Road funding boost

WOLLONGONG City Council will receive $6,625,897 over the 2014/2019 period as part of the Federal Government’s $2.1 billion funding program for the maintenance of local roads.

 PHOTO: Warren & Diana Ackary.

For the 2009/2014 Roads to Recovery program, Wollongong Council received $5.2M of funding essential to Council’s ability to maintain and upgrade local roads. Council allocated the funds to five infrastructure projects that met the eligible project criteria and guidelines.

The first project was for repairs to Harry Graham Drive, with $2.7M spent on geotechnical stabilisation works. The second project saw $360K going towards the upgrade of residential road, Postman’s Track, in Helensburgh. $1.9M went towards surface and subsoil stormwater drainage infrastructure as part of Mt Keira Road Stage 2 works and Spinks Road Corrimal benefited from a pavement reconstruction costing $287K. The final project saw $380K spent on geotechnical stabilisation works as part of Mt Keira Road Stage 3 works.

The funding conditions allow local councils to nominate the projects to be funded. This funding announcement will enable Council to firm up plans for which projects to use it for as early as this current financial year. Projects currently being considered to benefit from this funding over the next few years include Cordeaux Road bridge replacement and associated roadworks, various access roads to the West Dapto development area and roadworks associated with redevelopment of Bald Hill in Stanwell Tops.

The Roads to Recovery funding program contributes to the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Investment Programme through supporting the maintenance of local government infrastructure, which facilitates greater access and improved safety, economic and social outcomes.