RELATED CONTENT:
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
More than $16 million will be spent on roads across the shire in the next financial year.
Council’s capital works program for 2017/18 will fund several key infrastructure projects including $1 million on rectification works to Mittagong Pool, and $3 million to refurbish council’s Civic Centre at Moss Vale.
However, countless Highlanders will be pleased to see roads are the clear winner in the draft budget.
Berrima Road Deviation Project: $8.2 million
The Berrima Road Deviation project accounts for $8.2 million and is designed to improve traffic access along Berrima Road between Moss Vale, the enterprise corridor and the Hume Highway via Taylor Avenue.
The most costly element of the project is the construction of a new rail overbridge at the Boral cement works rail line. Earthworks for the project will begin this month, and roadworks are estimated for completion in 2018.
Old South Road: $1.3 million
Bowral road users will benefit from $1.3 million allocated to upgrade a 530m stretch of Old South Road between Bowral and Merrigang Street.
The project includes widening with formalised parking lanes, shoulders and kerb and guttering where required. Currently in the design process, the project is expected to begin later this year.
Wilson Drive: $1.2 million
About 1km of Wilson Drive between Colo Vale and Hill Top will be improved by $1.2 million worth of works.
A council spokesman said works would be concentrated on the “least favourable” sections of the road, with northern village residents to benefit from improved safety when travelling along Wilson Drive. Project completion is estimated for July 2018, with works to start this year.
Church Street: $630,000
A 500-metre section of Church Street, from the Illawarra Highway towards Burrawang, has been allocated $630,000 in rehabilitation works. Asphalt will be provided at the intersection to increase skid resistance, with construction expected to start this year and be completed in 2018.
Special Rate Variation will improve Highlands infrastructure
When a 45.3 per cent rate rise (cumulative over four years) was approved for Wingecarribee Shire Council by IPART in May 2016, then-mayor Councillor Larry Whipper said council would use the money to increase infrastructure such as roads, parks and community facilities to a standard expected by ratepayers and residents.
"During the extensive community engagement program undertaken prior to council submitting its SRV application, people overwhelmingly said they expected better infrastructure and were willing to pay for it," Cr Whipper said.
Road upgrades and maintenance are a key feature of the 2017/18 capital works and Special Rate Variation expenditure programs, which are currently on public exhibition. The expenditure program details where ratepayer money from the IPART-approved Special Rate Variation will be spent.
Have your say – submit feedback before May 28
The programs are included in a suite of council documents and are available to view at council’s libraries, Civic Centre on Elizabeth Street at Moss Vale and online at www.yoursaywingecarribee.com.au.
Feedback must be received before midnight on May 28. Details: 4868 0888