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Constance gives momentum to Picton Road coalition

Proposed upgrade to motorway headlines regional transport forum

 

The Picton Road Motorway Coalition (PRMC) has welcomed supportive statements from NSW the for transport and roads minister Andrew Constance during the online Cross-Regional Transport Forum hosted by the Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) of Councils.

The PRMC’s cause, which has local trucking company backing, has significant political support in the region, due to the sustained increase in traffic in the growing region, and the resultant safety concerns including for trucks.

State MP for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith outlined his recent advocacy to Constance for the complete upgrade of Picton Road to Motorway standard, and acknowledged the work of the PRMC.

The Forum was attended by representatives of ISJO partners the Wollongong lord mayor and ISJO chair Gordon Bradbery and Wollondilly mayor Matthew Deeth.

Constance indicated that he would like to see strategic planning commence for the duplication of Picton Road, similar to that taking place for the Princes Highway, his office confirms.

Further, he says that it was “time to bite the bullet” and that he “wants to see the agency complete that type of planning.”


Read about the Picton Road Motorway Coalition launch, here


Illawarra Business Chamber executive director of the PRMC spokesperson Adam Zarth says that the Constance’s comments were an important win for the PRMC, and a testament to the advocacy of local elected representatives and the private companies who have backed the group.

“Today we heard strong statements of support from Minister Constance for the upgrade of Picton Road, and his acknowledgement that this will be the major connection between south-western Sydney, the Aerotropolis and the Illawarra,” Zarth says.

“Most importantly, he has indicated his keenness to get on with the strategic planning process, which will need to occur before any major funding can be brought forward.”

“Together with our local MPs Ryan Park and Paul Scully, who are working as a bi-partisan team, and the companies that have got behind this Coalition, I look forward to driving this campaign forward and will be seeking a meeting with the Minister to discuss next steps.”

Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation of Councils CEO Leanne Taylor said that she was extremely pleased with the forum’s outcomes.

“While the Forum was focused on cross regional advocacy for passenger and freight transport over the short, medium and longer term, the urgent nature of the Picton Road duplication was recognised by Minister Constance among a range of many other longer term projects,” Taylor says.

 

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