THE redevelopment of Flagstaff Hill has been flagged as a key heritage project for the region's bicentenary celebrations in Port Macquarie-Hastings but is unlikely to be delivered in time for the 2021 celebrations.
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Planning continues for the celebration next year to mark the bicentenary of European settlement in Port Macquarie. The 200 Together festivities are expected to include a range of events that focus on the region;s past, present and future.
Council's Bicentenary Working Group (BWG) continues to meet regularly and work with staff and a range of stakeholders to plan for nine days of events to be held between April 10-18, 2021.
A focus of the council-led initiatives is developing inclusive legacy assets such as public art and education resources, while also providing opportunities for the community and visitors to engage directly with cultural activities including a community art exhibition at the Glasshouse, visits to historical sites and local storytelling.
Despite being put forward as a budget initiative for 2020-21, the Town Beach Flagstaff redevelopment is yet to be funded.
The project includes the design, manufacture and installation of a replica of the original Flagstaff (80ft) and modified viewing platform located on Flagstaff Hill, at the eastern headland point of Port Macquarie's Town Beach.
Council will consider the project in its 2021-22 budget while continuing to pursue suitable grant opportunities to plan and deliver it.
Cr Rob Turner said the Flagstaff project will be just one of many great initiatives to mark this historic milestone in the region's history.
"There's palpable excitement about the possibilities and where we're going with it. It's going ahead really well," Cr Turner said.
"The Flagstaff redevelopment project is not going to get off the ground for any celebrations next year but there's still a couple of years to mark 200 years of the original Flagstaff. It can be another part of the story after the bicentenary celebrations happen next year.
"I want to ensure councillors this is in really good hands and there's good participation from Aboriginal Lands Council representatives in everything going on and how this plays out in 2021."
The Port Macquarie Bicentennial Foreshore Walkway Project is also progressing as a priority project for the Town Centre Masterplan Committee.
It will include the development of sculptural elements which provide appropriate recognition for the community and its history. This will occur in consultation with the Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council and in accordance with council's Public Art Policy
The Wauchope Bicentenary Riverside Sculpture Trail project received a NSW Government Stronger Country Communities grant. This project will depict the history of Wauchope with a particular focus of life on the river and encompassing Aboriginal as well as Colonial history, creative interpretation, sculptures, and creative seating set with a minimalist approach within the idyllic foreshore location.
The project includes representatives from the community, Wauchope business and the Bunyah Local Aboriginal Land Council. Expressions of Interest (EOI) to develop one or more artworks for the project are currently being invited.
It is anticipated the Trail will be officially opened as part of the 2021 bicentenary activities.
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