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Bong Bong Common Stage 1 and 2 Works

Announcement

Please be advised that closure of the existing unformed carpark and access point to the shared path will be closed from Tuesday 21 March 2023. This closure will allow the contractor to proceed with the construction of the stage 1a carpark construction. Please utilise the alternative locations listed in the mapping below for the duration of the closure.

Project typeCar park formalisation, obelisk relocation, nature and interpretative play elements, circulation path, amenities building and signage
Project value$6 million
Contractor nameLamond Contracting Pty Ltd
Completion Date30 September 2023

Construction works are continuing on the execution of stages 1 and 2 of the Bong Bong Common Master Plan.

This project will include the construction of interpretative play space areas to appeal to children and engage a sense of fun.

In early May 2023, Council’s contractor Lamond Contracting began applying fill material to lift surface levels for the play space areas, amenities building, and circulation path above the 1 per cent Annual Exceedance Probability (AEP) flood level due to the site's proximity to the Wingecarribee River.

Weather permitting, the project is due for completion in September 2023.

Background

Bong Bong Common is the site of “a convict period settlement that dates from 1821 to c.1843 which consisted predominantly of government buildings where soldiers and public servants would have worked and lived”. This is the first European settlement of the area which “was progressively abandoned from 1837 in favour of the new settlement at Berrima with only two building remaining in 1843.”

Archaeological investigation

Archaeological investigations were undertaken in 2021 by Austral Archaeology to determine the exact locations of the remaining building remnants against historical mapping. These investigations informed the design of the project and what risk (if any) the proposed works had on these items.

Design elements included in the works

Nature and interpretative playspaces within the common to appeal to children and engage them with a sense of fun.
Playspaces include seating and picnic benches to encourage users to play and stay within the common whilst remaining sympathetic to the open vista the common is adored for.
Provision of carparking including disability spaces and improved accessibility for all.
New amenities building.
New circuit path with gathering, rest points and raised boardwalks that include interpretive and artistic elements to further enhance the existing path and provide options for users.
Interpretive and informative elements to highlight the historical nature of the site including Aboriginal and European historical activities.
Viewing platforms to provide improved connection with the Wingecarribee River frontage.
Improved connections to neighbouring Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve.

**Image**: Lamond Contracting applying fill material at Bong Bong Common in May 2023.

Construction works

The construction of Bong Bong Common Stage 1A, 1B and 2 pose several logistical challenges given the complex nature of the project, staging and extent of works.

Lamond Contracting proposes to establish construction sites on multiple fronts in a staged approach. This will ensure a successful outcome for the project whilst maintaining safety, quality and environmental management and provide minimal disturbance and inconvenience to the community.

During the construction phase, Council will work collaboratively with the principal contractor to provide regular updates and guidance on closures to the walking track and associated car parking. We appreciate the inconvenience this may cause some users and ask that you work with the relevant bodies to ensure the successful completion of this exciting project.

Closure of car parking off Moss Vale Road and paved sections of Bong Bong Common

During the construction works, full closure of the unpaved car park at the entry off Moss Vale Road and next to the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve access track will be needed, including any access point to the walking track.

This closure will ensure the works can be conducted safely given heavy machinery will be utilised.

Please use alternative parking locations to access the track. Such locations can be found within the Cecil Hoskins Nature Reserve or by entering the path at Suttor Road Moss Vale, Phillip Street Burradoo, Hurlingham Avenue Burradoo, or Railway Road Burradoo.

Project funding

This project is jointly funded by the NSW Government through the Public Spaces Legacy Program, 2020 Arts and Culture Grant funding, Stronger Country Communities Fund, and Wingecarribee Shire Council funding.