Infrastructure spending in the Illawarra is expected to be cut by more than $32 million in today's state budget, despite the Iemma government's plans to splurge a record $13.9 billion on capital works this year.
The Government will invest $423 million to bankroll new roads, increase energy capacity, secure water supplies and provide health, education and transport infrastructure, compared to the record $455 million made available in last year's budget.
Yesterday, Minister for the Illawarra David Campbell defended the region's modest allocation saying it delivered significant capital works programs which would benefit residents for years to come.
"In the last four years, the budget for the Illawarra has increased by more than 78 per cent, or $134 million," he said. "This budget is about delivering on commitments already made.
"This is not about a cargo cult where someone says they've got a big bridge, I want one too."
Those hoping a new big-ticket item for the region such as the F6 extension or money to revitalise Wollongong's CBD look set to be disappointed.
"In terms of the significant infrastructure investment associated with the F6 extension I must say it is not below the Government's radar," Mr Campbell said.
"While we have not been able to raise expectations so far, all the region's Labor MPs have been working consistently pushing for it."
There will be an increase in funding for the South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area Health Service from $1.71 billion to $1.79 billion.
About $6.5 million will go to improving mental health services, including $3.2 million for the construction of a Child and Adolescent Impatient Unit at Shellharbour and a further $1 million to complete the hospital's new $6.6 million 20-bed mental health unit.
With the $167 million earmarked to upgrade Port Kembla for a car import industry now spent, the budget provides $11 million for planning and assessment of the proposed outer harbour expansion.
A total of $132 million will be spent maintaining and building new roads, with most of the funds - $92 million - going to major projects, including $45 million for the Princes Hwy upgrade between Oak Flats and Dunmore, and $33 million for ongoing work to the Northern Distributor extension from Bellambi Lane to the Princes Hwy at Bulli.
There will also be funds to start the Princes Hwy-Lawrence Hargrave Dr intersection, complete Kiama off-ramps and $4 million to continue planning the Gerringong to Berry section of the Princes Hwy.
The Illawarra's growing energy needs will be served by a $73.4 million capital works program to upgrade and increase the capacity of substations - $20 million of which was announced in last year's budget to improve Springhill substation.
In education, Helensburgh Public School is set for a $2.4 million facelift, while a Nowra TAFE upgrade will replace accommodation for Aboriginal studies and electrotechnology.
In Mr Campbell's police portfolio, $5 million goes towards constructing the $17 million Lake Illawarra Police Station at Oak Flats.