra for our local businesses and local jobs.

“So, we have to start planning the bypass now if we don’t want to be in a situation down the track where nothing has moved forward.”