Federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones is calling on Infrastructure Minister Warren Truss and the NSW Government to work together to complete the Maldon-Dombarton Rail Link.

Federal Labor has been determined to progress this infrastructure project to cement the Illawarras status as one of our nations most important industrial powerhouses, said Jones.

With the release of the new NSW Freight and Ports Strategy, there are no more excuses left. All obstacles are gone.

The report reveals the need for an alternate rail route to separate freight and passenger lines in the region.

What more is it going take for the State and Commonwealth Governments to come to the table and back this important project.

During my first term I worked to secure over $25 million for planning and pre-construction work on the project, and this needs to be continued by the new Government, said Jones.

We in the Illawarra know what an enormous contributor Port Kembla is to the local economy, but its potential is being choked by a lack of connectivity.

The Maldon Dombarton Rail Link would support our regions continued growth and development, not just for the next three years but for the next three decades, said Jones.

The NSW resource sector is continuing to grow. The profits are there and we cannot afford to sit on our hands and watch them slip away.

Im calling on the NSW Government to do whats best for the region and worth with the Federal Government and private sector to get this important project off the ground.