Two projects undertaken by Sutherland Shire Council in Kurnell and Illawong, near Caringbah, have been recognised for Excellence Awards.
Both outdoors, the projects were aimed at appealing to an extended range of interests within the community, a fact that was acknowledged by the judges of the recent Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) NSW and ACT Excellence Awards.
The project at Illawong's Old Ferry Wharf was awarded the Infrastructure Heritage Award, while Kurnell's Bonna Point Reserve playground was highly commended.
Selected from a strong field of almost 100 submissions, the projects were considered “outstanding” by Mayor of Sutherland Steve Simpson, who not only paid tribute to council staff and government agencies involved in making them a reality, but also to local community members for valuable feedback received throughout early public consultation stages. These stages often include a graphic design of an intended project for greater visualisation and understanding.
The $1.7 million wharf project was carried out in 2020 and involved the establishment of an onsite launching ramp to give recreational users of a range of small crafts a safe point of access. Upgrades to the site also incorporated a drop off and collection point for small crafts, new pedestrian paths, picnic facilities, a roundabout, roadway and car park.
In Kurnell, the new $1.2 million playground featured new skate facilities, play equipment, public amenities, bench seating and landscaping, with the accent on making an accessible and safe space for all ages.
