Kiama MP Gareth Ward insisted he wasn’t in a “fake fight" with his own government over funding for the new Shoalhaven River crossing at Nowra.
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This week, Mr Ward lodged a notice of motion in parliament that “calls on the government to include funding for a replacement bridge over the Shoalhaven River in the forthcoming 2018 budget”.
The motion also acknowledges the federal government’s commitment to provide $155 million in funding for a new bridge.
Mr Ward refuted the suggestion his notice of motion was designed so he was seen to be working for funding for the bridge.
“That’s just a stupid comment, because people drive on everything I’ve delivered – Berry, Gerringong, South Nowra,” said Mr Ward, referring to various Princes Highway upgrades.
READ MORE: Shoalhaven River crossing a top priority
“If what you’re trying to allege is some fake fight, well that’s not the case. Everything we deliver we’re competing with every other part of the state and I make no apologies for using the floor of parliament as a member of parliament to make sure that my community’s views are known.
“Until the budget is set in stone and the ink is dry, I take nothing for granted and will fight every single step of the way. Whether that means moving motions or giving speeches, I’ll do it.”
He said he had also taken up the issue with Roads Minister Melinda Pavey.
“I’m using every second in the lead-up to the budget to make sure we secure investments that are important,” Mr Ward said.
The idea of making a Nowra bypass part of the bridge project has been raised but Mr Ward said that was a project for a later date.
“I know that there’s talk about a Nowra bypass and I’m certainly supportive of those calls,” he said.
“But the old iron bridge is 137 years old. It was never built to carry 55,000 vehicles on average each day.
“We need a replacement bridge; we can’t allow the people of Bomaderry and Nowra to be reduced to just one bridge.”