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GILMORE MP Ann Sudmalis says a Turnbull government would fund 80 per cent of the needed infrastructure in replacing the Nowra bridge over the Shoalhaven River.
Her pledge was in response to the Whitlam MP Stephen Jones and Labor’s candidate for Gilmore Fiona Phillips’ announcement a Shorten Labor government would invest up to $50 million to assist with the construction of a new concrete bridge over the Shoalhaven River.
A Turnbull government will be putting in 80 per cent of the needed infrastructure costing in replacing the Nowra bridge.
- Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis
“I understand they [Labor] has put $50 million on that table - that may just build you the foundation stones and a couple of pylons,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“They might need a ferry and gondolas to get across the river.
“$50 million is nowhere near the amount of investment needed for this critical piece of infrastructure.
“The estimates we have are six times that amount, more in the terms of $300 million.”
Mrs Sudmalis said the Turnbull government had not made any funding announcements about the proposed Nowra crossing because it was waiting for final costing figures from the state government.
Labor's $50 million might just build you the foundation stones and a couple of pylons. They might need a ferry and gondolas to get across the river.
- Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis
“When you lobby a government you have to get the figures right,” she said.
“You have to know where the dollars are coming from and you have to make sure you are really accurate when you give a number to the community, which is why I have not been able to give a number yet because the costing have not been finalised.”
Mrs Sudmalis said the road network around the new crossing - the Bridge Road, Bolong Road and Illaroo Road intersections – also had to be fixed up.
“When we’ve got the exact amount from the NSW government we will be putting in 80 per cent of the needed infrastructure costing.
“Until that stage we’re not going to stab in the dark and pretend we know the answer, because we like to be accurate.”
$50 million is nowhere near the amount of investment needed for this critical piece of infrastructure. The estimates we have are six times that amount. More in the terms of $300 million.
- Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis
Mrs Sudmalis said she has been in discussions for the past couple of months on the final details around the Illaroo Road work and some associated projects that may be needed to be considered before that work is done.
“I’ve been in negotiations with funding those other needed works as well,” she said.
Mrs Sudmalis said it was hoped to have final costings within the next six months.
She would not be drawn on her chances of retaining the seat of Gilmore at the next election.
“Right now an election is not in the wind,” she said.
“I’m just working on projects for the people of Gilmore,” she said.
“An election is two years away. I have a lot of work to do in between times.”