The funding delivered through the latest round of the Low Cost Loans Initiative (LCLI) will enable essential upgrades to West Dapto Road, to unlock future housing growth in the region and meet growing demand across the Illawarra.

The $28 million upgrade of West Dapto Road, between Yard Street and Darkes Road, will improve safety and give residents better access to the town centre and surrounding communities.

This is this is one of several upgrades underway across the Illawarra which will provide critical road infrastructure to support housing growth.

Other key road projects in the Illawarra:

• Major road upgrades to Fowlers Road between Fairwater Drive and Cleveland Road now underway.
• Planning the major upgrade of Picton Road between the Hume Motorway and Princes Highway. 
• Building the new Mt Ousley Interchange. 
• An investment of $270 million in local Wollongong and Port Kembla roads and transport links to strengthen the Illawarra as a critical economic gateway.
• $40 million to help extend Tripoli Way.
• Funding to improve active transport and pedestrian links throughout the Illawarra.

The Minns Labor Government is rebalancing housing growth around new and existing infrastructure and building better communities right across NSW.

The competitive grants program was open to all 95 regional councils to help deliver critical infrastructure that will accelerate new housing supply. Under the LCLI, the NSW Government covers up to 50 per cent of interest costs on eligible loans.

This brings the NSW Government investment to $31.3 million for the Low Cost Loans Initiative, supporting the delivery of $792 million worth of essential infrastructure across NSW. For more information, visit: NSW Planning.

Minister for the Illawarra and Member for Keira Ryan Park said:

"As more people choose to call the Illawarra home, the Minns Government is investing in the homes and critical infrastructure our region needs.

"This funding will support Wollongong City Council to deliver this essential upgrade to West Dapto Road, which will improve safety and ensure our communities are well connected."

“These upgrades will help unlock future housing growth in the region and meet growing demand across the Illawarra.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:

“The Minns Labor Government is committed to delivering the road infrastructure West Dapto needs to be a thriving community.

“Providing $3.2 million in financial support to Wollongong City Council for the fifth stage of the West Dapto Road upgrade, builds on a $20 million investment from the Minns Labor Government help to upgrade Fowlers Road.

“By investing in critical road infrastructure, we are supporting the growth of West Dapto and creating more opportunities for people to live and work in the Illawarra.”

Lord Mayor of Wollongong Cr Tania Brown said:

“This funding is about making it easier for councils to deliver the essential services and infrastructure that growing communities like Wollongong and West Dapto need.

“With more families in the Illawarra looking for affordable homes to rent and buy, the Low Cost Loans Initiative is supporting more housing choice in areas where it’s needed.

“By supporting Council to bring forward these projects, we’re helping ensure Wollongong continues to grow as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”