The Australian Government’s $40 million commitment to upgrade key Shoalhaven region roads will begin to flow, with funding formally approved for vital scoping works.

The package will deliver upgrades to Forest Road, Callala Beach Road, Callala Bay Road, Culburra Road, Worrigee Intersection, and Callala Bay Intersection just outside of Nowra.

The initial funding will deliver early scoping works such as topographic survey, environmental, flood and heritage studies, and other activities on site.

It will also consider safety and flood-proofing solutions, with a scoping document to be produced detailing recommended options, cost estimates and land acquisition requirements for each intersection. 

Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips has welcomed the update.

“Our government is committed to addressing longstanding problems with the Shoalhaven road network caused by extreme weather events, and future-proofing the network for expected population growth in the region,” Mrs Phillips said.

“I have been working closely with Shoalhaven City Council to assist them with these local road works.

“When Shoalhaven City Council resolved in June 2023 that they did not have the capacity to undertake the work internally, I have supported council every step of the way with their Program, Project Management and Engineering (PPME) partnership model to deliver the major roads package.

“I am pleased that this next phase has been reached, which will now mean the finalisation of the scope of work, finalising construction timeframes and ensuring works can get underway as soon as possible.”

The package includes rehabilitation, re-surfacing, widening and intersection upgrades on:

• Culburra Road, between Wollumboola and Culburra Beach ($14 million)
• Forest Road, east of the Princes Highway ($8 million)
• Callala Bay Road ($6 million)
• Callala Beach Road ($5 million)
• Worrigee Intersection ($5 million)
• Callala Bay Intersection ($2 million)

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said improved roads in the local network in Shoalhaven would improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and travel times, making the region more liveable.

“This funding will help to promote housing growth opportunities as the region becomes an even more attractive place to live,” Minister King added.

Mrs Phillips said the Federal Government was delivering more than $1 billion for Shoalhaven roads, which includes $100 million for the Jervis Bay Flyover which is well underway, $176.5 million towards the Nowra Bridge, almost $35.2 million to fully fund the Far North Collector Road Network in Nowra, $752 million for the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass and $97 million towards the Nowra Bypass and Network Improvements – Planning project.

She said Black Spot funding was recently announced for Forest Road at Comberton and Woodburn Road near Milton, and the Federal Government had also provided significant natural disaster roads funding.

“That’s over a billion dollars that I’m proud to have worked hard for. And I will continue advocating for funding to keep Shoalhaven roads safe,” she said.

Photo: Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips is pleased to have finalised $40 million funding to improve local roads in the Shoalhaven.

ENDS

July 2, 2024

MEDIA CONTACTS:

MINISTER KING – LYNDAL CURTIS 0497 847 212

MEMBER FOR GILMORE – Katrina Condie 0437 662 967