Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan says visitors to Port Macquarie will enjoy greater views of the foreshore, access to improved seating and picnic tables along with improved safety following the opening of the Town Green West upgrade on December 17.
He thanked Port Macquarie-Hastings Council for completing the works and the Port Macquarie Town Centre Master Plan Committee members for leading the project.
“This great project was one of my election promises and it is rewarding to see what our Government’s $1.5 million investment has been able to deliver for our community today,” he said.
“There’s more improvements to the promenade to come – it will be extended as far as Koolonbung Creek and the nature reserve to mark the town’s bicentenary through a Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund grant.
“The opening of this upgrade today follows the opening of the waterfront promenade in October, and the 2017 upgrade of Town Green East.
“The upgrade to Town Green West has included the continuation of the 5-metre wide waterfront promenade from Lady Nelson Wharf through to Short Street, upgrading the foreshore rock wall, increased seating and picnic tables to enjoy, and grass areas for relaxing and playing.”
There are also new bins and drinking fountains, and LED lighting to improve security.
Council Mayor, Peta Pinson, said the Port Macquarie foreshore is such a beautiful space, and it’s so great to have the upgrades completed ready for the busy holiday period.
“Our Council team have done a wonderful job in the design and construction along our beautiful foreshore, and I encourage everyone in our community to pop on down, take in the wonderful scenery and enjoy a day on our magnificent Town Green,” said Mayor Pinson.
“I’d also like to thank our local business community, and state and federal government colleagues for working closely with Council to ensure we can continue to deliver such a spectacular foreshore experience.”
In addition to the completed Town Green West upgrades, the community can look forward to a new Town Green Playground being constructed adjacent to the iconic fig tree in 2021. Community engagement has just taken place, and a final design will now be developed based on the feedback received.
The upgrade to Town Green West is a key deliverable in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Recreation Action Plan 2017-2025, Coastal Walk Master Plan and the Town Centre Master Plan 2013.
The upgrades to Town Green West, including the Town Green Playground is a $2.4 million project, with $500,000 provided by the Town Centre Masterplan Committee (through contributions levied on commercial property owners within the Port Macquarie CBD).
The Australian Government has provided $1.5 million through a Community Development Grant, and an additional $400,000 through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund to deliver the Bicentennial Walkway, which is jointly funded with the NSW Government.
