An election could help the Nowra bypass come to life, Shoalhaven City Councillors believe.
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At their January 25 meeting the council voted to invite Michael McCormack, Fiona Phillips, Gareth Ward and Shelley Hancock to discuss progressing the construction of the bypass.
Councillor Bob Proudfoot put the motion, and said the time was ripe for the council to make a push for the project.
"Let's take advantage of the moment," he said.
"It would cost about $2 billion, and think what it would mean for the Shoalhaven.
"The benefit to businesses and residents would be a fantastic boost.
"We're in a swing seat, a federal election is looming - we might have a shot."
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Cr Proudfoot said without a bypass, the Nowra bridge project would do little to alleviate traffic congestions through town in the long term.
The motion was carried unanimously, however, not all councillors shared Cr Proudfoot's confidence.
I get very concerned when I hear pie-in-the-sky asks ... the idea that 'we can do it because we live in the Shoalhaven and we're important'.
- Cr Guile
Councillor Annette Alldrick pointed to the recent disappointment of the Ulladulla community after an election promise to take pressure off the local high school was reneged on.
"We've been shown the difference between what is said before an election and what happens after just this week," she said.
Councillor Andrew Guile said the council was often too ambitious in its requests for funds from the state and federal governments.
"We need to make sure we're not always asking for the world," he said.
"I get very concerned when I hear pie-in-the-sky asks about new hospitals, airports ... the idea that 'we can do it because we live in the Shoalhaven and we're important'.
"We aren't the only place in NSW having these issues.
"We only get funds if the state and federal governments will work with us and say yes."