A PLAN to widen and upgrade Port Macquarie's popular breakwall has been given a $5 million boost and the green light to proceed from the state government.
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Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance announced the funding in Port Macquarie on November 26.
Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams confirmed the works will commence after feedback is sought from the community on design options and discussions have been had with major events stakeholders who utilise the breakwall including Ironman Australia.
The upgrade plan has been years in the making and the funding will further enhance the breakwall's appeal and functionality for both locals and tourists.
The funding has come from the NSW government's $205 million maritime stimulus package.
"Not only are we supporting tourism by making these important maritime upgrades across NSW, but we are also creating 425 regional jobs which will help the state's economic recovery after a tough year," Mr Constance said.
Mrs Williams said the work on the southern breakwater project, at the skate park end of the breakwall, will improve safe boating access while also improving pedestrian use.
Concept designs were presented by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to the state government in 2016 with the project handed over to Crown Lands.
"The southern breakwater is a popular tourist attraction and recreation spot for Port Macquarie locals and visitors, so it is fantastic to see the NSW government investing in widening of the breakwall so it can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come," Mrs Williams said.
The proposed upgrade is consistent with the adopted Crown Lands Plan of Management for the Port Macquarie foreshore. Some of those design elements include the widening of the concrete footpath, more lighting and signage, a three metre wide accessible ramp at either end of the breakwall path, fishing platforms with seating, retaining walls, more rocks to widen the breakwater and a lookout concrete platform.
The design and public consultation for the breakwall project, which is a state government asset, is expected to start by mid-2021.
A key aspect of the concept design is also to ensure people with all abilities can access and use the space.
Town Centre Master Plan Committee spokesperson Tony Thorne said the funding is an exciting milestone for the project which has been achieved through key stakeholder collaboration over a number of years.
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