A Shorten Labor Government will invest a further $13 million toward the region’s most strategically important infrastructure project, the Glendale Interchange.

The funding will ensure completion of the entire first stage, unlocking the economic potential of the Cardiff Industrial Estate and Glendale shopping precinct.

Completion of the Pennant Street Bridge will provide a more efficient supply chain thoroughfare from the Hunter Valley to the Port of Newcastle, as well as reduce congestion around the Glendale Shopping Centre, meaning less time stuck in traffic for local residents.

The former Labor Government delivered $13 million to support construction of Stage 1, Section 1 of the project through the Regional Development Australia Fund.

After being elected, the Abbott-Turnbull Government axed Round 5 of the fund, cutting $1.2 million from the Glendale Interchange in the process. After three years in office, the Abbott-Turnbull Government has refused to commit a single new dollar of funding for this project, despite its significant economic benefits.

A Shorten Labor Government’s commitment of $13 million for Stage 1, Section 2 will be added to the Lake Macquarie City Council allocation of $6 million. A further $13 million will be required to ensure completion of the entire first stage.

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that since the Abbott-Turnbull Government was elected, public investment in infrastructure has fallen by more than 20 per cent.

Only a Shorten Labor Government will deliver the infrastructure that Australia needs.