The Coalition has announced $16 million in funding for a second freeway interchange at Mt Barker – $6 million less than when the same announcement was made in 2010.

A plan for an interchange, which Mt Barker Council says is needed to support the growing township, has been on the table since 2009.

If a Coalition government is elected the money would go to on and off ramps on both sides of the South Eastern Freeway.

Liberal Federal Member for Mayo Jamie Briggs announced the funding this morning.

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“I have been committed to this project ever since I was elected. This funding announcement reaffirms that commitment,” Briggs said in a statement.

“A second freeway interchange is the number one infrastructure priority for the area.”

In the 2010 election campaign Briggs pledged $22 million for the project.

A spokesperson for Briggs said this morning the funding had been downgraded because developers would now be supplying some of the funding for the project.

“The State Government has now signed a deed with the developers which require them to make contributions towards infrastructure projects like this one,” he said.

“This deed, which was not signed in 2010, makes it easier for the State Government to make a contribution towards the second freeway interchange.”

The spokesperson said the downgrade was also a result of tightening budgetary conditions since 2010.

“The state of the Federal Budget has deteriorated substantially from 2010, making it more difficult to invest in vital infrastructure. In 2010, the then Gillard Labor Government said the budget would be in surplus in 2012. There is now a deficit of over $30 billion.”

Briggs holds Mayo with a margin of 7.26 per cent.

The only exit and entry to Mt Barker from the freeway is at the western edge of the town. The new interchange would be closer to Nairne, off Bald Hills Road.