Cr Gareth Ward said the project had not been given the priority it deserved by the State Government and the local member.

However Member for Kiama Matt Brown said the project had taken a major step forward this year and he would continue to lobby for funding.

The State Government had spent a lot of money on consultations, Cr Ward said, and the $4 million allocated to the project in the current State budget would be used for further studies.

“The State Government seems to be caught up in studying what needs to be done and not

doing it,” he said.

“I think the Government needs to match its plans with funding. I am sick of seeing studies and not action. We need to see this upgrade in the next few years.

“The fact is this project is not going to be funded in the foreseeable future. All the Member for Kiama said is that he would continue to campaign for funding.”

In response Matt Brown said he believed the project had taken a major step forward this year.

The NSW Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) was on track to choose a preferred option by the end of 2008.

“I am committed to see this project through, and the State Government is working towards establishing a preferred route,” Mr Brown said.

“The elimination of a southern route was a big step forward, the RTA is continuing to narrow down the options. We are getting much closer to a preferred alignment.”

Mr Brown rejected Cr Ward’s comments and said there was a process that needed to be followed before construction of the upgrade could begin.

“Saying we should just build the road makes about as much sense as saying just build a house. It’s scare mongering.

“I will honour the election commitment to get a preferred alignment by the end of the year. Once that is done I will continue to lobby for funding.

“Cr Ward might want to concentrate on local government issues. He should pay tribute to the work the Labor Party has done rather than try to scare residents.”