Luke Hartsuyker (Cowper, National Party, Deputy Manager of Opposition Business in the House) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise to highlight the need to upgrade Plummers Lane in the Kempsey shire of my electorate. Plummers Lane is the main road into South West Rocks from the Pacific Highway. It was recently reclassified as a regional road by the New South Wales state government. This classification reflects the increased volumes of traffic that are now using Plummers Lane as the preferred point of entry to the popular South West Rocks area. The road is in a state of disrepair and requires a substantial upgrade. The upgrade would involve 8.5 kilometres of road from the Pacific Highway to Jerseyville. The project would see a comprehensive reconstruction of the road and guardrails erected along the section of the road which runs parallel to the Macleay River.

Prior to the last election I met with Mayor John Bowell and Councillor Liz Campbell. They both emphasised the importance of this project, which had a budgeted cost of $5.95 million. The Kempsey shire simply cannot afford this price tag. I have secured the support of the coalition for this project but am also seeking the support of the government. I have written to the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Mr Albanese, seeking funding for this project. I therefore commend this project to the House and trust there will be bipartisan support for this very important piece of local infrastructure.