Shellharbour City Council has completed a major upgrade to Bass Point Tourist Road, delivering a safer, more reliable access to one of the City's most significant natural and cultural areas.
The project has sealed approximately two kilometres of Bass Point Tourist Road, from the main entrance gates to Bushrangers Bay car park, replacing the previous unsealed surface and upgrading key drainage infrastructure.
The project is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements through the Infrastructure Betterment fund, with additional funding provided by the Shellharbour City Council.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, said all levels of government were providing support to ensure communities could withstand future severe weather events.
"Through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund, our focus is to provide opportunities to local governments like Shellharbour so they can identify priority projects that will make their communities more resilient to natural disasters," Minister McBain said.
"This upgrade was a massive undertaking, and I'd like to thank council for this achievement."
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin, said this critical investment by the NSW and Federal Governments will ensure Bass Point can be safely enjoyed for years to come.
"Bass Point Reserve is a special place, both environmentally and culturally, and this major upgrade will not only assist with keeping community connected during severe weather events, but will preserve access to important landmarks," Minister Saffin said.
"Bass Point also plays an important role when it comes to the local economy and this investment in infrastructure improvements will make it easier for locals and visitors to enjoy the area more easily."
Member for Whitlam, Carol Berry MP, said: "Bass Point is a place of deep cultural significance for the local community and a vital asset for the Shellharbour visitor economy.
"I am proud to be associated with this project where all levels of government have partnered to deliver this important project at Bass Point for the local Shellharbour community.
"These upgrades are helping future-proof the area against severe weather events and will protect this iconic landmark for locals and visitors alike."
Member for Shellharbour, Anna Watson MP said "This is the kind of practical infrastructure upgrade that strengthens our community, improves the visitor experience and helps protect one of Shellharbour's iconic coastal destinations and I welcome this important improvement for Bass Point, which balances better public access with the need to respect and preserve the unique environmental and heritage values of the Reserve."
"Bass Point holds a special place in the heart of our community, and this project ensures future generations will continue to enjoy safe and reliable access to this remarkable local landmark."
Shellharbour City Mayor, Chris Homer, said the upgrade makes a real difference for locals and visitors who value Bass Point, improving safety and access while protecting what makes this place so special.
"Sealing the tourist road and improving drainage will make a noticeable difference to safety and reliability, particularly in wet weather, and reduce ongoing maintenance needs," Mayor Homer said.
"The project was carefully designed and managed to preserve the Reserve's important environmental and heritage values, and we thank the community for their patience while the works were underway."
The upgrade addressed long-standing issues with erosion and poor surface condition, while maintaining the existing road footprint to safeguard the sensitive vegetation and heritage features of Bass Point Reserve.
The Reserve is home to rare littoral rainforest, diverse marine life and important Aboriginal and European heritage sites.
Signage across the reserve has also been upgraded to clearly identify designated parking areas, shared zones and speed limits, helping guide visitors near car parks and stopping points, discourage verge parking and improve safety for all road users.
For more information on this project visit: www.shellharbour.nsw.gov.au/council/council-works-and-projects/current-projects/bass-point-tourist-road-improvements
