CAPTION:
The NRMA has called for this year’s federal budget to include funding to complete planning for an extension to the F6 / M1 Princes Highway from Waterfall to St Peters.
A feasibility study was initiated last year with an allocation of $11 million in the NSW budget.
The NRMA’s federal budget submission called for further funding to be dedicated alongside the state government’s allocation to complete the economic feasibility and prepare the road for construction.
NRMA director Marisa Mastroianni, who represents St George, Sutherland Shire and the Illawarra, said the extension was vital to connecting Princes Highway to key parts of Sydney’s road network.
“Given our state’s economy contributes about one third of the nation’s gross domestic product, we need to continue to work towards improving road networks, particularly between key industrial corridors like Port Kembla and Port Botany,” she said.
“This extension will ultimately provide improved passenger and freight connections between Sydney and the Illawarra.
“The benefits, including reduced journey times, congestion, environmental and noise emissions and improved road safety are not ideals, they’re essentials.”