Federal Member for Throsby, Stephen Jones has today criticised the backflip of the NSW Planning Assessment Commission over the Calderwood Development.

While I dont normally weigh into matters that are a State responsibility, this one is different, Mr Jones said.

Thats because the Calderwood project has been misconceived from the start. This project is strongly opposed by residents and local government for sound reasons. The Illawarra Highway is already congested and there are no adequate plans for funding for the new infrastructure that is needed for a whole new suburb.

The NSW Government is blatantly ignoring the expertise of Shellharbour Council, which has a much greater understanding of local issues regarding flood mitigation and traffic control.

Most importantly, when State Governments make poor planning decisions without regard to infrastructure needs, they inevitably turn to the Federal Government to fund the problem that they have created, Mr Jones said.

The NSW Government has to explain how and when it will fund the desperate need for road upgrades in the West Dapto area, starting with the Albion Park Bypass.

I welcome the position of the Shellharbour City Council and Mayor Marianne Saliba which demonstrates a real understanding of the infrastructure needs of the area and which should not be ignored, Mr Jones said.