The federal Member for Throsby, Stephen Jones, says he doesn't begrudge funding going to the Shoalhaven for regional projects but he can't understand the government's priorities.

The federal government has funded a yet to be approved motorsports complex at Yerriyong near Nowra with a grant worth $9.5 million.

At the same time a Wollongong Council application for $10-million for the Fowlers Road Bridge at West Dapto was rejected.

"Anyone who lives down here in the Dapto region will be able to tell you Bong Bong Road is like a car park in the morning and the afternoon," Mr Jones said.

"Fowler's Road is critical to all of the housing development that is going on in West Dapto."

A related proposal for a 'Home of Football' next to Fowler's Road at Dapto is also yet to be funded, despite initially appearing to gain funding back in 2013.

Wollongong's Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery says he also can't understand the government's priorities.

"Here we have applications for some vital infrastructure in the Wollongong Local Government Area, more specifically Fowlers Road Bridge, yet they can fund a motorsport facility that isn't even approved by the council in the Shoalhaven," he said.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra, Gareth Ward, has also backed calls to fund the Dapto bridge project.

"Well look I would call on the federal government to join with the state government that has invested in the Fowler's Road Bridge, we made an allocation from the long term lease of Port Kembla of more than $20-million," he said

The motorsports complex falls within the electorate of Gilmore MP, Ann Sudmalis, who says guidelines for funds were very stringent.

"They have to be both socially commensurate, community supported and above all lead to employment potential, so if it doesn't tick all of those it doesn't get through the hoops," she said.

Motorcycling New South Wales President Christine Tickner said strong support from Ann Sudmalis got the application across the line.

"Ann Sudmalis has voiced her support very strongly and I think was very vocal with the minister in helping us to get the grant," she said.