The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail has proven highly popular and now the Tweed Shire Council is looking forward to how they should upgrade the Burringbar Memorial Reserve and Masterson Park.
‘The open space is a much-loved community meeting point which provides opportunities for recreation, relaxation and community connection. In recent times the park and reserve have also become a popular rest stop on the Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail,’ said a Tweed Shire Council (TSC) spokesperson.
Pop in to the pop-up
A pop-up event in Masterson Park will be held on Friday 13 October from 3–6pm, to provide an opportunity for residents to discuss the concept plan with Council officers. This is a family-friendly event with giant lawn games for the kids to play.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said the draft concept plan for the space was developed following community consultation late last year.
‘In November and December we sought the community’s future visions for this open space, with consultation including a community picnic event and community surveys,’ Cr Cherry said.
‘We were thrilled with the community’s response, which identified opportunities to improve the amenity, accessibility and aesthetic of the park.
‘Celebrating Burringbar’s rich indigenous and non-indigenous history, improving path connections through the park and natural shade were also important to the community.
‘The draft concept plan aims to unite community priorities and preserve the heritage, culture and character of the village while embracing community values.’
The concept design includes:
- a new nature playspace with a natural colour scheme, water-play and nature-play elements
- a community gathering place for music events
- more seating
- picnic tables
- an accessible barbecue
- native planting and landscaping
- carpark upgrades
- accessibility upgrade of the existing public toilet (works completed in July 2023).
Cr Cherry said the draft concept plan was now on public exhibition and urged residents to have their say.
‘We strongly encourage the community to provide their feedback on the concept plan by completing an online survey, which will inform the final plan,’ she said.
‘While the proposed upgrade is dependent on Council securing external grant funding, we are on our way to creating a future vision for this highly valued community park.
‘We are committed to providing a village park that encourages people to connect to nature, one another, local businesses and the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.’
The online survey is open for community response until 4 pm on Tuesday 14 November.
For more information about the project, the Masterson Park pop-up event or to complete the survey, visit yoursaytweed.com.au/burringbar.
For more information about the draft concept plan contact Tarra Martel on [email protected] or 02 6670 2400 or view the Community Engagement Summary Report.
Burringbar is already a NRRT standout, due largely to its wonderful park area and close proximity to the Burringbar Tunnel, far and away the longest on the entire future trail.
Careful designing will doubtless enhance this town’s appeal, as long as it doesn’t lose its heritage atmosphere; something the NRRT has successfully managed to date.
Had no idea burringbar even existed until I biked the trail, and I’ve been in tweed for a decade. Would be a great stop for families.