THE claws were out this week during a bypass barney between two Illawarra state MPs.
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Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson challenged Kiama MP Gareth Ward to “come clean” on his priorities regarding the Albion Park Rail Bypass and the Berry/Bomaderry upgrade.
“Mr Ward has to make a choice: does he support building the Albion Park Rail Bypass first or the Berry to Bomaderry upgrade first?” she said.
“It seems clear to me that Mr Ward is choosing Berry to Bomaderry rather than starting work on the Albion Park Rail Bypass.
“He just lacks the guts to tell the people of Albion Park and Albion Park Rail that they’ll have to continue with worsening traffic congestion every day."
Ms Watson said that a Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) report published last year indicated that the Albion Park Rail Bypass was in a position to be started.
“Mr Ward has hoped no-one would notice his government giving priority to the Berry and Bomaderry upgrade at the expense of starting work on the Albion Park Rail Bypass.”
Mr Ward accused Ms Watson of “playing politics” and said it was time Labor “put up or shut up”.
“I won’t receive a lecture from people who come to a debate having delivered nothing and promised nothing,” he said.
“I have stood at the funerals of people who I know that have lost their lives at this Berry section and for Ms Watson to criticise planning that will save lives is just breathtaking.
“Labor had 16 years to do something and they did nothing.
“Actions always speak louder than words - just look at Gerringong, Berry and South Nowra.”
Mr Ward said he planned to push for and deliver both the road upgrades.
“I have continued to push my own side federally to get this done,” Mr Ward said.
“And our priorities are to progress both. We have secured the money to do the planning for Albion Park Rail bypass and when the planning is in place and the consultations have been done then we can secure funds for the project.”
Mr Ward said the State Significant Development Application had been lodged for the Albion Park Rail Bypass, as well as the concept design and that the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was “in the throws”.
