Like a beat cop patrolling his streets, Tweed mayor Kevin Skinner has been a man on a mission, walking the streets of Kingscliff.
Councillor Skinner has been trying to find out just what Kingscliff business people think of the new Kingscliff Central Park.
The community consultation program for the new park, which sees part of the Southern Caravan Park reclaimed and turned into a park and give many businesses ocean views, ends on Tuesday night, April 12.
Already more than 80 comments have been made on the on-line forum set-up to canvas what people want for the region.
Cr Skinner said he was keen to hear their views about a Central Park which would link businesses with the beach, creating a new community nucleus right on their doorstep.
“The consensus seems to be ‘let’s make Central Park a reality, the sooner the better’. But it’s important that members of the community have their say about the park’s design, what they like about the concept plans or what they want to see changed,” he said.
“Community consultation for the Kingscliff Foreshore Master Plan in 2007 made it clear the community wants this Central Park. Now we need public input to ensure the final design meets the community’s needs.
“Council has made it easy to join the public discussion by visiting a special online community forum at www.yoursaytweed.com.au/kingscliffpark.”
Cr Skinner said Council made Kingscliff Central Park a high priority when it was incorporated into a list of key projects for regional development.
It was one of five projects identified by Council’s March Council meeting for inclusion in a Northern Rivers Regional Plan. It will be considered by Regional Development Australia – Northern Rivers panel for inclusion in its amended plan, along with major regional development initiatives throughout the Northern Rivers.
Kingscliff businessman Mark Zwemer said the Central Park would be a great initiative for the town.
“I have been saying for a while that there needed to be better access from the central business area to the beach,” Mr Zwemer said.
“I really like the concept Council has put forward. I would like to see the provision of more parking and to possibly look at moving the park to the middle of the existing holiday park site.”
While Mr Zwemer believes it won’t benefit his business directly, he does believe that it will be of major benefit to the local restaurants and retailers and an asset to the town.
Though he is not so sure of one of the ideas being floated– a giant underground carpark?
What do you think?
Members of the community have until Tuesday, April 12 at 5pm to comment on the online forum or lodge a written submission to the General Manager at Tweed Shire Council, PO Box 816, Murwillumbah 2484.
Head to www.yoursaytweed.com.au/kingscliffpark to check out the plans and comment on the forum.
