The new Itinerant Worker Accommodation at the Batlow Caravan Park was officially opened on Wednesday 4 October 2023. The project was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Government’s and has provided an additional 60 permanent beds to support the local horticultural and forestry industries.
The new learn-to-swim pool and splash play area was embraced by the community when it opened in January 2023. The project also involved replacing the old amenity block with a modern facility, additional shade structures, solar heating and blankets for water temperature regulation, improved drainage, and backflow pipe replacement. Construction concluded in April 2023.
The 10km stretch of Brindabella Rd between the Goodradigbee River and Piccadilly Circus (ACT border) is now wider and safer than ever. Work focused on improving safety for users by widening the road and improving steep edges and road shoulders. These $3,000,000 safety improvements were funded by the NSW Government's Fixing Local Roads Fund and were completed in December 2023.
- Brungle Road Blackspot Roadworks
Safety upgrade improvements to a narrow section of hilly terrain along Brungle Road between Wee Jasper Road and Cockatoo Road were completed in June 2023. The project included widening three tight corners, installation of safety barriers and safety signs, and upgraded stormwater drainage. Council obtained funding under the latest Federal Government’s Black Spot Program following a successful application to help improve road safety. Total Budget $680,614 - Australian Government’s 2022/23 Black Spot Program.
Over 23,000 tonnes of bushfire destroyed trees were cleared from roadsides, public spaces and emergency access fire trails in the Snowy Valleys region as part of the $7,668,211 program funded by the NSW Government's EPA. Qualified arborists and ecologists inspected all trees, ensuring the protection of local wildlife and preserving habitat trees and hollows. Local contractors were engaged to process and re-use the materials from the clean-up.
- Footpath Upgrades - Funded by the Australian Govt's Local Road Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program
New footpaths constructed around Tumut to help make walking or riding to school easier and safer, including - the Franklin Public School boundary footpath along the Snowy Mountains Highway, Herbert St footpath adjacent to Tumut High School, Capper St extension to the Snowy Mountains Highway and the Lambie St extension.
Stage 2 Khancoban Pool upgrades included new amenities, a new fence around the pool facility and the installation of solar heating and a blanket system to help regulate water temperature. The project was completed prior to the 2023/24 swim season.
- Resource Recovery Centre Upgrades
Infrastructure upgrades at the Adelong, Batlow, Khancoban, and Tumbarumba Resource Recovery Centres (RRCs) have improved environmental sustainability and provided better usability for residents. The project included closing and capping landfill cells to maximise resource recovery opportunities, new security systems, new fencing and gates, weighbridges, road improvements, new site offices, and extensive revegetation. As part of the upgrades, the Tumut RRC also received a new weighbridge.
The project, completed in October 2023 was jointly funded under the NSW Government’s EPA Bushfire Recovery Program and the Bushfire-generated Green Waste Grants, Tumut's weighbridge was funded by council’s waste reserve.
The Regional Tracks and Trails Masterplan was developed by Council in collaboration with Tredwell to provide an integrated strategic approach to link towns and villages across the Region. The Masterplan (adopted by Council at the March 2023 Ordinary meeting) is an aspirational plan – a vision of what our region’s tracks and trails network could look like in the long term, boosting tourism and local recreation opportunities.
Community Led Projects
The Adelong Progress Association secured a grant of $411,758 from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and managed the restoration of the iconic bridge reopening to the public in November 2023. The bridge was closed for public safety back in 2019.
The commencement of the 2023 football season saw the unveiling of the new amenities building. Carpark improvement works were also completed as part of the project. Tumut Bulls Rugby Union Club received NSW Government grants of $1,050,000 to fund the project.
The Tumbarumba Chamber of Commerce oversaw the project, undertaking tasks, including roof restoration and asbestos abatement. These efforts have restored the hall's functionality as a community gathering space and event venue. Funding of $499,305 was obtained from the NSW Government Stronger Country Communities Fund Rd 3.
- Talbingo Outdoor Gym Equipment
The Talbingo community received $88,657 in funding from the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to install fitness equipment along the Talbingo Walking Path.
- Talbingo Signage Replacement
The Talbingo community received $48,877 in funding from the Bushfire Community Recovery and Resilience Fund to install informative town signage.