*** MEDIA RELEASE ***

Shellharbour to benefit from NSW Budget with $20 million boost for Dapto ramps

The Minns Labor Government is building better communities in the Illawarra with a funding boost in the 2025-26 Budget towards the delivery of south-facing motorway ramps at Dapto to help improve safety and efficiency on the M1 Motorway.

Transport networks and roads are critical to life in regional NSW connecting communities to one another and supporting the movement of goods produced in our regions to national and international markets.

The 2025-26 Budget includes an extra $10 million from the Minns Labor Government towards the design and delivery of the south-facing ramps, in addition to $10 million committed by the Albanese Labor Government.

This is on top of the existing $10 million that has already been invested by the Minns Labor Government, bringing the total commitment to the project to $30 million.

The additional funding will be used to complete a full business case, undertake property acquisitions and commence early works ahead of future delivery.

Once completed, the south-facing ramps will provide additional entry and exit ramps on the M1 Princes Motorway to improve connectivity for motorists in Dapto and surrounding suburbs, improving access to the M1 and reducing the distance and time residents of Dapto and neighbouring suburbs will travel to access the motorway.

Transport for NSW is currently finalising the preferred option and location, ahead of releasing this to the community for feedback later this year.

The Illawarra-Shoalhaven region is expected to grow by around 100,000 people by 2041, increasing the total population to more than half a million people. This growth will deliver new homes, jobs and services, and influence the way people travel around the region and demands on the transport network.

The Minns Labor Government is delivering essential infrastructure to growing regional communities that were neglected under the previous Liberal-National Government, which failed to fund or progress new ramps for Dapto over 12 years.

The 2025-26 NSW Budget is investing $38.2 billion over four years for transport and roads infrastructure and services across Regional NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is committed to ensuring that the roads and transport networks used by regional and rural remote communities daily are reliable and safe so people can travel to work, education and health facilities, visit family and friends and keep our supply chains moving.

Parliamentary Secretary for Roads and Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson said:

“I know the Dapto community is frustrated with having to double back and forth just to travel south on the M1 – this tripling of the funding shows the Minns and Albanese Governments are committed to delivering on this project.

“These improvements will significantly cut travel times and make it easier for locals to get to work, do the school run, and access essential services across the region.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said:

“The proposed M1 ramps at Dapto are a major step forward in making our road network more efficient, and safer for the entire community.

“We know how important it is for communities like Dapto to have a network that will support growth and accessibility. These kinds of upgrades will help unlock long-term benefits for commuters in the Illawarra region.”

20 June 2025
 
MEDIA CONTACT: Dionne Garcia – 0421 599 631