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Concept plans ready for new youth recreation area at Tweed Heads

Feedback sought on plans to deliver Stage 2 of works at Jack Evans Boat Harbour

With construction of the Tweed’s new inclusive play space in Goorimahbah – Place of Stories underway at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, focus is now turning to the planning and delivery of Stage 2 of the park.

Stage 2 works for the upgrade of Jack Evans Boat Harbour will include: • a youth recreation area • additional seating, picnic tables and barbeque facilities outside of the fenced play space • additional trees and landscaping improvements • a yarning circle and an Aboriginal memorial wall.

Council was successful in its application through the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund - Infrastructure Projects Stream and the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund to fund this second stage of the project, including the youth recreation area.

The draft concept plan for the youth recreation space is now open for feedback. Residents are invited to review the draft plan and complete a short survey to have your say by 21 September 2022 at yoursaytweed.com.au/ goorimahbah.

Council partnered with local youth, Young Change Agents, community members, designers (including Convic) and Council staff at a workshop earlier this year to design the youth recreation facilities at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, which will be located adjacent to the new inclusive play space.

The workshop helped determine what recreation facilities and park amenities young people would like to see in this regional park, to better support opportunities for physical activity and social connection with friends and family.

The proposed youth recreation area will include s-shaped seating with shade umbrellas, basketball quay and small-scale skate elements, drinking fountain, connecting pathways and landscaping and public art elements.

Feedback from the community co-design workshop and previous community engagement activities informed the draft concept plan.

Council’s Manager of Parks and Active Communities Murray Smith said it was exciting to progress the next stage of this park for the Tweed’s youth.

“The need for a youth recreation area to accommodate young people aged 8 to 14 years was identified following extensive research and community consultation with Tweed residents,” Mr Smith said.

“Jack Evans is a great regional park and should meet the needs of people of all ages and abilities.

“It’s good to see the ideas of our local youth come to life in the concept plan and we can’t wait to get started on the construction stage of this project.”

An artist’s impression of the new youth recreation area at Jack Evans Boat Harbour. Feedback is sought on the plan by 21 September 2022.

TWO NORTHERN RIVERS WOMEN SHARE GONG AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS

Two Northern Rivers women working in leadership roles in local government have been jointly awarded the Champion of Change Award – Regional/Rural at the 2021 Minister’s Women in Local Government awards held at NSW Parliament House today.

Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis today congratulated Clarence Valley Council’s newly appointed General Manager, Laura Black and Rous County Council’s Group Manager – People and Performance, Helen McNeill who shared the gong.

Ms Black was nominated for the award in her previous role as Director, Corporate and Governance at Clarence Valley Council before taking over the mantle of General Manager.

Mr Gulaptis said the annual awards recognise the accomplishments and invaluable contribution of women in councils across NSW.

“It’s terrifc knowing we have real champions of change right here in the Northern Rivers and I congratulate both Laura and Helen on their commitment and dedication in driving change in their respective roles.

Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman acknowledged the winners in an awards ceremony at NSW Parliament House, thanking the award recipients for their efforts and contribution.

“I am proud to celebrate the achievements of last year’s winners, and to thank these formidable and inspirational women who contribute so much to our local government sector,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the achievements of the winners highlight how much women contribute to our local councils.

“All of these impressive women set an example for everyone when it comes to excellence in public service, and I commend them, along with all of the nominees,” Mrs Taylor said.

The Ministers’ Women in Local Government Awards were established in 2008 to recognise the outstanding efforts of women at the grassroots level of government in metropolitan and regional/rural councils.

Helen McNeill

Laura Black GM