The Albanese and Minns Labor governments are making progress on the much-anticipated Milton-Ulladulla bypass, with the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) now on public exhibition. 

The release of the EIS is a significant step forward, giving the community an opportunity to explore the proposal, understand the potential benefits, impacts and mitigation measures, and make a submission before the $940 million project moves into the next stage. 

The proposed bypass runs west of the Milton and Ulladulla town centres, extending 12 kilometres from Little Forest Road in the north, to Canberra Crescent in the south. Access to Ulladulla, Mollymook, Narrawallee and surrounding communities will be maintained via an extension of Bishop Drive. 

The design includes supporting infrastructure such as structures that allow fauna to safely move around the proposed bypass, walking and cycling links, and features to support safer and more efficient emergency service operations. 

Importantly, the bypass is designed to separate local trips from through-traffic, helping the Princes Highway function more effectively and create safer and better-connected town centres. 

For locals, that means fewer cars and trucks travelling through town, less traffic using local streets as congestion shortcuts and more reliable day-to-day journeys. 

Holiday peak conditions are expected see the greatest travel time benefits, reducing travel times by 48 minutes northbound and 39 minutes southbound on opening. 

By removing significant volumes of through-traffic and heavy vehicles from the Milton and Ulladulla town centres, the bypass will reduce interactions between local traffic, freight, pedestrians and cyclists, helping create safer streets for the community.

Keeping freight and goods moving efficiently is critical for local businesses, tourism and the broader South Coast economy, and the bypass would reduce heavy vehicle traffic passing through the Milton and Ulladulla town centres. 

Once open, the bypass is expected to remove 780 heavy vehicles from the existing Princes Highway between the northern and central connections, and 640 heavy vehicles between the southern and central connections. 

Community members are encouraged to review the EIS and concept design and make a submission during the public exhibition period, which is open now until Monday 19 October 2026. 

Drop-in sessions will be held as follows: 

• Tuesday 29 September – Ulladulla Civic Centre, between 11.00am and 7.00pm 
• Wednesday 30 September – Milton Memorial Park, between 11.00am and 2.00pm 
• Sunday 11 October – Ulladulla Harbour Markets, between 8am and 1.00pm 
• Tuesday 13 October – Milton Memorial Park, between 12.00pm and 4.30pm 
• Wednesday 14 October – Ulladulla Civic Centre, between 2.00pm and 7.00pm 

The EIS is available on the NSW Major Projects Planning Portal website, where submissions can be lodged. 

The Milton Ulladulla bypass is jointly funded by the Australian ($752 million) and New South Wales ($188 million) governments. For more information and to review the design features of the bypass, visit https://caportal.com.au/tfnsw/mub. 

Quotes attributable to Acting Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain:

“The Albanese Government is investing in the infrastructure the South Coast needs for the future, and the Milton Ulladulla Bypass is a major part of that work. 

“Releasing the Environmental Impact Statement is an important milestone and gives the community the opportunity to have a detailed look at the proposal and help shape the project as planning progresses. 

“This bypass has the potential to deliver safer and more reliable journeys, improve freight movements and support growing South Coast communities.” 

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison: 

“For too long, locals have had to plan their lives around traffic through Milton and Ulladulla, particularly during the holiday peak. 

“We know that taking traffic and heavy vehicles out of the town centres will make a real difference for people who live, work and run businesses here. 

“Unlike the former Government, we’re getting on with delivering this essential piece of infrastructure. 

“The release of the Environmental Impact Statement marks another important step towards delivering this long-awaited project.” 

Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park: 

“This is a project the Milton Ulladulla community has wanted to see progress for a long time, so reaching the EIS stage is an important step. 

“Getting through traffic and heavy vehicles out of the heart of Milton and Ulladulla would make a real difference to the way these town centres look, feel and function. 

“It means safer streets, better connections for people walking and riding, and less pressure on local roads, particularly during the busiest times of year. 

“I encourage everyone across the community to have their say and make sure local voices continue to be heard as planning progresses.” 

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Philips: 

“Locals have been telling me for years about the impact congestion has on Milton and Ulladulla, particularly when holiday traffic brings the Princes Highway to a crawl. 

“This project is about making everyday life easier for locals while keeping visitors, freight and businesses moving across our region. 

“The release of the EIS gives our community a genuine opportunity to examine the proposal. in detail and provide feedback on what matters most to them. 

“I encourage everyone to get involved, attend one of the community sessions and have their say.” 

Quotes attributable to State Member for South Coast Liza Butler: 

“This is another important step forward for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass and for a project that has been talked about in our community for many years. 

“People who live in Milton and Ulladulla know firsthand the impact of congestion through our town centres, particularly during busy holiday periods, and the importance of planning for a long-term solution. 

“The bypass is intended to reduce traffic through Milton and Ulladulla, improve safety and make journeys more reliable for locals, businesses and visitors. 

“The release of the Environmental Impact Statement is an important opportunity for the community to look closely at the proposal, understand what is planned, and provide feedback. 

“I strongly encourage locals to read the EIS, attend one of the community drop-in sessions and have their say as this project moves into its next phase.”