A step in the right direction was how a spokesperson for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass NOW group sums up a recent Federal Government infrastructure announcement.
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Word around the Milton and Ulladulla community spread quickly when people heard the bypass could be one step closer following an announcement yesterday (Wednesday) from Prime Minister Scott Morrison.
The bypass was mentioned by the Morrison government as part of a proposal to bring forward almost $600 million worth of infrastructure projects across regional NSW.
The Prime Minister said $145 million would go into upgrading the Princes Highway including the Milton-Ulladulla bypass.
Bypass NOW chairperson Grant Schultz said the announcement was good news.
"It's a great outcome but not the end of the story," he said.
He said it was great that the Federal Government was listening to the community and groups such as the one he leads.
The Bypass NOW group is a joint committee made up of the Milton District Community Forum and the Ulladulla Districts Forum members.
While reassured that the government is moving in the right direction, Mr Schultz understands the project, when it comes to the planning process, still has some time to go.
The Milton Ulladulla Bypass NOW group, well before the Morrison Government's announcement, had been working on moving this long-awaited project forward.
Mr Schultz said the bypass group had preliminary but positive talks with the RMS.
He said to the RMS's credit they were on the front foot and he expects them to commence community engagements as soon as possible.
However, he does not expect the consultation process to start until early next year.
Mr Schultz guaranteed the community that the work of the bypass group had not finished.
"We will keep up the pressure and continue to monitor the progress and add our encouragement and support," he said.
The way other projects, like the Berry bypass, have been completed on target and within budget also makes Mr Schultz confident the Milton/Ulladulla bypass will finally be completed.
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Meanwhile, Federal Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips, welcomed the announcement.
Mrs Phillips said she had been calling on the Morrison Government to urgently bring forward the funding for the highway, offering to work with all levels of government to get it done.
She said the announcement would be a welcome relief for the local community but added further clarity was needed on when the project will be completed and how much will be spent immediately.
"I will be asking the government to provide further details on what this means for the immediate future and when we can expect work to be completed, given not all the necessary funds have been released," Mrs Phillips said.
"I will continue to work constructively with the government on this vitally important issue and will continue advocating for further improvements like the Jervis Bay Road intersection."
