A record number of projects have being funded and delivered across the Illawarra and South Coast under the NSW Berejiklian government in its first 100 days in office, according to Kiama MP Gareth Ward.
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Mr Ward has commended Premier Berejiklian saying she is committed to growing the economy, delivering infrastructure, protecting the vulnerable, and improving health, education and public services across the Illawarra and South Coast.
“In its first 100 days, the Berejiklian Government has continued to invest in the delivery of infrastructure, programs and services aimed at enhancing the lives of people living in the Shoalhaven and the Illawarra region,” he said.
Projects delivered or commenced by the Berejiklian government
- Continuing construction of the $580m Foxground and Berry bypass project. The Foxground bypass was officially opened April 11, 2017, meaning almost half the 12.5 kilometre bypass between Toolijooa Road and Andersons Lane has now been opened to motorists, improving safety and journey times. The bypass is expected to be completed by mid-2018 weather permitting.
- Steel procurement standards changed to help support our steel industry and raise quality standards for government-funded infrastructure.
- Cancelled the Safe Schools program.
- Opened the new $3.6m Kiama Integrated Primary and Community Health Centre, a purpose-built community health facility, opened in March 2017. The new complex is part of the Kiama Hospital Redevelopment Project, which received $8m under the Restart Illawarra Infrastructure Fund.
- $220,000 allocated to install a signalised pedestrian crossing on Lake Entrance Road at Leawarra Avenue, Warilla.
- The $5.3m second linear accelerator has been purchased and installed at the Shoalhaven Cancer Care Centre. The linear accelerator commenced operation in March 2017.
- Princes Highway Berry to Bomaderry upgrade – planning approval for this project is now in place.
- Albion Park Rail Bypass – Planning approval for the Bypass is expected in late 2017.
Services
- The Illawarra Youth Employment Strategy’s #ContactCentreYES pre-employment program was launched on May 4, 2017.
- Compulsory Third Party Reform saving an average of $120 off Green Slip for local motorists across the Illawarra and South Coast.
- Over $6 million in additional support over the next two years to Community legal Centres including funding for the Illawarra Legal Centre in Warrawong and the ShoalCoast Community Legal Centre in Nowra.
Employment and the economy
- A reduction in the regional unemployment rate with the latest ABS state showing a 1.1 percentage fall to 5.5 per cent over the year to March 2017 and the creation of 51,000 jobs in the regions since the March 2015 election.
“Under the leadership of Gladys Berejiklian, the NSW government has eliminated state debt completely and we have maintained our triple-A credit rating,” Mr Ward said.
“I will continue to work with Premier Gladys Berejiklian to ensure that the Illawarra and South Coast gets its fair share of funding and we continue to deliver the infrastructure and services which our region deserves.”