Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer is calling on the NSW Government to urgently fund and deliver critical upgrades to Dunmore Road, the only access route to the new Shellharbour Hospital.
The hospital, which is under construction, is expected to open in 2027.
"Dunmore Road, in its current state, is not fit for the traffic volumes we expect once the hospital opens," Mayor Homer said.
Caption: Shellharbour City Mayor Chris Homer is calling for State funding to improve Dunmore Road. Image courtesy of Shellharbour City Council
"The single-lane road serves residents, a preschool to Year 12 school, the Dunmore Rural Fire Brigade, Shellharbour Junction train station and its commuter car park, the Shellharbour Waste and Recycling Centre, and heavy vehicles such as garbage trucks.
"Safe and reliable vehicle access is essential and any congestion on this road could delay ambulances, patient transfers and everyday travel." While the State Government has committed to upgrading the Shellharbour Road intersection, Mayor Homer said more work was needed to ensure community safety and hospital access.
"Providing the required infrastructure will allow for the anticipated growth and successful movement of residents, key workers and visitors the hospital precinct needs," he said.
Council has temporarily capped mass limits to reduce damage, but this is only a short-term solution.
"We urge the NSW Government to act now and deliver a safe, serviceable road for residents, students, commuters, visitors, public transport and emergency services," Mayor Homer said. "Upgrading Dunmore Road is about setting the new Shellharbour Hospital up for success and ensuring the health outcomes our community deserves."
KEY MESSAGES:
• Shellharbour City Council calls on the NSW Government to work together to deliver a safe, serviceable road to protect the community and support the hospital.
• Dunmore Road is the only access to the new Shellharbour Hospital and urgently needs upgrades for safety.
• The road also supports residents, a local school, emergency services, commuters, the waste facility and heavy vehicles.
• Safe vehicle access is critical for ambulances, patient transfers and emergency services.
• Without State funding and delivery, traffic, patient access, public transport, school travel and emergency services could be compromised.
