Only a few months ago representatives from council and the state and federal governments announced funding for changes to Flinders Road at South Nowra. 

All three levels of government were celebrating because all three had pitched in with funding. Part of the works included a heavy vehicle rest area. Draft plans were drawn up by council staff and the proposal for the facility was welcomed by transport companies in the region.

However in a statement last week an RMS spokesman said council’s planned road realignment would leave insufficient space to build a truck stop at the Flinders Road location.

“Investigations are now being carried out looking at potential locations for a northbound heavy vehicle rest area between Kiama and Bewong,” he said.

The news left Soilco owner Tony Emery mystified. He has been campaigning for, and working with the RMS, for about eight years to get a truck stop in the region.

“The biggest problem is there are no northbound truck stops between Bewong which is a mini one, and Picton Road.

“Yes, you can pull over at the Kiama bends but there are no facilities anywhere near there.

“The RMS seems to think truck drivers can live on oxygen and diesel fumes. They need food, rest, and clean toilet facilities,’ he said.

Mr Emery said it was an issue everyone should care about because “truck drivers deliver the country”.

“Everything you eat, the fuel in your car, the things in your home, they all come by road transport in trucks.”

“The RMS is really tardy on this truck stop issue.

“We’ve been trying to work with them for at least eight years on the South Coast.

“I remember once we went on a road trip with the RMS and the whole time they just put up barriers as why they would not build truck stops at various locations.”

Mr Emery said Shoalhaven City Council, and MPs Shelley Hancock and Gareth Ward had all worked together on the South Nowra truck stop option.

“We thought South Nowra was in.

“Council did a draft design which showed a truck stop would fit that site opposite the food outlets. 

“It’s the last thing we need to do in the entrance to the south of Nowra,” he said.