Highlands projects make Restart NSW Illawarra shortlist
Wingecarribee Shire Mayor Councillor Juliet Arkwright has welcomed the news that four local projects have been shortlisted for funding under the State Government’s Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund.
“Member for Kiama Gareth Ward’s announcement today is great news for our Shire,” Councillor Arkwright said. “It’s vindication that the projects we nominated are considered to be of regional significance and that the State Government is serious about the future growth and development of the Southern Highlands.”
The $100 million Restart NSW Illawarra Infrastructure Fund has been established by the NSW State Government to help fund priority infrastructure projects across the Wollongong, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven, Kiama and Wingecarribee Local Government Areas.
The four local projects shortlisted are:
- Assisted accommodation for the disabled at Mittagong
- Pedestrian and cycleway between Mittagong and Bowral
- Bowral town centre Distributor Bypass Road
- Northern Extension Rail Y Link – Moss Vale Enterprise Corridor
The shortlisted projects were nominated following a meeting by the Local Leaders Group, which included representatives from Regional Development Australia Illawarra and the Far South Coast, Wollongong University, Illawarra Business Chamber, Shoalhaven Business Chamber, Southern Highlands Business Chamber, Illawarra Property Council, South Coast Labor Council, Port Kembla Port Corporation and local councils.
“I think it’s important to acknowledge the objectivity and rigour that was shown by the Local Leaders Group that went into the selection process,” Councillor Arkwright said.
Detailed applications on all of the short-listed projects will now be invited and community views sought.
Infrastructure NSW will hold public forums in the Shire in early September to discuss the nominated projects. Details will be issued once dates and venues have been finalised.
“Even though Mr Ward’s Kiama electorate encompasses a relativity small area of our Shire, he is to be commended for his promotion of the Southern Highlands,” Councillor Arkwright added.
Successful projects will be announced in late 2013. For more information visit www.insw.com.