Ann Sudmalis (Gilmore, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

In the 2013 election I promised $10 million towards the new Nowra Bridge. Now I am fighting for construction of the bridge. This will play a pivotal role in unlocking the potential of the Gilmore electorate and beyond. The initial funding has so far seen initial planning work take place including traffic studies, geotechnical studies and bridge inspections. They all have to be done to keep the project moving forward. The RMS has determined that the new bridge should be built immediately west of the existing bridges.

Now I am calling upon the people of Gilmore for a groundswell of public support to see this major piece of vital infrastructure funded in the near future. Last week I launched a petition to give Gilmore residents the chance to show their support for the new Nowra Bridge. It is encouraging to see the number of people who have already signed the petition and expressed just how critical the new bridge will be to the development, expansion and vitality of our region.

When the Prime Minister visited the electorate last month I showed him the existing bridge so he could see the necessity of this infrastructure. For more than two years I have continued to lobby and advocate for our new bridge. I will knock on doors in the electorate and lobby ministers while in Canberra. Together we can show how important this new bridge will be for our local region and the South Coast economy overall. The bridge is an essential piece of infrastructure to improve business productivity, unlock tourism potential and increase residential amenity.