Shoalhaven City Council will apply for the funding through NSW Roads and Maritime Services following a Strategy and Assets meeting on Tuesday, March 20. 

Mayor Amanda Findley said councillors were united in their support for increased funding for the Princes Highway. 

“We understand that the federal government wants to know the numbers and make business cases for different sections of the Princes Highway, but we are asking them to make more long-lasting financial commitments to this roads overall improvement,” she said.

“The creation of a Princes Highway improvement fund over a five year period would be a super way to gain momentum in safety upgrades.”

Cr Findley said the highway was, for most South Coast residents, the only access to other parts of the state. 

“Once it closes [due to accidents] not only is there a direct impact on those directly involved but the ripple effects are enormous and include loss of business and personal income,” she said. 

“There have been a number of accidents on this stretch of road, with several fatalities and an urgent solution needs to be found.”

The move sent a clear message to all levels of government that the highway in the Shoalhaven needed to be a priority, Cr Findley said. 

“This section of road is a priority for the safety of visitors and residents alike,” she said. 

“Until such times that the government supports a fund specifically for the Princes Highway, we will continue to ask for improvements through current schemes and funding sources.

“Shoalhaven City Council has had a high degree of success through Black Spot Funding over the years and we are grateful for the contributions we receive.”

This follows the launch of Fairfax Media’s FIX IT NOW campaign, which calls on politicians to take action urgently to upgrade the Princes Highway south of Nowra.

If you are concerned about the highway or would like to tell your story, email john.hanscombe@fairfaxmedia.com.au.

SEE ALSO: ‘You wonder if you will come home’: Driver’s highway safety concern