SEATS today announced the release of an important Petition to the Federal Government regarding the recognition of the Princes Highway and urgent funding required for the development and upkeep of this vital transport network South East Australian Transport Strategy Inc (SEATS) is calling on the Federal Government to officially recognise the importance of the Princes Highway between East Sale and Wollongong as a major freight and tourist route and commit additional and on-going funding to address the condition of this vital transport network which covers over 739kms.
The Region which embraces south east NSW, eastern Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory and is bounded by the Hume Highway corridor between Sydney and Melbourne and the coastal strip between Wollongong and Westernport Bay has enormous potential and opportunities which these improvements would undoubtedly unlock. Inadequate transport infrastructure has long been identified as a major impediment to the growth and prosperity of this region.
SEATS Executive Officer John Duscher said, “There has been a significant increase in the traffic using this Highway and these vital upgrades are the key to the development, growth, sustainability and improved safety outcomes for the region.” “As one of the fastest growing regions in Australia it is time to recognise the importance of the Princes Highway locally, regionally and nationally and provide the same attention and support that other networks like the Hume Highway has received for many decades.”
"SEATS has acknowledged and welcomed the recent funding investment and planning focus on the Princes Highway network but there is much more to be done. SEATS is seeking the support of the Federal Government to ensure that the funding is on-going and programs are in place to provide the most efficient and safest transport route through the region.
“SEATS as a cross-border, strategic partnership with Councils, State and Federal Governments, industry, business and communities seeks the urgent funding of this vital infrastructure project that will boost the region’s economic competitiveness, stimulate investment, improve employment prospects and enhance its “liveability”. “
"Support of this petition to improve the condition of the Princes Highway is important. “It is time for action and we ask those who use the Princes Highway to transport goods and provide services, to travel to work, to schools, to shop, attend medical appointments, play sport or participate in recreational activities, those who come to visit and stay, retire and enjoy the wonderful natural attractions and life style to please support this petition.”
"This petition will run until the end of February 2018 and be available at your local Council Office and Information Centres across the Region. It is also available on the SEATS Website.
John Duscher
SEATS Executive Officer
