A $1.4 million upgrade of the riverside precinct at Woodburn will deliver a new function centre, jetty and pontoon as part of an effort to transform the town’s foreshore into a major tourist attraction and gateway to the Northern Rivers region.
Page MP Kevin Hogan made the announcement yesterday while accompanied by the regional development minister Fiona Nash and Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow.
The upgrade will allow for the expansion of river based sporting and recreational opportunities, including new regional, state and higher level water skiing competitions.
Mr Hogan said the new function centre would provide a modern space where community groups and individuals could 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.
He said existing structures that block the view between the main street and the river would also be demolished.
Minister Nash said the Woodburn Riverside Precinct project will transform the town’s foreshore into a major tourist attraction and gateway to the Northern Rivers region.
‘The revitalised foreshore will generate tourism and draw locals and visitors to Woodburn for years to come, while delivering in the short term through the creation of a significant number of local jobs,’ Minister Nash said.
Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow said the new precinct was an exceptional community project.
‘As the gateway to the Northern Rivers and the Richmond Valley, the Pacific Highway bypass is a distinct opportunity to reorientate the town as a healthy vibrant community centred on the Richmond River,” he said.
“The river provides the opportunity for a range of healthy sporting and recreation activities, whilst the bypass implementation removes the unattractive heavy traffic which currently divides the main retail strip from the Riverside Park and river itself.
‘I would like to thank Kevin Hogan and the Federal Government for investing in this signature project, which will ensure our by-passed towns and villages continue to grow and prosper. The Government’s $700,000 will combine with Council’s $700,000 to deliver an exceptional community precinct.’
The federal funding was secured under the first round of the Australian Government’s new Building Better Regions Fund.
The Woodburn upgrade is expected to deliver five jobs during construction and another 58 ongoing jobs of which three will be identified as Indigenous jobs.
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