The Hills Shire Council is actively seeking to speed up the delivery of critical infrastructure needed by the Box Hill community and will nominate 12 projects for possible funding as part of Round Two of the Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme.
Recently, the Minister for Planning and Public Space Rob Stokes announced that $139 million would be available to share among eight Western Sydney councils, including the Hills Shire, to deliver vital infrastructure in high-growth greenfield precincts. This funding will also be used to create jobs through the projects it funds, as well as boost the economy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Council is seeking approximately $41.57 million to help fund projects located within the growing Box Hill area, including the brand new Water Lane Reserve and the signalisation of the Old Pitt Town and Terry Roads and Fontana Drive intersection.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said Box Hill was undergoing growth and change, and any AIF funding received would help to bring forward projects needed by this community.
“I want to thank State Government for making this funding available to Western Sydney councils. This is a fantastic opportunity to deliver critical infrastructure in an area that is undergoing a long-term transformation from a rural to residential area,” Mayor Byrne said.
“We are proposing 12 key projects – from intersection upgrades to new reserves and road improvements – that will create a number of local job opportunities and get our economy moving, which is particularly important after lockdown ends on October 11.
“Box Hill is an important growth area in The Hills Shire and we understand that more and more people are moving into this beautiful part of the world each day. That’s why we are working hard and campaigning to bring forward critical infrastructure that will support this community now and into the future,” Mayor Byrne added.
Projects nominated by Council for AIF Round Two funding, include:
- The Water Lane Reserve;
- Signalised intersection – Old Pitt Town Road / Terry Road / Fontana Drive;
- Signalised intersection – Mt Carmel Drive / Old Pitt Town Road / Valetta Drive;
- Roundabout – Mason Road / Old Pitt Town Road / Nelson Road;
- Annangrove Road upgrade;
- Ross Place and Edwards Road Bridge;
- Single raingarden facilities and bridges;
- Combined basin and raingarden located north of Mason Road and east of Terry Road;
- Combined basin and raingarden west of Terry Road;
- Culvert Crossing across Terry Road, slightly south of Hedgewood Drive;
- Culvert Crossing across Terry Road, slightly north of Mason Drive; and
- Culvert Crossing north of Mason Road and east of Terry Road.
It is anticipated that Minister Stokes will announce which projects have been successfully approved for AIF funding by the end of 2021.
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