Several major infrastructure projects jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund (BLERF) have been completed by Council, five years since the region was impacted by the devastating Currowan bushfire.
Council received a total of $10 million in funding, to help respond to the impact of the fire and prepare the city for future natural disasters.
"The bushfires left an indelible mark on the Shoalhaven community and the trauma continues to linger for many residents, as we mark half a decade since that catastrophic event," said Mayor, Patricia White.
"I am proud of the work Council has done to complete these major works, in the wake of the Black Summer Bushfires. I am confident these improvements will boost our city's resilience, and ensure it is more prepared to respond to similar emergencies in the future.
"I'd like to thank the Australian and NSW governments for their important contribution through the BLER program, which has been pivotal in helping our community to recover and rebuild," she said.
Federal Member for Gilmore Fiona Phillips said, working in partnership with Shoalhaven City Council, these important community projects would improve the safety of local communities in the event of future natural disasters, while also supporting local jobs, and unlocking new social and economic opportunities.
"I know many of our towns and villages are still in recovery mode, so it great to have been able to deliver projects that enhance their communities," Mrs Phillips said.
"The Albanese Labor Government continues to boost the liveability of communities across the Gilmore electorate and it's fantastic to see these important infrastructure projects progressing.
"Whether it's improving our boat ramps and bridges, or delivering much-needed community facilities, such as fire stations, I will continue to advocate for locally-led projects in the Shoalhaven.
"I'll continue to work with council and community groups to advocate for projects that will support local jobs, boost liveability, and stimulate the local economy."
State Member for South Coast Liza Butler said the completion of the projects would help residents to feel safe and secure as they prepare for future natural disasters in their communities.
"The Currowan bushfire changed our lives forever. For me, as for so many in our community, those days of watching the flames approach our homes and our loved ones remain deeply etched in my memory. It's moments like those that remind us of the importance of resilience, and that's exactly what these projects represent—a stronger, more prepared Shoalhaven, ready to face whatever the future may bring," Ms Butler said.
"These projects are more than just infrastructure; they are investments in the safety, resilience, and future of our region. The BLERF funding has been invaluable in helping our communities rebuild and recover from the devastation of the bushfires, while also preparing us for any future challenges. This is the kind of support that truly makes a difference, helping residents regain a sense of security and pride in their towns.
"With every new bridge, fire station, and community facility, we are laying the foundations for a safer and more resilient Shoalhaven. As someone who nearly lost my own home during the fires, I know how meaningful these projects are for the people who live here. I am grateful to the Australian and NSW governments for their support through the BLERF, which has allowed us to build back with strength and purpose," she said.
To date, Council is delivering the following projects that were funded under the BLER program:
- Construction of a fire station for Manyana/Bendalong.
Construction on the $3.48 million purpose-built fire station at Manyana is scheduled to commence on a greenfield site along Bendalong Road in November. The new building will replace the ageing shed currently located at Cunjarong Point.
- Extend and improve the Lake Conjola Fire Station.
Improvements to the Lake Conjola fire station commenced in June 2024. The $1.56 million project will see part of the 32-year-old building in Thorne Street demolished to make way for an extension which will include three new truck bays, a training room, office, kitchen and new amenities. Work is expected to be completed in December this year.
- Support Lake Conjola tourism access with a new regional boat ramp.
Council has delivered the first stage of the new two-lane boat launching ramp and pontoon at Havilland Street, Conjola Park. The facility opened to the public in September 2022 and included 26 sealed car-trailer spaces, an access road, boat launching manoeuvring area and two accessible car spaces with a concrete path down to the ramp. The project cost a total of $1.68 million with $775,000 funded through the BLER program, $661,000 funded under the NSW Boating Now initiative and $244,000 funded by Council.
- Design and construct a new Bendeela Reservoir and Fire Water Tanks
Two water storage tanks have been constructed at Kangaroo Valley for use by the Rural Fire Service (RFS) and NSW Fire and Rescue during emergencies. The 30,000 litre and 105,000 litre tanks have been installed along Kangaroo Valley Road near the Holiday Haven and along Moss Vale Road, adjacent to the Kangaroo Valley Showground. The work was completed by Council in June 2023.
As part of the $990,000 in funding for this project, Council completed the construction of a new 0.5 megalitre concrete reservoir at Bendeela in January this year. The new reservoir was funded to assist in the supply of water to the Kangaroo Valley region, particularly during holiday periods.
- Provision of a shared user pathway and Bridge on Lake Conjola Entrance Road
The Council received $858,739.07 under the BLER program to build the shared user pathway after the community raised concerns about the safety of pedestrians and cyclists following the bushfires. In April 2024, Council completed work on the 11 metre, single span truss bridge, including pram ramps, kerb & gutter, signage, bollards, line marking and drainage improvements.
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Upgrade major telecommunication site's resilience to catastrophic events.
Council has completed the upgrade of 10 telecommunications sites across the Shoalhaven to improve their resilience during emergencies. The project included installing remote power generation; expanded battery storage; deluge protection systems; and remote monitoring of key Telecommunication Tower sites. Council received $690,000 in funding under the BLER program and Shoalhaven Water contributed an additional $200,000 to complete the work in 2020.
- Installation of digital emergency screens
Twenty-six digital information screens were installed across the Shoalhaven by December 2022, in direct response to the Black Summer Bushfires. The screens aim to provide authoritative, accurate and timely information to communities, particularly during emergencies. Throughout the year, the screens display real-time information including fire danger ratings, weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology, as well as promotional material for Council and community events relating to the individual location where the screen has been installed. The project received $2 million under the BLER program.
- Huskisson Mangrove Boardwalk refurbishment of the current wooden structure built over the mudflats and through the mangroves into a wider and more inclusive structure.
Council received $2,443,605 million under the BLER program to upgrade the boardwalk adjacent to the Lady Denman Museum at Huskisson. The timber structure was initially built in 1988 over the sensitive ecosystem of mudflats and mangroves of Currambene Creek at Jervis Bay. In June 2024, Council completed the major work which now provides a wider 1.8 metre pathway, improved accessibility features, intermittent seating, and interpretative signage containing educational information about the environmental and cultural importance of the mangrove ecosystem. Additional works included approximately 50 metres of new concrete path to connect to Dent Street, and a new footbridge at the floodgate.
- Artie Smith Oval upgrade
Construction on the Artie Smith Oval upgrade in Bomaderry was completed in August, 2023. Council secured an $8 million BLER grant to design and build the facility. The upgrade included the construction of a new AFL/Cricket field, pavilion, clubhouse and amenities, cricket practice facilities, four croquette courts, on-site car parking and new security fencing. The grant also helped pay for the installation of open space embellishments including play and excise equipment, landscaping, pathways and seating. The upgrade is part of the broader, Shoalhaven Community and Recreation Precinct (SCaRP) project.
Separately, Council is also working with the Interim Executive of the Conjola Community Recovery Association (CCRA) and Conjola Community Association to allocate funds donated to the CCRA in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires.
The first project delivered using these funds was a new jetty and pathways at Hoylake Grove Reserve in Conjola Park. Seed funding has also been allocated to progress feasibility investigations for a new shared pathway connecting Conjola Park to Lake Conjola via Conjola Entrance Road and a new basketball court at Arthur Jones Reserve in Lake Conjola.
It is hoped some of the funding can be used to design a memorial for the Conjola area, with consultation on the proposed project due to commence in early, 2025.
