SHELLHARBOUR City Council are not among the NSW councils which have applied for a special rate variation.
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Nineteen councils applied to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) to increase their general revenue above the rate peg in 2015-16. A further four councils have been granted an extension to lodge their applications over the coming weeks.
Infrastructure projects across Shellharbour City funded by the last Special Rate Variation (SRV) have primarily involved road renewal works at a cost of almost $1 million and has also been used to replace footpaths, park and playground facilities, renew drainage and buildings.
One such program, currently out to tender, is the Slaters Creek Bridge renewal in Koona Street at Albion Park Rail.
The bridge is integral for people of both Albion Park Rail and Oak Flats as it provides a vital walking link across Slaters Creek between the two suburbs.
Council Engineer Matt Hipsley said the original bridge was first built in 1975.
“We are keen to maintain the historical value of the bridge, which has had some remedial work done from time-to-time over the years and is now quite tricky to fix,” Mr Hipsley said.
“Cost of the project is expected to be around $120,000 and Council’s role in this is as project managers and we have already a lot of diving companies showing interest, with tenders closing early March.”
More than half the road renewal works planned for the current financial year are now complete, involving the resurfacing of 16 roads including main roads such as Wollongong Street in Shellharbour and Pur Pur Avenue, Grove Circuit, Commerce Drive and Veronica Street in Warilla.
Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Sabila said funds from the current Special Rate Variation can only be used to fix old infrastructure that needs renewing, and there is a long list for us to get through.
"Prioritising the works has been a lengthy process and some of the immediate projects have not been as high profile as others, but necessary nonetheless," Cr Sabila said.
"It is pleasing to see that upgrades are taking place and I look forward to seeing more improvements as we work through the list."
The rate increase implemented in July 2013 by Council will direct $18.8 million to address the city’s ageing infrastructure such as shared use paths, public buildings and amenities, roads, pipes and drain More than $4 million has been used in the first 18 months of a four year works schedule to remediate infrastructure including 33 roads, three major buildings, four footpath replacements and various improvements to canteens and sportsfield lighting.
Improvements to stormwater systems include the start of pipe replacement in Oak Flats and upcoming works in Albion Park and Mount Warrigal to reline pipes that have moved, to extend their useful life.
