Independent candidate for Gilmore Grant Schultz says he views the 11th hour Coalition promise of building a Milton-Ulladulla bypass with cynicism.
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With election day looming, the Coalition announced the Milton-Ulladulla bypass would be the first project funded as part of the Morrison Government's $500 million commitment to the Princes Highway in NSW.
Mr Schultz was skeptical of the last-minute "promise".
"I can't help but view this announcement with cynicism," he said.
"We have been waiting for 40 years for a bypass - and the retiring Liberal Member has argued against upgrading the Princes Highway for six years, claiming it was not a "road of significance".
"Now, two days before an election, we get a promise of $400 million - but no indication of when we could expect it."
Mr Schultz said the Coalition had lacked a long-term plan compared to the Pacific Highway upgrades. The Mollymook resident understands the need for a bypass, Nowra needed a bypass "10 times more" urgently, he said.
Labor candidate for Gilmore Fiona Phillips dismissed the commitment.
"The reality is the Liberals and Nationals are only committing $50 million to the Princes Highway over the next four years and Labor is committing $150 million," she said.
"The Liberals and Nationals are playing catch-up. As a local I know this is a top priority and Labor announced it as a priority project when we first committed $500 million to the Princes Highway."
Mrs Phillips said she would not enter into "a pathetic debate about percentages".
