Wollongong City Council recently attracted the largest grant from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regional Cities funding across the nation, with a $14 million boost towards road upgrades.
The council attracted the funding after pledging to provide more than $9 million in housing affordability measures, via interest-free loans for up to 123 low to middle income families for up to $75,000.
Their contribution will also include $6 million towards the $17.9 million West Dapto Shone Ave upgrade, which includes the straightening of the avenue and widening of two single-lane bridges.
In its application, the council details plans to develop a new affordability scheme for West Dapto home owners to help bridge the gap between the cost of houses and the amounts banks will lend.
Normal loan application requirements will apply and repayments would begin after a sunset period, according to the WCC.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said repaid money will go towards council’s new loans and infrastructure works for the project.
The council has committed to beginning the upgrade of the intersection at West Dapto Rd and the Princes Highway by August to help relieve congestion in Dapto’s CBD.
