As the duplication of the Pacific Highway between Ballina and Woolgoolga is now more than half complete, it is crucial to encourage motorists to stop at Woodburn to keep the local economy strong, Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said.
“A little while ago, the Woodburn community and Richmond Valley Council came to me with a plan to ensure the town prospers after it is bypassed,” he said.
“Today, I am very happy to turn the first sod on the $3.8 million Woodburn Riverside Precinct.
“The revitalised foreshore will attract tourists and locals to Woodburn for years to come, while delivering in the short term through the creation of a significant number of local jobs.
“When Stage 1 is complete in February, it will include a new function centre, jetty and pontoon. This will allow the expansion of river-based sporting and recreational opportunities, including new regional, state and higher level water skiing competitions.
“The new function centre will provide a modern space where community groups and individuals can gather to celebrate a family occasion or simply enjoy the view of the on-water events from the open-style terrace.
“The new centre will also include a Visitor Information Centre, a new timber jetty area/stage and connecting pontoon.”
“Three existing buildings that block the view between the main street and the river will also be demolished.”
“In what is a major boost for the regional economy, this project will create 58 ongoing jobs of which three will be identified as indigenous jobs.”
The Federal Government has committed $810,000 to Stage 1 with the State Government committing $101,000 and Richmond Valley Council $700,000.
Stage 2 will include a playground, an eastern picnic terrace, village green and a new ski club house.
More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: business.gov.au/bbrf
Other major projects Mr Hogan has delivered for our community include:
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- $17 million in grants for nine job-creating projects
- More than 300 new Aged Care beds
- New Headspace in Grafton
- Redevelopment of Oakes Oval.
- New Northern Rivers Regional Art Gallery
- Expanded North Coast Regional Hockey Complex
- Maclean Riverside Precinct
- Casino Amphitheatre
- Southern Cross Lads Safe Driving Course
- Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club
- Wollongbar Club House
- Kyogle Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade of Casino Saleyard
- Sealed road to Toonumbar Dam
- Repair of Woodburn to Coraki Road
- Coffs Harbour bypass
- Revitalisation of Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall
- Major upgrade of Culmaran Creek Road
- Upgrade of Harwood Mill and Refinery
- Six new Trade Training Centres
- Record bulk billing rates
- Record funding for our local schools
- Upgrade of Casino Hospital Emergency Department
- Record health funding
- Replacing 20 wooden bridges in Kyogle
- Upgraded Albert Park Baseball Complex
