One of my top priorities in my ongoing advocacy for the Illawarra Region is the upgrade and improvement of the major road infrastructure, including Mount Ousley Rd and Picton Rd.

That is why I am pleased to advise, a further $39 million was committed as part of the 2021 State Budget to commence work on the Mt Ousley Interchange Project, taking the total commitment to $60 million in NSW. Together with the commitment of $240 million made as part of the federal budget in May 2021, the long awaited completion of the project has been secured.

In addition, bringing forward the duplication of Picton Road with a commitment of $44 million in the State Budget will go a long way to improve road safety and travel times for thousands of commuters and heavy vehicle users with peak hour capacity estimated to be reached by 2024.

These two vital infrastructure projects are a crucial part of the road corridor linking the Illawarra with Greater Sydney and will not only result in improved road safety and travel times, but will help support jobs and local businesses.

I welcome this response to my long term advocacy, the Illawarra community has waited a long time for this national freight and commuter corridor to be made safer and more efficient for commuters, heavy vehicle users and visitors to the region.

My priority now will be to hold the Government accountable to a reasonable time line for delivery.

This is an outstanding result and I congratulate the community for your consistent advocacy.