Although no one had heard much about the project prior to the Coalition’s 2017/18 budget announcement, Cr Findley said the road was more than “just a line on a map”. 

“There have been levels taken and we understand the lay of the land there and we understand the costing needed, hence the $13.8 million from the federal government,” she said. 

The entire project will be funded by the federal government. Cr Findley said with funding assured construction of the road could be fast-tracked.

“There are plenty of good organisations that have worked with council in the past to deliver road projects and I expect that the works should be able to to be delivered in a reasonable time frame and before the bridge work starts,” she said. 

Cr Findley said the road was “absolutely necessary” and would alleviate pressure on the Nowra bridge. 

She hoped the road was completed before the replacement of the Shoalhaven River bridge. 

“That would help to alleviate the pressure of the intersection around Illaroo Road and the Princes Highway and allow people who are heading north to take that road and go to Moss Vale and beyond,” Cr Findley said. 

“It is amazing that we will be able to start that work.” 

Cr Findley was “excited” discussions with Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis had been “taken seriously” and resulted in funding for the project. 

“We have made sure that our local member knows that this is an important part of future infrastructure for the Shoalhaven,” she said. 

Mrs Sudmalis said the project would connect Cambewarra and Bomaderry residents to Bowral, Wollongong and South Nowra. 

She said the work was an essential first step for later construction of the Nowra Bridge.

“There needs to be a far better road that connects the new residents get them to school and work,” Mrs Sudmalis said.