Summary

Location: Bass Point Reserve, Shell Cove

Timeframe: 2024/25. The project is expected to be complete in mid-2025.

Funding: Funded by Shellharbour City Council and the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, comprising Federal and NSW State Government contributions. Read more

About the Project

Approximately 2km of Bass Point Tourist Road, stretching from the main entrance gate to the Bushrangers Bay car park, will undergo major improvements to the road surface. Works will include the construction of a sealed road on the existing road alignment and the installation of stormwater drainage infrastructure. This will improve the road's surface and establish a more resilient road reserve, better equipped to endure high traffic and severe weather events. 

Carpark locations will also be upgraded to meet the above-noted standards. 

Bass Point Reserve and its adjacent shoreline are areas of significant environmental and archaeological importance, with undisturbed rainforests and culturally significant heritage sites that any excavations could potentially impact. The road upgrade within this Reserve has required an extended consultation and approval process due to the land's sensitivity. 

Existing Road Condition

Project Stages

Funding Announcement - Completed
Council has secured $992,000 in funding for enhancements to Bass Point Tourist Road. This funding, sourced from the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, includes contributions from both the Federal and NSW State Governments.

DA Application Development - Current Stage
Council will develop the concept design and various specialist reports including Section 60 works Application, Statement of Environmental Effects, Statement of Heritage Impacts, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment, and Crownlands Owners Consent.

DA Approval
The project's development application has been granted approval, and preparations for the construction certificate are set to begin.

Detailed design
We are in the process of completing the final details of the road profile and essential drainage design.

Construction
Construction works have commenced and will be completed in due time.

Project complete
Bass point tourist road improvements are complete and the road is ready to use!
The project is expected to be complete in mid-2025.

 

FAQs

What Maintenance does Council currently do?

Council has faced challenges in implementing major road resurfacing or drainage upgrades, mainly due to heritage considerations in the area. As a result, the focus has now shifted to taking on a maintenance role.

Bass Point Tourist Road undergoes biannual grading, with additional sessions completed based on budget and road conditions. Despite regular maintenance, rapid deterioration may occur due to factors such as traffic volume, traffic behaviour, and environmental conditions.

What are the project improvements?

The proposed installation of a double coat spray seal road and drainage is intended to establish a higher standard surface, considerably reducing the maintenance workload and enhancing road safety for community and emergency services.

However, due to the sensitivity of the area, no formalized kerb and gutter will be implemented.

How is the project being funded?

Council has secured $992,000 in funding for enhancements to Bass Point Tourist Road. This funding, sourced from the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, includes contributions from both the Federal and NSW State Governments. Additionally, the Council is contributing $300,000 and in-kind support, totaling the project funding to nearly $1.3 million.

When will construction start?

Works will begin once all necessary approvals have been obtained.

There is no current date for construction.

Will I be able to travel to Bass Point during construction?

To minimise disruptions to the area, Council will aim to complete this project in stages. There could be intermittent disruptions to vehicle access during construction at certain times. Once we appoint a Contractor and finalise the work schedule, we will provide an update.

Contact Information

Name: 
Projects Team
Phone: 
4221 6111
Last updated : Mon 4 Nov 2024