Tathra-Bermagui Road.
26 July 2024
Bega Valley Shire Council will soon open the tender process to manage an Australian Government grant designed to deliver significant improvements to bushfire access roads and assets.
The Preparing Australian Communities Program (PAC) grant is aimed at enhancing community resilience and reducing the risk of bushfire impacts by preparing 'shovel ready' business cases to upgrade critical infrastructure within the Bega Valley.
Assets and Operations Director, Ian Macfarlane said Council will engage a project manager to oversee the tender process for each individual project funded by the grant.
"This strategic move will ensure the timely and efficient delivery of key infrastructure improvements when appropriate grant funding for the actual construction becomes available," Mr Macfarlane said.
"We are keen to get crucial upgrades to the Tathra-Bermagui Road, Six Mile Bridge on Mt Darragh Road and Dr George Mountain Road underway.
"These routes and structures are essential for the community, serving as vital corridors that support residents, visitors, freight and businesses but all require significant detailed planning and costing before delivery.
"Upgrading these roads will significantly enhance their resilience against bushfire risks, thereby improving their capacity to act as safe passageways for road users.
"Our intention is to identify and prioritise key access routes within the shire. These all have the capacity to save lives in the event of a bushfire, so it is vital they are upgraded and maintained to the highest possible standard."
Mr Macfarlane said engaging a contractor to oversee the allocation of funds will ensure compliance with the funding agreement and facilitate timely delivery of the projects.
"This streamlined approach will enable the efficient engagement of suitable contractors to manage and deliver detailed designs, cost estimates and project plans," he said.
"Council remains grateful to the Australian Government for its significant investment in building asset resilience in the Bega Valley through the Preparing Australian Communities Program."
Council will advertise the position on its Vendor Panel portal.
