Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said local businesses in and around Kyogle have been given a big economic boost thanks to a $2 million upgrade to the Toonumbar Dam access road.
Mr Hogan said the project will improve the local transport network, making it easier for farmers to get their products to market, and boosting the region’s economy.
“Not only will the new road improve safety, but it will also increase tourist access to Toonumbar Dam and Bells Bay camp grounds,” he said.
“Six construction jobs were created by the project which sealed 7.5 kilometres of gravel road between the Toonumbar Dam and Afterlee Road.
“By making it easier for visitors to stay, and stay longer, this project will stimulate the local economy and help create jobs.”
Mr Hogan said he was pleased to see the upgrade completed in time for the holiday season, with the new road set to support the growing number of tourists to the region.
“We can now promote the Toonumbar Dam as a real tourist destination just in time for Christmas and the holiday season, with events on site, guided tours, mountain bike hire and tours, and the introduction of house boats for hire to cruise on the Dam,” he said.
“The Toonumbar Waters Retreat and Bells Bay camping area currently receives almost 4600 visitors annually (not including day trippers), with a projected increase to over 7000 visitors in the coming years – providing the potential to increase local ongoing jobs.”
Kyogle Mayor Danielle Mulholland said sealing this final 7.2 kilometre section of the road to Toonumbar Dam, which is one of our major tourist drawcards, will mean more people will be able to access this incredible facility.
“I’m confident it will also lead to the development of new tourism products centred around the dam and the nearby national parks. The new road is also likely to open up opportunities for local agribusiness by giving the broad range of agricultural producers in the area better access to markets,” she said.
“The sealing of the road was another example of the great outcomes that could be achieved when Council worked in partnership with the Federal Government. Alone we do great work, but in partnership with other government agencies we can excel.”
This project was jointly funded by the Federal Coalition Government and the Kyogle Council.
Authorised by Kevin Hogan MP, National Party of Australia, Lismore, NSW
