Yes, we are going to get a new bridge over the Shoalhaven River but there is no firm start date or costing.
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However, according to NSW Minister for Transport Andrew Constance they will come in time, hopefully sooner rather than later.
In fact, if the minister had his way he would like to see the work start next year.
The preliminary plans and designs for the proposed new Shoalhaven River crossing and associated roadworks were released at a press conference on the banks of the river on Monday morning.
It felt like there was a cast of thousands from local media, politicians, local council, Roads and Maritime Services, community members and representatives.
One of the biggest groups assembled for a press conference on a single issue in a long time.
“This release of the preferred options and the announcement of public consultation is the first step towards this project happening,” Mr Constance said.
“This is an important milestone. It enables the community to have input into the design and preferred routes for the bridge to get it right.
“We need the community on this journey with us.
“There is no point the government dictating to the community, saying here’s your bridge take it or leave it.
“We need input from the community and between now and March 23 there is the opportunity for the community to come forward on the RMS website, at the number of pop-up shops or Shoalhaven Council to provide feedback to designs.
“We’ve all been stuck on the Nowra bridge. We’ve all experienced it at its worse.
“We have got to get the design work and homework done first before we go to market and see what the value of the project is.
“This is a major investment, a major bridge - it is pleasing to see all tiers of government here today because all tiers of government are going to have to have to make a contribution towards this project.”
But the elephant in the room was again whether the federal government, which has already put in $10m in studies to get to this stage, would contribute towards the bridge.
It was something Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis said she had been working on.
“I’m constantly talking to the Minister for Finance and the Treasurer,” Mrs Sudmalis said.
“But I need an indicative figure. I’ve had quiet talk with RMS but I need some indicative figures to be able to say to the Treasurer this is the first tranche and we need to get this project into the forward estimates.”
Mrs Sudmalis said she needed those figures soon.
She said she has also been in discussions for two years to get the Princes Highway recognised to be eligible for better funding arrangements.
Mr Constance said there was ongoing discussion between the state and federal ministers all the time regarding funding projects.
South Coast MP Shelley Hancock said there was still a lot of work to do.
“Yes we are going back out to the community, yes I know the community will be frustrated. They just want a new bridge,” she said.
“They want safer travel, reduced travel time and better freight access.
“We know we have to go out to the community and do an environmental assessment as well. But much of the work has been done.
“We need the community to come with us. We need people to look at preferred options for the intersections and bridges. We want your input and then we go back and do environment assessment.
“I know people will get upset and cranky about the time. They want to know when we will be building it?
“When we get the costing then we’ll go to the federal government and say it’s time to step up.
“They are funding the Pacific Highway in a 80/20 split. We need funding for the Princes Highway where we have been funding all the major projects.
“It’s time we work together, not shaft each other and not try throw responsibility from one form of government to another. This could be upward of $300 million, we don't know. We have to work hard and work together and get this project underway.”
Have your say
The preferred option for the new Shoalhaven River crossing and associated works will be on display from Monday, February 19 until Friday, March 23 at Shoalhaven City Council premises, Nowra Library and TAFE NSW Nowra.
Feedback is invited until Friday, March 23.
Five community drop-in sessions will be held in the coming weeks so people can see the preferred option and give feedback.
The first two sessions will be held between 11am and 3pm Thursday and Saturday, March 1-3 at Stockland Nowra. The third and fourth sessions will be held between 11am and 3pm Thursday and Saturday, March 8-10 at North Nowra shops. The final session will be held between 10am and 1pm Saturday, March 17 at Nowra School of Arts Annex.
More information on the preferred option can be found in the Nowra Bridge Project Preferred Option Summary available at rms.nsw.gov.au/nowrabridge.