WORK is well underway on major improvements to the facilities at one of Port Macquarie’s tourism drawcards, Town Beach Reserve.
The works will continue through until the end of November, weather permitting, at a cost of $400,000. They will consist of a new concrete path, 180 metres in length and 1.8 metres wide, adjacent to the rock wall at the northern end of Town Beach and replacement of the existing 120 metres of two-metre wide path with 3.5 metre wide coloured concrete.
To avoid the risk of damage to tree roots the new path will be constructed as a ramped and elevated deck in the vicinity of the existing Norfolk Pine. The historic shipping plaques will be carefully removed and reinstalled in the new path.
Works will also include the provision of picnic shelters with tables and seating, park benches, new garbage bin enclosures, tree planting and the construction of a new concrete viewing platform.
The works are being carried out as part of the Town Beach Master Plan with funding provided by the Federal Government. They mark the start of what will eventually amount to a major transformation of the Town Beach area in line with community expectations.
Mayor Peter Besseling said the Town Beach Reserve was one of the jewels in Port Macquarie’s crown and was used year-round by local residents and visitors alike.
While the reserve is already recognised as a fantastic asset, Cr Besseling acknowledged the need for further improvements given its increased usage.
“Council received extensive feedback as part of the community consultation process earlier this year, and it is now a case of delivering as many of the planned short-term improvements as possible with the funding council has available,” he said.
Local residents and visitors to the Town Beach area are being advised that heavy machinery will be in use over the next few weeks and that access to some areas of the reserve may be restricted while the work is carried out.
Council’s director of Infrastructure and Asset Management, Jeffery Sharp, apologised for any inconvenience and urged people to steer clear of any work sites or heavy machinery to avoid risk of injury.
Meanwhile, work is progressing on plans for a new amenities block and kiosk in the Town Beach Reserve to replace the existing temporary toilet facilities.
Detailed designs are expected to be completed before the end of the year, with the new facilities to be constructed and operational by 30 June, 2014.
