Council secures multi-million dollar grant for Berrima Road
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor, Councillor Duncan Gair has this week announced that Berrima Road is set to receive a multi-million dollar upgrade as part of a successful grant secured through the Federal Government.
A total of $4.6 million has been allocated via the first round of the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s National Stronger Regions Funds (NSRF). Funds will go towards realigning Berrima Road (MR 372) and replace the existing rail level crossing with a rail overbridge.
Councillor Gair praised the announcement which was fully endorsed by all councillors at Wednesday evening’s ordinary Council Meeting.
“This is fantastic result for our Shire,” he said. “Berrima Road is the only B-double, high-mass road that links Moss Vale with the Hume Highway.”
“This means that the road is both very important and strategic and I congratulate Council’s Assets and Strategic Planning staff on securing this vital funding.”
“It provides the Shire with a direct link with commerce and transport commuting between Melbourne to Sydney and beyond,” he said. “Anything that provides safer and more efficient access to this trade route is a great win for our region.”
The estimated cost of the full project which will also replace the existing T-junction intersection at Berrima Road and Taylor Avenue with a B-triple capacity roundabout is estimated to cost $9.2 million. The remainder of funds will come from Developer Contributions undertaking works within the precinct.
This injection of funds for capital works infrastructure is the latest development in the $82 million Moss Vale Enterprise Corridor scheme.
“The Southern Highlands is already well known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions,” Councillor Gair said.
“But for our Shire to grow and prosper in the years ahead we need to diversify and establish opportunities in other sectors including business and commerce markets.
“With its links to the Hume Highway and Main Southern Rail Corridor including access to Port Kembla via the Moss Vale to Unanderra rail line, the Moss Vale Enterprise Zone is without doubt one of our Shire’s most important pieces of infrastructure,” he said.
“With these monies we’re confident of attracting further investment to the Enterprise Zone as big business becomes more aware of how attractive and accessible our Shire is.
“This announcement is testimony of the Federal Government’s confidence in our Shire,” the Mayor added. “We’re grateful of the Federal Member for Hume’s support with this project and we will continue to lobby his office for future grants.”