Joint media release

Tourists to the bushfire impacted Macleay Valley will soon be able to test their limits at a new Skydiving Adventure Park thanks to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

A total of $11,283,000 will be provided for the Macleay Valley Skydiving Adventure Park at Kempsey Regional Airport and will help to build training facilities, canopy swoop pond, canopy piloting hangar, an indoor rock climbing gym, ammenities and accomodation facilities.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan welcomed the first round of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund being awarded and wanted to remind residents another grant opportunity was open until 11 December.

“As residents and businesses continue recovering from the devastating 2019-20 bushfires, our Federal and State Nationals Governments are backing projects like this adventure park to provide job opportunities and support the region’s future prosperity,” he said.

“Kempsey already has a lot to offer visitors in its picturesque location beside the Macleay River and its history. This adventure park will attract new visitors who want to experience extreme sport and they will stay in Kempsey’s motels and hotels and spend in the town.”

State Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the Macleay Valley Skydiving Adventure Park will provide a major attraction to the region and help to promote Macleay Valley to tourists as an adventure sports capital in regional NSW.

“The Macleay Valley is fast becoming one of NSW’s top destinations for an adventure sport holiday, with beautiful surfing beaches, fantastic diving, mountain biking and paddle boarding, and the Skydiving Adventure Park will help to cement this status,” she said.

“Locals will enjoy the adrenalin rush of the activities on offer and tourists will stay longer in the region to test their limits, spending money with local accomodation, eateries, retailers and other local businesses, helping to keep our local economy moving.

“This exciting new infrastructure project will immediately create around 33 construction jobs and once complete, it will provide approximately 60 employment opportunities, directly associated with running the facility.”

Kempsey Shire Mayor, Liz Campbell, said councillors resolved to seek funding support for the project at the December 2019 Council meeting after it was presented to Council and the Economic Development and Tourism Committee.

“The Macleay Valley Skydiving Adventure Park has been identified as a key project in Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategy,” Cr Campbell said.

“The Stratgey was put on public exhibiton before being adopted by Council at the October 2019 meeting.

“To have this exciting project fully funded, makes it a reality to deliver an ongoing economic boost to the Macleay Valley’s tourism sector and the local community.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund has been designed to deliver infrastructure and initiatives that will boost economic and social recovery, increase community preparedness for future natural disasters and help to get residents back on their feet.

“Our regional communities have been doing it tough to say the least, which is why we are backing projects that will put people back in work, retain existing jobs and stimulate local economies with a focus on improving essential community infrastructure and industry development,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The funds delivered for these important projects will put people in work sooner and deliver a variety of shovel-ready projects and programs that will make a genuine difference to the lives of people living in regional communities.”

Applications for a share of $250 million can be submitted in the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund open round, which opens on 27 October 2020.

Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million will be available to organisations through the open round, including councils, joint organisations, business chambers, charities, businesses and Local Aboriginal Land Councils.

Applications for the Bushfire Local Recovery Fund, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments, open on 27 October 2020. For more information and guidelines visit the NSW Government website.

ENDS

Media contacts:

Mr Conaghan – Liz Spry 0418 928 744

Ms Pavey – Alice Burnet 0439 407 567