Work on the Fowlers Road bridge will start later this year as part of a record spend on capital works by Wollongong City Council, according to its draft annual plan.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
It also includes details of the $2.2 million carbon tax refund to ratepayers.
The council’s draft plan, which will go before councillors on Monday night, includes spending $101.55 million on more than 350 capital works projects in 56 suburbs.
This is the council’s first triple-figure spend on capital works.
“I know we can’t please everyone but there is a record amount of money going into capital works and renewal,” Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said.
The capital works budget includes the West Dapto connection between Fowlers Road and Fairwater Drive – the so-called Fowlers Road bridge.
Work is due to start in the second half of 2016 and $12 million will be spent on it in 2016-17.
Over the next four years, council will spend a total of $93 million on the project, which included the $22.5 million from the proceeds of the leasing of Port Kembla.
That will still not be enough to complete the project – the council is seeking federal government assistance.
“This council took that particular project seriously,” Cr Bradbery said.
“It’s something that needs to be done because of the development out there. The residents who are already out there know the congestion of Bong Bong Road and the frequent flooding issues.”
Other major infrastructure projects include the upgrading of the cycle way between Belmore Basin and North Wollongong and the Bald Hill facelift.
Also, $275,000 has been allocated to flood studies in the 2016-17 year, with more to be spent in the coming years.
“I do realise that there are big challenges in this city,” Cr Bradbery said.
“We are in a very vulnerable area to inundation and flooding and these storm events are going to happen more frequently because of climate change. Council is across this, we’re trying to do our best.”
The plan also outlined how council will refund the $2.2 million collected for the carbon tax.
Residents will receive a credit on their first rates notice after July 1 based on the size of their red bin – $22, $28.50 or $47.
The plan goes on exhibition from April 7.