Council received $614,000 as part of the Local Regional Community Infrastructure program, and last week decided to allocate the money to five different projects.

A total of $219,000 has been allocated to building a footpath at Sanctuary Point Primary School along Idlewild Street, and continue the cycleway from Paradise Breach Road along Walmer Avenue, to Loralyn Avenue;

In addition $265,000 is to be spent on upgrading the streetscape in Queen Street in Berry, while $30,000 will go to the Kangaroo Valley Footpath Action Group Plan.

A further $30,000 will be spent on extending the Beinda Street footpath in Bomaderry, while $70,000 is being allocated to complete the footpath in Basin View from the Masonic Village to the Basin View shopping centre be included.

Shoalhaven deputy mayor Gareth Ward said he was pleased the money was shared out throughout the region.

“Rather than invest the entire grant into one project, council took the view that we should ensure that these funds do the greatest good for the greatest number.

“With 49 towns and villages across our city, this was always going to be a challenge,” Cr Ward said.

“Council has a number of projects that are ‘shovel ready’ and as a result of this resolution, council will forward our list of proposed works to the Minister for Infrastructure before gaining the green light and getting on with the job.”

Cr Ward said the focus on footpaths and cycleways would strengthen council’s commitment to improving passive recreation.