IF Shoalhaven City Council had hoped for some federal funding for the East Nowra Sub Arterial road [ENSA], it might be waiting a long time.
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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael McCormack has at this stage ruled out the possibility of federal funding.
ENSA is designed to take traffic off the Princes Highway behind Stockland Nowra, across the floodplain to rejoin Greenwell Point Road to alleviate congestion around the Kalandar Street intersection and also provide an easier access for traffic travelling to the eastern villages.
ENSA is also seen as a vital part of the new Nowra bridge and upgrading of surrounding intersections to also ease congestion.
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In response to approaches by Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis, Mr McCormack said ENSA was the responsibility of Shoalhaven City Council and the NSW Government.
“Council could consider using funding provided to it under the Australian Government's Financial Assistance Grant and Roads to Recovery programs,” he said.
He encouraged council to communicate its priorities to NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey.
“Should the NSW Government prioritise these works, it could bring forward a proposal to the Australian government for consideration under a future Infrastructure Investment Program,” he said.
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“The Australian government has committed to a 10 year, $75 billion infrastructure investment pipeline of projects, focused on driving economic growth, increasing productivity and connectivity, and creating new employment opportunities.
“For the Gilmore electorate, this includes: $155 million for the new Nowra Bridge on the Princes Highway as well as $10 million for planning for the bridge; $13.8 million for the Far North Collector Road Network; and $9 million for the Gilmore Safety Package.”
Kiama MP Gareth Ward has again encouraged Shoalhaven City Council to apply for state funding under the Regional Growth Fund.
He said he and South Coast MP Shelley Hancock had secured $24 million for the project and council just had to apply.
“The East Nowra Sub Arterial road [ENSA] needs to be delivered as soon as possible,” he said. “There is $24 million in state government funding available for the project.
“People are sick and tired of traffic congestion through the Nowra CBD and ENSA will take traffic off the highway and deliver eastern bound traffic to Greenwell Point Road.”
Council said pre-loading work for the the road could start early in the new year.