The target date for the Albion Park Rail bypass planning approval could be missed for the second year in a row.
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In 2016 Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) had been aiming for planning approval by the end of that year but revised that date in January this year.
“Planning approval for the project is targeted for 2017 after RMS investigated design changes to the proposed Albion Park Rail Bypass as a result of community feedback,” an RMSspokesman said at the time.
Since then, the RMS website has said “Planning approval for the project is targeted for late this year”.
There are just three weeks to go before the revised target date is missed as well.
An added wrinkle is last week’s release of an environmental report for the Illawarra and South Coast Lowland Forest and Woodland, which is on the bypass route.
Public feedback is open until December 22.
The chance of a delay upset Shellharbour MP Anna Watson, who wanted to hear from Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward.
“I’m calling on Gareth Ward to be upfront with the community,” Ms Watson said.
“Will planning approval for the Albion Park Rail bypass be granted this year as the government had promised, or will there be more delays, more broken promises and more trickery?”
Mr Ward questioned Ms Watson’s credibility to criticise the government over the bypass.
“I will make sure the bypass is delivered on time,” Mr Ward said.
“I’m sick and tired of this woman getting away with talking about the bypass when her side of government hasn’t committed to it.”
RMS was contacted for comment.