Labor candidate Annette Death has promised almost $20 million for upgrades in Riddells Creek if the party is elected. The plan includes $16 million for modern facilities at Riddells Creek Primary School, which will replace ageing buildings. A further $3 million will fund planning to upgrade the Main Road, Sutherlands Road and Station Street intersection, which Ms Death described as congested and confusing. Another $700,000 would build a new netball court at the Riddells Creek Recreation Reserve.
The NSW government has pledged to upgrade the South Coast rail line, which connects Sydney to Nowra, at an estimated cost of $6.8 billion. The work would be delivered over a decade. An immediate $621 million would support critical infrastructure, some of it already underway. The final stretch between Kiama and Bomaderry would be electrified, allowing more frequent services. Premier Chris Minns urged locals to judge the government on what it delivers, while the state heads to the polls in March.
The opposition claims recipients of a $560 million infrastructure funding program were gagged by confidentiality clauses. The Senate is examining the Major and Local Community Infrastructure Program, which included a $6 million grant to Marrickville Golf Club in Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's electorate. Good governance groups say the projects were selected without a proper merit-based process. The government says the scheme meets commitments made during the 2025 election campaign. Bureaucrats are due to appear before the committee on Thursday.
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The Albanese Government is investing nearly $135 million in 45 road safety projects across the country. New South Wales will receive more than $66.7 million for 22 projects, while Victoria will receive more than $24 million for eight. Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory will also receive funding. Minister Kristy McBain said the projects were identified by local councils as priorities for their communities.
Residents say St Marys Pass, a winding six-kilometre road in Tasmania, is unsafe for modern traffic. Scamander resident Sandra French said falling rocks and close calls with heavy trucks have frightened drivers. Building Tasmania has costed seven options, ranging from $50 million to $2.7 billion. It backs the cheapest, a $50 million to $70 million upgrade of the existing road. State Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said alterations to the current road are the most sensible choice, but funding is not yet secured.
