NSW Labor Leader, Luke Foley MP, has reaffirmed the $225 million Illawarra Jobs Action Plan in his Budget reply speech in the Legislative Assembly this morning.

The $225 million Illawarra Job Action Plan will end the Berejikilan Government’s Wollongong funding lock out.

NSW Labor’s Illawarra Jobs Action Plan will build on the region’s strengths and invest in its future.

The Illawarra Jobs Action Plan will deliver:

• $50 million to upgrade the Appin Road;
• $50 million towards the completion of the Maldon-Dombarton rail link in partnership with the private sector;
• $50 million to upgrade the Wollongong Entertainment Centre;
• $5 million to upgrade the Mt Keira Summit Park;
• $40 million to build a new interchange at Masters and Springhill Roads;
• $5 million to establish an iMake Makers Space at the Innovation Campus, and;
• Relocate Liquor and Gaming NSW to Wollongong with 200 jobs.

NSW Labor will allocate $25 million to finally build the Unanderra Station lifts ending the daily 72 step struggle for our elderly, parents with prams, commuters with bags, and people with a disability.

The Plan will also secure and sustain the Illawarra steel industry by requiring the minimum use of 90 per cent locally produced steel in every publicly funded infrastructure project across New South Wales.  The NSW Steel Industry Advocate will also be established in the region.

NSW Labor will also re-invigorate a focus on renewable energy in the Illawarra.

NSW Labor will put Wollongong back at the centre of government decision making by restoring a Minister for the Illawarra in the Cabinet Room.

A Labor Premier will deliver an annual State of the Region Address in the Illawarra and the NSW Labor Cabinet will hold meetings in Wollongong.

Comments attributable to Paul Scully MP:

“As we head into the next NSW election, the people of Wollongong now have a clear choice.

“NSW Labor has a $225 million jobs plan that builds on our strengths and invests in our future.

“In contrast, the Berejiklian Government continues the Wollongong funding lock out while taking millions in stamp duty and tax revenue but returning nothing.”