Forster's Main Beach precinct project will receive $200,000 for a new amenities block with change rooms at the Forster Ocean Baths as part of the NSW Government’s $200 million stronger country communities fund.
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The initiative, announced recently by Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead included a $1 million funding boost for local community projects.
The funding will also provide improved equal access to the pool and concourse and landscaping to complete the project. MidCoast Council will contribute a further $100,000 towards this project.
These upgrades are one of four specific MidCoast Council projects being kick-started with $620,000 to improve public amenities and accessibility along with landscaping are key to a series of community facility upgrades for Forster and Taree.
Council's manager of property and commercial services, John Dougherty said this grant will kick start the Forster Main Beach Precinct upgrade, after the community overwhelmingly called for an upgrade to the amenities block and better pool access for people with disabilities.
“The concept options for the Forster Main Beach masterplan are being reviewed by council, and will be placed on public exhibition, most likely in the next few months,” he said.
The Great Lakes Aquatic Centre will also benefit from the funding with the pool hall roof and lighting to be replaced with a grant of $120,000, plus $52,977 from Council.
"These improvements will renew aging infrastructure at both popular venues, improve energy efficiency, reduce running costs and lessen environmental impacts," Mr Dougherty said.
MidCoast Council will undertake major works to the bus shelter and amenities block at Little Street near Memorial Drive Forster with a $100,000 grant and council contribution of $53,219.
The amenities block will be re-skinned externally to improve its visual appearance and a new roof that incorporates the bus shelter will be built.
Internally, the toilets will include an equal access and parent facility. On the lake side of the building, wide seating steps will provide a resting place and link with the recently upgraded park walkway.
Finally, the Manning Aquatic Leisure Centre will use $201,841, along with a contribution of $21,710 from Council to upgrade the centres flooring, doors and entrance way, the pool starting blocks, benches and amenities.
"It's very pleasing to see collaboration between the NSW Government and Council deliver on these vital community facility upgrades,” Council's acting general manager, Steve Embry said.
“In particular, we welcome funding that increases accessibility to these facilities for people with disabilities."
Further funding has been provided under the same stronger country communities grant to the Touched by Olivia Foundation towards the Livvi's Place playground project in Taree, and to community groups in Wingham for the Riverside Reserve upgrade and Cundletown for the Soldiers Memorial Hall upgrade.
