WORK on stage one of a beach reserve upgrade, bolstered by a $15,000 state government grant, is on track to start by early April.
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The Tacking Point Lions Club stage one project at Lighthouse Beach Reserve involves an exercise station, pathway, bins, bike racks and two car parking spaces for the disabled.
The Lions club will receive $15,000 through the state government's Community Building Partnership program towards the first stage.
Some 27 community organisations across the electorate have shared in $300,000 through the program.
Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams said the Community Building Partnership program highlighted the great community organisations in the area.
"I think people suddenly realise they put an enormous amount of work into infrastructure in our local community," Mrs Williams said as a result of the grant program.
She said the program grew in popularity each year with 43 applications received from across the Port Macquarie electorate.
"Whilst unfortunately not every application can be approved, those that were are extremely happy and cannot wait to commence their projects," Mrs Williams said.
Among the successful grant projects are $15,000 for the Hastings Autism Resource Centre, $20,000 for the Kendall Rugby League Football Club to improve lighting at the Kendall Showground rugby league ground, and $24,000 to the Port Macquarie Hastings Bridge Association towards the bitumen sealing of Hamilton Green community car park.
Tacking Point Lions Club welcomed the $15,000 Community Building Partnership grant which adds to the $10,000 the club received from Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.
The club has lodged a federal government funding application too.
Lighthouse Beach Reserve project manager Jeff Woodgate said the improved reserve would be a community asset.
The entire project also includes picnic shelters, a barbecue shelter, playground and landscaping.
Club members are encouraging people to contribute to the project through donations or helping with construction.
Mrs Williams said the Tacking Point Lions Club project was fantastic.
"It [the reserve] is not really user friendly but the project makes is a better space for the community," Mrs Williams said.