Our vision is to build an interchange that is integrated within its surroundings, while establishing a strong identity as the northern gateway to Wollongong and the South Coast.
What is the Urban Design and Landscape Strategy Report?
The Urban Design and Landscape Strategy Report (UDLSR) outlines the design and landscape vision and objectives for the project, and guides its physical design in a way that is consistent with the overall project objectives.
The report aims to balance transport infrastructure design with the natural landscape, informed by local Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal heritage.
Key urban design and landscaping features of the project include:
Landscaping approach and species selection
Built elements including bridges, safety screens, noise walls and retaining walls
Pedestrian and cyclist connectivity
Relocating the existing sculpture
Interpretive signage, wayfinding and gateways
Exploring connection to Country.
Next steps
The feedback received in May and June during the UDLSR display period will be considered in finalising the project’s detailed design along with the information obtained from early work activities. Work on the project’s detailed design will continue during 2024.
Major work is planned to start in late 2024, with the project expected to take about four years to complete, weather permitting.
Connection to Country
The area surrounding the Mount Ousley interchange project was originally inhabited by the Wodi Wodi people of the Dharawal Nation and language group. Infrastructure projects like this one offer an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the Aboriginal Country, culture and people of the land on which the project is delivered.
In our project design, we can acknowledge Country and Aboriginal history through landscape design, signage, artwork, language and storytelling. The project will improve the appearance and function of a key link between Wollongong and the Illawarra, and will implement elements to better express the unique character of the coast and escarpment in a gateway experience.
Establishing a connection to Country through pattern, colour, and pictorial elements, integrated thoughtfully into the built environment will enrich the road user’s experience and contribute to a better understanding of place and culture. This will also be reflected in the project’s landscape design which will create and enhance a feeling of connection with the surrounding environment.
We will engage with local Aboriginal knowledge holders and stakeholdergroups as part of the detailed design process.
For more information view chapter 4 of the report.
View the connection to Country chapter