Support for the Fix It Now campaign's call for safety improvements to the Princes Hwy continues to grow.
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In line with the Australian Community Media campaign goals, returned Bega MP Andrew Constance has been advocating for duplication of the highway between Jervis Bay and the Victorian border, and before the election the state Liberals pledged $960million over the next term of government for several sections between Jervis Bay and Moruya.
The grand plan is a $15billion investment over 20 years.
Now federal Liberal candidate for Eden-Monaro Fiona Kotvojs has also voiced her support, saying she would fight for federal funding to prioritise essential upgrades along the highway.
"Together with my colleague in Gilmore [Warren Mundine], I will be fighting for a federal funding commitment alongside the NSW Liberals and Nationals $960million state investment to transform the southern half of the Princes Highway into a safe, duplicated highway," Dr Kotvojs said on Thursday.
"My local priorities are replacement of the Alsops and Brogo bridges, realignment of Brogo Pass and ensuring clear access for B-double transport to adequately service businesses along the route.
"Upgrading the Princes Highway will prevent hundreds of avoidable road deaths and injuries, while also boosting tourism and economic progress for Eden-Monaro and beyond."
Dr Kotvojs was in Narooma on Thursday where she also highlighted the approach to the Narooma Bridge as of significant concern.
From July 2012 to July 2017, 30 people lost their lives in vehicle crashes on the stretch of highway between Jervis Bay Rd and the Victorian border. During that time there were 1494 incidents and an additional 350 people suffered serious injuries.
Dr Kotvojs said she will appeal directly to the Prime Minister to back the major road infrastructure initiative.
"I will continue to fight for this nation-building project at every opportunity," she said.
"I want to commend and support the NSW Minister for Transport and Member for Bega Andrew Constance for his Princes Highway campaign as well as candidate for Gilmore Warren Mundine for championing this cause on a federal level.
"I also commend the work of the NRMA, the FIXITNOW campaign and the support of major local employers, like Bega Cheese."