NSW Treasurer and Bega MP Andrew Constance has hit back of critics of his plan for a new Batemans Bay bridge, describing the area as the Far South Coast's "worst bottleneck".
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"The Batemans Bay bridge and intersection with the Kings Highway is the worst bottleneck south of Nowra," Mr Constance said, reacting to criticism on social media at the weekend of his plan.
The $110 million proposal was announced at Mr Constance's campaign launch for the NSW Election in Batehaven on Friday night.
"Mike Baird and I are rebuilding the Princes Highway, with around $1 billion being spent on it," he said on Monday.
"If people drive to Ulladulla, they will see $21 million being spent at Termeil Creek and $50 million at Burrill Lake and we are keen to improve B-double access and fix ageing bridges
"This will be the third bridge we are fixing as part of our strategy."
Rejecting claims of pork-barrelling before the March 28 poll, Mr Constance said the shire deserved a share.
"The NSW Government's road program budget is $5.5 billion per year," he said.
"I believe local people feel entitled to some of that locally to fix a problem."
Some critics named hospitals and health services as better candidates than the bridge for a big spend, but Mr Constance said the bottleneck also carried risks.
"I'd also challenge Labor about my concern regarding emergency service access, particularly ambulances," he said.
"I'm not sure anybody who's life is in the balance would appreciate the congestion problem caused by the bridge."
He said the $110 million figure was a "preliminary assessment".
"The government will consult and develop the plans with the community over the next 18 months, just as we started the process with Nelligen Bridge and the local community last week," he said.
"This is an important economic driver, as it will create hundreds of jobs during construction and give small business locally a boost.
"It will also boost housing and alleviate the traffic pressures all year round.
"This money comes from the state's roads program budget and half the funds will also come from the Rebuild NSW funds, which are raised by leasing Ausgrid and Endeavour Energy."
Mr Constance sought to allay concerns regarding its 'poles and wires' privatisation plans, which hurt the Coalition fatally in Queensland.
"The country provider Essential Energy will remain 100 per cent in government control," he said.
"I want to acknowledge Roads Minister Duncan Gay for his support for this vital project."