The Illawarra Business Chamber has supported the NRMA’s calls for better roads funding for local councils.
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Last week the NRMA reported Illawarra councils faced an $83 million backlog for roads maintenance.
It recommended a solution that involved an increase in state and federal government funding.
IBC executive director Chris Lamont supported that call, given councils were responsible for about 80 per cent of the road network.
As well as maintaining the existing roads, Mr Lamont said there was also a need to prepare for the future of the region.
“The Illawarra’s population is expected to grow by 18 per cent over the next 20 years and this growth will place additional pressures on the existing road network and in particular roads such as Picton and Appin roads,” Mr Lamont said.
“Inadequate road networks result in greater travelling times, reduced safety and lost economic productivity.”