THE Rocks Ferry Reserve in Wauchope, damaged in storms in February, will finally get a facelift.
The Deputy Premier and Member for Oxley, Andrew Stoner, has approved a $293,685 natural disaster grant to repair substantial damages that occurred at the reserve in the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area during severe storms last February.
“Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has been successful in the funding application it lodged in July,” Mr Stoner said.
“The flooding of the Hastings and Camden Haven rivers resulted in a natural disaster event which in turn triggered council’s eligibility for the funding.
“Considerable damage and large amounts of debris were deposited at the Rocks Ferry Reserve at Wauchope and other reserves throughout the area.
“The Rocks Ferry Reserve was severely affected during the storm, with the Hastings River flood waters destroying most of the assets within the park.
“Rocks, fallen trees and other debris scoured away picnic facilities, a boat ramp, the shoreline, boardwalks, sealed access roads, car-parks, fencing and signage.
“Council has been offered the $293,685 it requested to replace the damaged assets at the popular fishing, boating and recreational reserve.
“As required by Crown Lands policy, the claim was validated by NSW Public Works as a fair and reasonable recompense for the damages sustained.
“I am gratified the NSW Government has been able to assist with funds to restore the reserve that is very popular with locals and visitors to the region.”
The news will be music to the ears of Wauchope residents, some of whom were beginning to lose patience.
One sent in this item to the Thumbs Down column in the Independent, which was pulled from going to press at the last minute when the grant was announced:
“Thumbs down to the Port Macquarie Hastings Council, who act more like exclusively Port Macquarie council and have the money to add footpaths to town green/beach area costing $400,000,” he said.
“Smaller towns like Wauchope seem to be forgotten, ergo the Rocks ferry area in Wauchope still has half the carpark closed off due to damage done in floods earlier this year and picnic tables with no shelter tops and tables that are that bent and barely useable.
“Council needs to remember that the Hastings area covers more towns than just Port Macquarie.”
