The temporary closure allowed council to undertake a major reconstruction of 600 metres of the road adjoining the Illawarra Highway.

During the reconstruction more than 3,500 tonnes of road-base was used to widen and improve vision for motorists, lay a bitumen topcoat seal and install safety guardrails.

The improvement works were undertaken to both extend the life of this gateway road and provide safer driving conditions for motorists.

Funded as part of council’s Special Rate Variation (SRV), the project was originally slated to cost $640,000.

However as I write this column, the project was finished both ahead of schedule and under budget.

Over the course of the next 10 years an additional $98.1 million will be spent on essential public infrastructure and renewal projects including roads, stormwater drainage, footpaths, community buildings and parks as a result of this program.

The next major project on council’s SRV ‘Investing in our future’ improvement schedule will involve a major reconstruction of a section of Wombeyan Caves Road located near the junction of Greenhills Road in High Range.

To see how we’re using your SRV contribution to build an even better Southern Highlands, check out our four-year works schedule at www.wsc.nsw.gov.au/integrated-planning- and-reporting.

Over the weekend I was shocked to hear of a young child injured on broken glass at public playground in Welby.

We all wish the young girl a speedy recovery.

I would sincerely hope no one would intentionally leave broken glass or any other hazards in a playground.

I implore all park users to keep glass bottles of any description out of children’s public play areas.

I would also urge anyone who has any information about this incident to contact our local police as a matter of urgency.

Likewise, if readers notice any suspicious activity around any council parks or playgrounds, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.