Illawarra state Labor politicians have backed their party's $10 billion infrastructure plan, despite no new region-specific projects being included in the pitch to voters.
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NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley and shadow treasurer Michael Daley unveiled Labor's "modest" plan to pay for roads, rail and hospitals on Thursday.
The announcement confirmed that last month's commitment to return half the proceeds from the long-term lease of Port Kembla port to the region, through a $380 million Illawarra Infrastructure Investment Fund, remained in place.
The fully funded, fully costed infrastructure plan outlines money for regional investment generally.
However, specific projects are expected to be revealed in coming weeks.
Shadow minister for the Illawarra Ryan Park said the region would be eligible for a share in $3 billion of health and education funding, $2 billion allocated to urban and regional roads and $950 million promised for art, culture and sport.
"We wanted a better deal when it came to the leasing of that port, we demanded a better deal and Labor has delivered it," Mr Park said.
"There will be plenty more [announcements] with this dedicated Illawarra Infrastructure Fund [and] we can use that funding to drive investment in one of the key regions in this country."
Member for Wollongong Noreen Hay and Shellharbour MP Anna Watson said the move would bring infrastructure investment without the need to privatise the electricity network.
"We've had four years of neglect under the Liberals; it will be four years of construction under a Labor government," Ms Hay said.
"Privatisation of the electricity network is a dud deal for NSW and it is certainly a dud deal for the Illawarra," Ms Watson said.
The government Deputy Whip and Liberal Kiama MP Gareth Ward said the announcement revealed nothing new for the region and a vote for Labor on March 28 was "a vote to dud the Illawarra".
"This is a ticket to the slow lane and the breakdown lane," Mr Ward said.
"Today, their [Labor's] big infrastructure opportunity, the Illawarra has been screwed."
Minister for the Illawarra John Ajaka described the plan as a "kick in the guts".
"Labor has no new ideas for the region; proof it plans to ignore the Illawarra for another decade," Mr Ajaka said.
