Is $40 million for Gilmore roads all but guaranteed?
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Liberal candidate Andrew Constance and sitting Labor MP Fiona Phillips have promised identical roads funding packages, should their party be voted in on May 21.
Each politician is promising to pay Shoalhaven City Council $40 million, to complete six local road projects:
- Forest Road, east from the Princes Highway
- Callala Bay Road, Callala Bay
- Culburra Road between Wollumboola and Culburra Beach
- Coonamia Road / Currarong Road / Forest Road / Callala Bay Road intersection
- Greenwell Pt Road, including Worrigee Road intersection
- The Wool Road at Basin View and St Georges Basin
The roads in question have sustained significant damage during recent severe weather.
Announcing the funding pledge in a press conference alongside Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Mr Constance said Shoalhaven roads were 'past their use by date'.
"This investment is about rebuilding the region's roads," he said.
"We have seen some terrible, terrible designs and roads which are past their use by date. To be supporting local government - jobs on the ground - is something which is really, really important.
"Everyone is fed up to the back teeth with the state of the roads. Between all the potholes and challenges with the weather, this is the best way forward for our community."
Shortly after the Liberals made their announcement, Labor MP Fiona Phillips took to social media, declaring an Albanese Labor government would also kick in $40 million for the six projects.
Ms Phillips told the South Coast Register she had discussed the need for these specific upgrades with the local council.
"I have been working with Shoalhaven council for quite some time. And council has been asking for additional funds to help fix our local roads before the the recent flooding events," she said.
"That is something that I've certainly been lobbying for. I'm pleased to say any additional funding for our local roads is welcome. And it shouldn't be about the politics. It should be about getting our local roads fixed."