The NSW government remains tight-lipped about whether it will chip in the money needed to build a new Nowra bridge, as the state’s road agency reveals the final cost of the project has not yet been determined.
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The Mercury this week revealed the Turnbull government would spend $155 million on a new, four-lane Shoalhaven River crossing.
During a visit to Nowra on Thursday to announce the Commonwealth’s commitment, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull dubbed the project the “best-known bridge in Canberra” – despite it only being in the initial planning and design stages.
The Prime Minister spruiked the cash alongside Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis, who has been campaigning her own government in recent weeks through a ‘Build Our Bridge’ petition.
“Ann Sudmalis has been as persuasive as she has been persistent,” Mr Turnbull said.
“Everybody knows about the importance of this bridge.”
“Some ministers would say painful, I think, but never mind,” Ms Sudmalis interjected.
“Effective,” Mr Turnbull replied. “That’s what the people of Gilmore want, they want an advocate who is effective and gets things done.”
The federal government’s funding represents only half the bridge’s estimated total cost of $310 million, with the NSW government required to make up the balance.
Asked whether the state government would match the Commonwealth cash splash, potentially in next month’s NSW budget, Roads Minister Melinda Pavey kept her cards close to her chest.
“We welcome the federal government’s decision to commit to funding half of this vital project,” Ms Pavey said.
“We know how important a new Nowra Bridge is and today’s announcement brings it a step closer.
“We have the state budget coming up and I am sure this project is one our local MPs will be pushing for.”
Meanwhile, the Mercury can reveal that despite $310 million being the total estimated cost flagged by Mr Turnbull, the actual amount has not yet been finalised.
A NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesman said the total project cost was “based on planning work completed to date, including the preferred option released for community consultation in February.”
“Final costs will be informed by the concept and detailed design, which is expected early next year.”
The RMS has spoken to about 650 people regarding the bridge’s preferred option and 67 submissions were being taken into account in the next stage of the design process, he said.
The project’s business case has not yet been received by Infrastructure Australia (IA).
An IA spokeswoman said a case would be submitted for assessment because the Commonwealth’s contribution was more than $100 million.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
