Federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones welcomes progress made on the West Dapto housing development at Shone Avenue funded by $13.92 from the Australian Federal GovernmentsBuilding Better Regional Citiesprogram.

Wollongong City Council received the largest amount of funding of any regional area in the program said Jones.

Its been crucial in providing road and bridge upgrades as well as pathways and landscaping for the new housing development area.

Council appreciates the funding for this essential infrastructure in West Dapto and we especially thank the Federal Member Stephen Jones for his work in obtaining the funding, said Wollongong City Lord Mayor, Councillor Gordon Bradbery.

Stephen Jones said Dapto is one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Illawarra and this project will see about 6,676 housing lots built in the future, with a portion of these set aside for low income families.

Im confident that the funding provided by the Federal Government will see Dapto become the largest, most vibrant centre outside of Wollongong.

To ensure there is improved access to West Dapto, Council has been working on several sections to increase ease of access and ensure that the area has roadways and access points that are above the one in 100 year flood levels, said Mayor Bradbery.

Council has designed the new two-lane bridge on Shone Ave to be higher than that flood level. Similarly, the bridge and road which will be part of the second stage of the Shone Ave works and the proposed works on Wongawilli and West Dapto roads will also beelevated to above that flood level.

More information on the Federal Governments Building Better Regional Cities program can be fund at http://www.fahcsia.gov.au/our-responsibilities/housing-support/programs-services/building-better-regional-cities-program.