Liberal candidate for the Port Macquarie by-election, Robert Dwyer, has announced a future Liberal government would reverse Labor's funding cuts and deliver $5 million to progress the planning and development of Stage 2 of the Oxley Highway upgrade, including upgrades to the Wrights Road and Lake Road intersections.
Joined by Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman and Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure Natalie Ward, Mr Dwyer said it's time to get on with the job of completing the Oxley Highway upgrade.
"Following Labor's cruel cuts to this project, Leslie Williams has been a tireless advocate fighting to restore funding. I'm proud to continue her hard work and today announce that a NSW Liberal Government would fully restore $5 million to finish the job we started, Mr Dwyer said.
"This is an important project. In just the past few weeks, hundreds of people have raised their concerns with me. We need to get on with the job to ease congestion, improve safety and boost productivity for local business and industry."
"Locals have had their say, they've expressed their views as to the preferred option, yet this project has stalled because of Labor's cuts."
Leader of the Opposition Mark Speakman said, "Anthony Albanese cut this funding, and Chris Minns failed to stand up to Canberra. If elected in 2027, the Liberals will restore funding and finally get on with progressing the long-awaited upgrades."
"Robert Dwyer has invited me up here to see the issue firsthand. I know he will be a strong and effective voice – not only for this project, but for all the issues raised by the people of Port Macquarie."
Shadow Minister for Roads and Infrastructure Natalie Ward criticised the Minns Labor Government's inaction. "Labor has shown no leadership on this important project. They don't care about regional NSW. The Liberals will always stand up and deliver for the people of Port Macquarie."
