Member for Kiama Gareth Ward is calling on the state Labor government to explain when they will follow through on promised election commitments which he says are in limbo.

Ward said that based on current budget documents, none of Premier Chris Minns' commitments for the South Coast will be complete this term with some others not even getting underway before the next NSW election in 2027.

His main queries revolve around:

• The East Nowra Sub-Arterial
• Access ramps off the M1 at Dapto,
• A new public primary school for Worrigee,
• Maternity services and an MRI for Milton Hospital,
• Maternity services for Shellharbour Hospital, and
• Further upgrades to the Princes Highway south of the Jervis Bay Road interchange, including the Milton-Ulladulla Bypass.

Members of NSW Cabinet visited the region this week and Ward said it was an opportune time for them to deliver on their promises.

“Whilst I always welcome Ministers coming to our region, it’s hard to take their listening tour seriously when Labor’s election commitments won’t be completed this term,” Ward said.

“Labor promised to keep the Regional Seniors Travel Card, the Active Kids Rebate, the Creative Kids Rebate and First Lap Voucher, but all these programs have been axed entirely or scaled back amidst a cost-of-living crisis.

“Labor have also cut vital improvements to public transport services such as the Toolijooa Passing Loop project which would have doubled the capacity on the South Coast Line and our region will be the last to receive the New Intercity Fleet train carriages."

A NSW Government spokesperson said design and early works are progressing with $12 million in NSW Government funding for the East Nowra Sub Arterial (ENSA) Road Project

“Early works, design and stakeholder engagement are underway. Shoalhaven Council is leading the project, with early works like earthmoving and utility adjustments are scheduled to begin in late 2026."

In response to Ward's claims about the Dapto ramps for the M1 Princes Motorway, the spokesperson said planning was underway and "$10 million in NSW Government funding has been committed over four years. Community consultation is complete, and Transport for NSW is now finalising strategic designs and an options report based on feedback and traffic modelling."

The spokesperson added that that NSW Government has committed $60 million for the Princes Highway upgrades and the first $10.4 million in works will begin next month, starting with a 5.4km stretch near Conjola, where flexible safety barriers will be installed.

The government is also upgrading tjhe highway at Batemans Bay with a new southbound lane and concrete median on a 750m section to reduce peak-hour congestion and at Mogo and Bimbimbie, there will be shoulder widening, resurfacing, and wider centrelines to reduce the risk of head-on collisions

“Further works are in development, with scope, timing and funding to be confirmed as planning progresses. These upgrades are in addition to the Jervis Bay Road intersection (under construction) and concept design underway for Jervis Bay to Hawken Road and the Milton Ulladulla Bypass."

The government also has planning underway for a new public primary school and preschool close to growing suburbs like South Nowra and Worrigee.

As for Ward's concerns about the Shellharbour maternity services, the NSW Government spokesperson said: “ISLHD provides maternity services at Wollongong, Shoalhaven, Shellharbour and Milton Ulladulla Hospitals, as well as in community settings and the home, with birthing services currently provided at Wollongong and Shoalhaven Hospitals.

“The NSW Government is delivering a CT scanner for Milton Ulladulla Hospital along with a new midwifery group practice for eligible mums in the area.”

Ward said the state government had been pushing a "big growth agenda" without following through on their claims.

“It’s important that growth comes with infrastructure. I look forward to hearing how this Cabinet visit will update us on election promises made and when these projects will be delivered.

“Under Labor, parts of our region are no longer eligible for defibrillators as certain postcodes have been deemed ‘too wealthy’. NSW Labor has also said nothing about the Nowra Bypass which has received considerable planning money but no ‘doing money’.

“I also hope that this Cabinet visit will respond to community concerns in Kangaroo Valley and throughout the Shoalhaven on the dropping of the load limit on the Hampden Bridge.

“Whilst I welcome the focus on the region, results are what count."