Sharon Bird and Stephen Jones today welcomed Labors announcement thata Shorten Labor Government would commit up to $50 million to kickstart the critical upgrade of Sydneys notorious Appin Road to improve capacity, safety and invest in local jobs.

Labors commitment of up to $50 million will go towards a full upgrade of the road, making it dual carriageway. Labor will work with the State Government and private investors to secure the full funding commitment.

Sharon Bird said the many commuters from the Illawarra would welcome the upgrade to the road as it will improve safety.

Appin Road needs to be upgraded and this will be an important commitment to many locals who regularly use this road.

This announcement recognises the importance of connecting the Illawarra to South-west Sydney as it recognises that infrastructure is needed to increase growth in jobs and opportunities for the Illawarra.

We also have many tourists that come to the Illawarra from South-west Sydney to visit our beautiful beaches and this commitment will help to increase our domestic tourism sector.

Stephen Jones said that there were far too many fatalities on this stretch of road.

Improving the safety of Appin Road must be a priority its days as a country road linking the Illawarra and Macarthur are long gone.

The economic links between the Illawarra and Macarthur are improving and we need our transport infrastructure to improve at the same time.