In a long awaited announcement and just before last night's budget the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government have said that they will commit $500 million to upgrade the New South Wales section of the Princes Highway, stretching from Wollongong to the Victorian border. The $500 million commitment to upgrade the NSW section of the Princes Highway, from Wollongong to the Victorian border, is additional to the additional $30 million committed for upgrades to the Kings Highway. Eurobodalla Mayor Liz Innes has welcomed the Australian Government’s commitment for major upgrades to the Princes and Kings Highways and is calling on the opposition to match the funding. The focus on the Princes Highway has primarily come about as the duplication works on the Pacific Highway come to an end and it has long been promised by successive federal governments that the Princes Highway would be next so to many on the South Coast the announcements are simply happening as a consequence of timing.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, in making the announcement, said South Coast communities have passionately advocated for the highway to receive its fair share of federal funding to address safety concerns along the corridor. “This massive investment will be welcome news for the entire South Coast, which relies on the Princes Highway as a primary commuter and freight route. We will target our investment in order to improve safety, reduce travel times and support local industry and tourism,” Mr McCormack said. “Decisions on priority projects will be in consultation with the New South Wales Government and be informed by the Princes Highway Corridor Strategy, the development of which was initiated by the Australian Government. “Potential investment opportunities include road widening, safety upgrades, new overtaking lanes, duplication along key sections and town bypasses, so this really is exciting news for communities up and down the South Coast who will be able to get home sooner and safer.” Federal Member for Gilmore Ann Sudmalis said the commitment is the culmination of many years of passionate community campaigning. “This investment will also be a shot in the arm for the South Coast economy, with the project expected to support around 1,800 direct and indirect jobs,” Mrs Sudmalis said. “The Princes Highway is a major route along the east coast of Australia, extending from New South Wales through Victoria and into South Australia. "The project will be funded on an 80:20 basis in partnership with the New South Wales Government," Mrs Sudmalis said. Irrespective of who is voted in there is a long held commitment to the Princes Highway from the Federal Government to see the road developed for economic growth and to see the safety of the corridor improved.
