State Illawarra Labor MPs have today slammed as pathetic the region’s share of funding under the Baird Government’s Resources for Regions program over the last six years.

Of $255 million in funding distributed across NSW’s regional areas since 2011, the Illawarra has received only $6.9 million for two projects in that time:

• $4.5 million for upgrade of Cordeaux Road and
• $2.4 million for the Wongawilli Access project.

Wollongong City Council applied for several projects in previous years – all overlooked - but decided to make only one application in the 2016 round of the Resources for Regions program.

Meanwhile, Hunter region local councils made several applications to fund a range of projects which made the program’s shortlist.

The Wollongong local government area has four operating coal mines.

Comments attributable to Ryan Park MP

“We’ve been short-changed as a region under this program for the last six years.

“Despite having four operating coal mines in the area, project applications have been overlooked time and time again.”

Comments attributable to Anna Watson MP

“While I welcome the funding for the Wongawilli Access Project, this could have been funded a long time ago if the Government had given the region a fairer share of the funding under this program.”

Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP

“The Baird Government has simply given the Illawarra crumbs from the Resources for Regions program over the last six years.

“For this region with its contribution from working coal mines to receive only $6.9 million from $255 million in Government funding over the six years is simply pathetic.”