Residents and holidaymakers will benefit from the significant upgrades and new facilities unveiled as part of the foreshore redevelopment project at Stuarts Point today.
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The $3.6 million project, jointly funded by the NSW Government under its Restart NSW Regional Growth -Environment and Tourism Fund, Kempsey Shire Council and Transport for NSW's Boating Now program, improves access to the foreshore, provides new amenities and recreational opportunities, better fishing facilities, new pathways and picnic areas as well as a designated stage for events and performances.
Kempsey Shire Mayor Liz Campbell said upgrading the foreshore at Stuarts Point has been a long process and a priority for council.
"It has been four years for council to get these upgrades designed and completed and for the community it has been even longer," she said.
"This project was driven by the community and is the reason why we are standing here today at the official opening.
"These upgrades will benefit the community for many years to come."
The centrepiece of the new reserve is an outdoor stage - a space which enables the community to host events, festivals and concerts.
"This is the first outdoor stage in a public area we have in the Macleay and it will allow for more events to be held here," Mayor Campbell said.
Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey also attended the official opening and said it's great to see people using the space.
"This is an exciting project that enhances outdoor spaces for the local community and boosts opportunities to attract tourists to this beautiful location," she said.
"It's fantastic to see people already enjoying this space, it will be the heart and soul of the community."
"Kempsey Shire Council is to be congratulated for prioritising the project as part of their vision for the Stuarts Point foreshore."
Stuarts Point and District Community organisation (SPADCO) Chairperson Des Breust said the upgrades will greatly benefit the community.
"Four years ago we listed each of these upgrades individually and now we have a package of facilities and upgrades that have been delivered all at once," he said.
"We're a very proud community and we want to thank everyone for the work that has been done."
The upgrade includes:
- Expanded riverfront picnic and barbeque area
- New children's playground within the picnic area
- New foreshore pathways
- An outdoor stage for concerts and events
- A new timber wharf/boardwalk along the riverbank at the head of the carpark
- New public toilet facilities
- A new 2-lane boat ramp to improve river access for fishing and other boating activities
- Car and trailer parking at the boat ramp
- A relocated fish cleaning table
- Additional public car parking along a new access road
- A new carpark at the footbridge with vehicle turnaround accessible parking
- New entrance, office and manager's residence for the Holiday Park including entry check-in bay and two-way entry/exit road
- A new amenity building for the northern part of the park
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