Serena Copley, Liberal Candidate for Kiama, and Natalie Ward, Deputy Leader of the NSW Opposition, have slammed the Minns Labor Government’s failure to properly fund the long-promised Nowra Bypass in the NSW Budget.
Despite years of announcements, commitments and promises, the NSW Labor Government has
allocated a mere $1.5 million towards the project in the 2026-27 Budget.
Ms Copley said the allocation was yet another example of Labor talking big but failing to deliver the
infrastructure that communities across the South Coast desperately need.
“The people of the Kiama electorate have been promised action on the Nowra Bypass for years, yet
today’s Budget reveals the Government is simply not serious about delivering this critical project,
” Ms Copley said.
“Since coming to office, Labor has spent less than $5 million on the bypass despite repeatedly
claiming it is a priority. Today’s token allocation of $1.5 million demonstrates that this Government
has no real plan to get this project moving.
“
“The Nowra Bypass is not a luxury project – it is essential infrastructure that will improve road
safety, reduce congestion, support local businesses and strengthen the economy of our region.
“
Ms Copley said the delays were having a real impact on residents, commuters, freight operators
and visitors who continue to face significant traffic bottlenecks through Nowra.
“Every day thousands of motorists travelling to and from the Kiama electorate are forced to endure
frustrating delays through Nowra. These delays affect families, workers, emergency services,
tourists and freight movements across the South Coast.”
“The bypass is critical to improving connections between our communities, supporting economic
growth and ensuring our region remains an attractive place to live, work and invest.
“
Deputy Leader of the NSW Opposition Natalie Ward said the Budget exposed Labor’s inability to
deliver major infrastructure projects.
“The Minns Labor Government is proving time and again that it is incapable of delivering the major
infrastructure projects that regional communities need,” Ms Ward said.
“Instead of providing certainty and a clear pathway to construction, Labor continues to make
announcements while committing only minimal funding.
“
“The South Coast deserves better than endless promises and political spin. Communities across the
Kiama electorate and Shoalhaven deserve to know when this vital project will actually be
delivered.
“
Ms Ward said the Coalition remained committed to ensuring regional NSW receives the
infrastructure investment necessary to support growing communities and regional economies.
“Road infrastructure is fundamental to economic productivity, road safety and quality of life. The
continued failure to progress the Nowra Bypass is a significant missed opportunity for the South
Coast and a clear example of Labor’s inability to deliver.”
