NSW Opposition Leader Luke Foley made the comments when visiting Bega on Friday to announce Leanne Atkinson as candidate for the region at the next state election. 

He was “very sympathetic” to Fairfax Media’s FIX IT NOW campaign, which calls for a 80/20 funding split between federal and state governments to make major Princes Hwy safety improvements. 

“There is much more to be done [on the highway],” he said. 

“We will be making a policy announcement on roads funding.”

He said Labor would campaign for the Bega region to be given its share of funding from the state government and he would discuss the matter of support with Federal Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and Member for Eden-Monaro Mike Kelly.

“It will be front and centre for us to speak out clearly about our commitments close to the election,” he said. 

He also responded to recent comments made by NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro who had not ruled out installing nuclear power reactors in the Monaro, with Mr Foley saying nuclear power was “a fantasy”.

“You couldn’t find a more expensive option than nuclear power,” he said. 

The Opposition Leader made it clear he was firmly behind renewable energy as a means of energy production, saying the Southern Tablelands were ideally suited to wind power and he would like to see solar panels installed on public buildings to help reduce power bills.

“Right around the world the cost of renewables is plunging,” he said.

“Renewable energy doesn’t require massive subsidies.”