The Illawarra's Labor MPs have welcomed certain funding announcements in this year's NSW budget, but condemned the government for what they say are missed opportunities that fail the region's residents.
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Keira MP Ryan Park was happy to see the Great Southern Walk and associated mountain biking network.
"This has been a long time coming, our community has been calling out for investment in the Illawarra Escarpment to protect our unique and beautiful environment and cultural heritage and drive tourism in the region," Mr Park said.
Read more: What's in the NSW budget for the Illawarra?
The Mount Ousley interchange and Picton Road upgrade were vital, he said, to link the region with Sydney.
"My priority now will be to hold the government accountable to a reasonable time line for delivery and I have already asked questions in the NSW Parliament requesting a clear timetable of works of for these important upgrades," Mr Park said.
But he said the government had missed an opportunity to improve traffic in Wollongong's northern suburbs.
"Until the government at least begins the planning for the extension to Memorial Drive to Bulli Pass we won't see any meaningful solutions to traffic congestion in the northern suburbs of Wollongong," Mr Park said.
Member for Wollongong Paul Scully was scathing of the government's contribution to Wollongong, including the lack of funding to upgrade the ageing WIN Entertainment Centre.
"While Newcastle gets $6.7 million to start planning the overhaul of their centre and suburban stadiums in Sydney have business cases funded, but we get absolutely zero again," Mr Scully said.
He also said it was unclear how many of the 1800 new health workers promised would come to Wollongong.
"I'll be holding the government to account to make sure we get our fair share of dedicated health professionals at Wollongong Hospital," Mr Scully said.
However, he welcomed $34 million in funding for upgrades at Unanderra and Towradgi stations, including three lifts at Unanderra.
The government came under fire from Shellharbour MP Anna Watson for the dearth of money for West Dapto.
"We are seeing so much new development in West Dapto with no plans for a new school to service those families moving into the area," Ms Watson said.
"This community has been crying out for a new school for years, but it appears their cries have fallen on deaf ears."
She was also disappointed that there was no funding to establish a Service NSW centre within the Shellharbour electorate, nor plans to give Dapto motorists access to the M1 Princes Motorway.
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Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
