22 May 2019 - $3.4 million project to revitalise Stuarts Point foreshore

Kempsey Shire Council will soon begin revitalising Stuarts Point foreshore by improving infrastructure to maximise recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.

At its meeting yesterday, Councillors adopted a Development Plan for the foreshore reserve which will pave the way for detailed designs and construction plans to be prepared for the funded works.

The $3.4 million project is jointly funded by the NSW Government under its Restart NSW Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund and Council.

Director Operations and Planning, Robert Fish, said the project is identified as a priority in Council’s 2019-20 Operational Plan and 2017-21 Delivery Program.

“The adoption of the plan will enable improvement works to begin on this valuable community asset in line with Council’s vision for the foreshore reserve,” he said.

“We will continue to liaise with the community as part of preparing the detailed designs for the works which are funded through current grants.”

The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey MP, said the works program will revitalise the iconic Stuarts Point.

“This exciting project will transform Stuarts Point for locals, help attract more tourism dollars and create more new jobs for the Macleay Valley,” she said.

The project will provide:

• New 2-lane boat ramp and car and trailer parking to improve river access for fishing and other boating activities
• Relocated fish cleaning tables
• Expanded riverfront picnic and barbeque area with new children’s playground
• New foreshore pathways
• New public toilet facilities
• An outdoor stage for concerts and events
• Additional public car parking along a new access road
• New carpark at the footbridge with vehicle turnaround accessible parking
• New wharf/boardwalk along the riverbank at the head of the carpark
• 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

A $250,000 grant under the Boating Now program has also been secured by Council for the boat ramp improvements which will begin mid-year. The remainder of the foreshore works are expected to be complete by mid-2020.

The concept plan also includes proposed but unfunded works to reconfigure and upgrade Stuarts Point Holiday Park to deliver a sustainable, efficient business operation.

“Council is actively seeking grant funding opportunities to complete the holiday park upgrade to improve the business model and ensure it contributes to the economic development of the village,” Mr Fish said.

To have a say on proposed changes to the holiday park layout and facilities, visit Council’s Your Say Macleay engagement site at https://yoursay.macleay.nsw.gov.au/stuarts-point-holiday-park

Submissions close on Friday, 14 June with a report to go to Council detailing feedback received and funding options available, including grant opportunities.