Improvements in the transport network between Wollongong and Sydney are "vital", according to an Illawarra Business Chamber government submission.
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The chamber has made a submission to the Draft Illawarra-Shoalhaven Regional Transport Plan, outlining why better connections between Wollongong and Sydney are needed.
The first among these is the expected increase in population between now and 2041 - rising by 100,000.
Linked to that is a rise in the number of people commuting to Sydney, which now sits at around 26,000.
"By 2041, it can be expected that this commuting population will increase to 46,000 per day unless significant job growth occurs within the Illawarra-Shoalhaven," the submission stated.
Also growth in road and rail freight will also put pressure on the existing transport infrastructure.
The submission highlighted two key road projects already under way - the Mt Ousley Interchange and the planning work for a widening of Picton Road.
When it comes to the rail line, the submission recommends the construction of the South West Illawarra Rail Link - an upgraded version of the Maldon-Dombarton freight line. It suggests that the government's belief that it is not needed for another 10-20 years is incorrect.
The submission recommended the timeline be revised and the final report include a timeframe for the construction of SWIRL, with completion by 2041.
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Glen Humphries
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
I'm an award-winning senior journalist with the Illawarra Mercury and have well over two decades' worth of experience in newspapers. I cover the three local councils in the Illawarra for the Mercury, state and federal politics, as well as writing for the TV guide. If I'm not writing, I'm reading.
