A multimillion-dollar capital investment and construction program, driven by public and private sector funding, is a game-changer for the Top of the Yorke.
Council is spending around $6m this financial year on major projects including an upgrade to the Bute CWMS facilities, main street upgrades, fishing infrastructure (pontoon and toilet facilities), and new plant and equipment.
There is also $17m of civil works being delivered by Bardavcol at Fisherman Bay in 2022/23 that is being funded by private sector investment secured by Council through an Infrastructure Deed with the developers Fisherman Bay Management.
Latest updates to projects around the district include:
Port Broughton Boat Ramp toilet installation: Work has commenced with local contractors installing a new electrical connection and plumbing for mains and effluent water, while a ramp has been constructed and installed to ensure all-access to the amenity.
Civic Square: Council staff are working with the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) on necessary paperwork and a Heads of Agreement is set to be issued this month. Council has selected a preferred water feature option and it is now finalising a construction program for the upgrade of the Civic Square in Port Broughton. Construction is expected to start at the end of January 2023, with practical completion on or before 30 June 2023.
CMWS: Works for the upgrade to Council’s Port Broughton CWMS scheme has been completed. The additional storage lagoon, rising main and upgrades to the treatment plan have been completed. The irrigation distribution site is well underway with a new tank installed and the system back providing water to the Port Broughton golf course. A new shed, pumps and controllers are to be installed. Installation of irrigation infrastructure at the Port Broughton Oval is expected to be completed later this month.
Fisherman Bay Freeholding Project: The planning approval and settlement process continues to progress very well with 232 properties settled. Construction work is proceeding well with an estimated completion date of 31 July 2023.
Capital Works Program: Council is investing more than $1.6m this financial year in upgrading and maintaining its core assets including sealed and unsealed roads, footpaths and kerbing. Council’s construction team is currently working on the Tickera to Alford Road and will be in Tickera next week to undertake resheeting on Tickera township streets.
Court Resurfacing: Due to inclement weather works have been delayed and are now scheduled to begin at Alford early next year and work on Port Broughton’s courts will be undertaken during February and March 2023. Bute resurfacing works are now on track for September 2023.
Bute Play Space: A design has been finalised and work is scheduled to start late this year.
Mundoora Stormwater: Barunga West Council has secured a $92,814 grant from the Stormwater Management Authority following its Mainstreets planning study. The funding will be matched by funds from Barunga West Council and the Port Pirie Regional Council, and will be used to improve kerbing and landscaping along East Terrace.
Jetty Pontoon: A new pontoon for the Port Broughton Jetty is scheduled to be installed later this year.
Old Chamber Works: Council is investing $17,500 for urgent repairs to the Old Chamber in Port Broughton to fix salt damp and the external facade.
Recreational Trail Signage: Council will be updating signage along the Port Broughton to Fisherman Bay trails.
Sand replenishment works: Council just received $350,000 of federal funding to build on sand replenishment works to date and for ratepayers it will mean work can immediately start to build up the profile of the beach around the jetty and foreshore area over the next 12 months. It will involve bringing in locally sourced sand to build up the profile of the beach by approximately 50 to 75 centimetres along the coastline every 12 months for three years.
Maree Wauchope, Chief Executive, of Barunga West Council said Council’s strong track record on infrastructure capital delivery meant she was confident in its ability to deliver all the works and projects on time and on budget.
“There are some important and exciting projects underway and planned for the coming months,” Ms Wauchope said.
“All of these projects will deliver economic benefits, particularly during the construction and delivery phase, and ultimately position our region as one of the most attractive residential and holiday destinations in the state.”