But Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward labelled Mr Daley’s effort as “the most extraordinary blunder”.

Mr Daley, also shadow minister for planning and infrastructure, and Labor transport minister Jodi McKay were at Dapto train station to call on the government to fund West Dapto infrastructure.

This included bringing forward the NSW government’s funding contribution to the Fowlers Road extension, widening Princes Motorway on and off ramps and upgrading the Dapto station car park.

Mr Daley said Premier Mike Baird should fund these projects now.

“If he says he’s rolling in the dough, lets have some of it right here and right here now,” Mr Daley said.

“There is no reason to wait until six months before an election so Mike Baird can announce something and make himself look good.

“Dapto’s growing now, there are gridlocks now, Shellharbour Hospital is needing an upgrade now, the Albion Park Rail bypass is needed now.”

Part of the Fowlers Road funding is $22.5 million coming from the proceeds of the long-term lease of Port Kembla and Mr Daley claimed the government was hanging onto the money.

“It’s sitting in Sydney in a bank account somewhere earning interest,” he said.

“Let’s have some of that money trickle down the hill and be spent right here where it’s needed in one of the fast-growing areas of the Illawarra.”

Mr Ward said the government had been funding the Fowlers Road project – the most recent funding announcement was $729,000 on Monday.

“This is the most extraordinary blunder,” Mr Ward said.

“They’ve come down and called on us to do what we have announced yesterday and in previous years.”

The government has committed to a total of almost $26 million of the $91 million construction cost of Fowlers Road.

He said the was no “hold-up” with the funding.

“We’re waiting for final approvals,” Mr Ward said.

“The money will be there when council is ready for it. Unlike Labor, we don’t hand over money until we know the project’s going ahead.

“The money is available whenever council wishes to proceed with the project.”

Mr Ward said the government was addressing infrastructure needs in West Dapto.

We’ve acknowledged it is a major growth area in our regional plan, which I launched last year,” he said.

“We’ve supported that with funding of that area.”