The Minns Labor Government is continuing to ensure Kiama receives its fair share of investment in essential infrastructure with the delivery of $3 million in accelerated funding to undertake a road repair and pothole blitz across the community.
This fast-tracked funding brings the road maintenance investment in Kiama to over $35 million this financial year with key works already underway.
Following heavy rains the Minns Labor Government has heard loud and clear the communities' concerns about the state of local roads and are acting quickly to ensure drivers have access to safer and more reliable commutes.
Key corridors, including Princes Highway, Illawarra Highway and Moss Vale Road have been under significant pressure due to unprecedented weather events. This funding means:
- More potholes filled in sooner across the over 200 kilometres of state roads in Kiama. Last year over 1,700 potholes were filled in on state roads across Kiama, this year the Minns Labor Government is determined to do more.
- Pavement renewal and resurfacing on major highways including along Princes Highway and Illawarra Highway
- Key bridge maintenance and renewal works like the work currently underway on Hampden Bridge where the Minns Labor Government has already announced a $500,000 investment for urgent repair.
This builds on the Government's investment of $22.8 million to local councils last year to support them in repairing council-controlled roads in the wake of extreme weather events.
Further, $11 million was delivered across Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Kiama council to undertake urgent pothole repairs.
The Minns Labor Government has already made progress in improving local roads but understand there is more to do which is what this accelerated funding will ensure is delivered sooner that than later.
Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said:
"We know that following heavy rain the state of the roads across Kiama are front of mind for many residents. We have been listening and we are taking action.
"Not only are we taking action, but we are fast tracking it to ensure communities have safe, reliable infrastructure that connects them to healthcare, education and employment.
"Katelin understands the importance of investing in local roads and has been a strong advocate to deliver more funding sooner.
"If you want results for Kiama, better schools, better hospitals, better roads - you need someone inside government making the case for this community every day. That is what Katelin will do."
Minister for Finance, Courtney Houssos said:
"It costs less to maintain a road than to rebuild it after years of neglect. This is a commonsense investment to ensure the Kiama community is connected and able to thrive.
"We are committed to ensuring Kiama receives its fair share and is able to reach its full potential and the truth is that is not possible if their local roads aren't up to scratch.
"We've made a start, but we are listening when the community of Kiama tells us there's still more to do and that's what this accelerated funding will help deliver.
"When voters go to the ballot on September 13th I hope they remember that Katelin McInerney is the only choice who will be a strong local voice inside government to deliver for this community."
Katelin McInerney, Labor Candidate for Kiama:
"I am thrilled that we are fast tracking this investment and undertaking this long overdue blitz.
"I have been out in the community knocking on thousands of doors and hearing first hand that the state of our local roads is front of mind for many.
"This election isn't about politics - it's about who can deliver results for Kiama and I am committed to ensuring our community receives it's fair share when it comes to investment in our roads if I am given the chance."
