In a Labor media release issued today by Anthony Albanese, Mike Kelly and Fiona Phillips the three state that a Shorten Labor Government “will accelerate safety upgrades to the Princes Highway south of Nowra by bringing forward $100 million in federal funding and investing it in this road much sooner than would be the case under a re-elected Morrison Government.”
The media release goes on to say “All up, a Shorten Labor Government will invest $150 million over the next four years – three times more than what is currently in the budget. Our total commitment to the Princes Highway will be $500 million.
“This commitment to bring forward federal funding will allow a Shorten Labor Government to partner with the New South Wales Government to expedite work on projects such as:
Upgrading the intersection between Jervis Bay Road and the Princes Highway.
Straightening and upgrading the 4km section of the Princes Highway just south of Batemans Bay, known as the “mad mile”.
Duplicating sections between Jervis Bay Road and Sussex Inlet Road.
Constructing the Moruya Bypass.
Detailed planning work for the Milton and Ulladulla Bypass and upgrades to the Highway from Burrill Lake to Batemans Bay.
“Projects like these will create hundreds of construction jobs on the South Coast and boost productivity by reducing traffic congestion affecting local residents, tourists and truck drivers. But most importantly, this work will improve road safety,” the three way release states.
“Between July 2012 and June 2017, there were 1,494 crashes on the Princes Highway between Jervis Bay Road and the Victorian border, resulting in 30 fatalities and 350 serious injuries. Sadly, between December 2017 and June 2018, eight people lost their lives in accidents on the highway.
“Labor is determined to provide real money for real projects that will make a real difference for the communities that live up and down the Princes Highway – and do it sooner.
“By comparison, under a re-elected Morrison Government, 90 per cent of the money promised on budget night won’t be available to fix the highway until 2023-24 at the earliest.
“The South Coast and regional Australia need infrastructure investment now, not years from now and Labor stands ready to work cooperatively with the State Government to make sure that happens.
The media release offers “This election is a choice between Labor’s plan for better infrastructure investment, or bigger tax loopholes for the top end of town under the Liberals. After six years of Liberal cuts and chaos, our united Labor team is ready.”
