The Illawarra Shoalhaven Joint Organisation (ISJO) is facilitating the development of the cross regional advisory group.

The decision was made at a Cross-Regional Transport Forum last Thursday that saw NSW Minister for Roads and Transport Andrew Constance comment on the need for a major upgrade of Picton Road.

The advisory group will be made up of key stakeholders from each region. And will focus on developing strong transport links from Western Sydney and the aerotropolis to Macarthur, Wollondilly and the Illawarra/Shoalhaven.

The forum was a collaborative think-tank that included input from Mr Constance, Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres, Minister for Families, Communities and Disability Services Gareth Ward, Member for Wollondilly Nathaniel Smith and Wollongong Lord Mayor and ISJO chair Cr Gordon Bradbery. Senior managers, planners and directors from a range of government organisations, business groups and independent organisations also took part in the forum that explored present issues and solutions.

The Picton Road Motorway Coalition welcomed the supportive statements from Mr Constance about the need to completely upgrade Picton Rd.

Mr Constance said he would like to see strategic planning for the duplication of Picton Road, similar to that taking place for the Princes Highway. He said it was "time to bite the bullet" and see the planning completed.

Illawarra Business Chamber executive director Adam Zarth said the Minister's comments were a testament to the advocacy of local elected representatives and the private companies who have backed the group.

"We heard strong statements of support from Minister Constance for the upgrade of Picton Road, and his acknowledgement that this will be the major connection between south-western Sydney, the Aerotropolis and the Illawarra," he said.

"He has indicated his keenness to get on with the strategic planning process, which will need to occur before any major funding can be brought forward. Together with our local MPs Ryan Park and Paul Scully, who are working as a bi-partisan team, and the companies that have got behind this Coalition, I look forward to driving this campaign forward."

ISJO chief executive Leanne Taylor said while the forum was focussed on cross regional advocacy for passenger and freight transport the urgent nature of the Picton Rd duplication was recognised by Minister Constance among a range of many other longer term projects.

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