Above: Mayor, Kristy McBain and Member for Bega Andrew Constance – showing the Short Point Coastal accessibility Master Plan.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance today announced $2.271 million has been awarded to Bega Valley Shire Council for a major upgrade of three key tourism facilities under the NSW Government’s $300 million Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund.
Mr Constance said the funding will revitalise existing infrastructure in Bermagui, Merimbula and Pambula Beach, helping to attract vital tourism dollars for and create new jobs for the region.
“This much-needed funding will transform how locals and visitors use three of our amazing destinations in the shire,” Mr Constance said.
“The Bega Valley is fast becoming a recognised accessible destination to live and visit, this funding will build on what we have to offer, attracting more people to our region.
“This significant funding means we can continue to promote the natural beauty of this region, its accessibility and make sure it continues to be known as a major regional tourism destination, providing a huge economic benefit to our towns.
“This $2.271 million announcement will give council the best opportunity to continue works and ensure the Bega Valley becomes a must-stop destination for anyone thinking of travelling to our region,” Mr Constance said.
“The Destination for all project will see the accessibility-focused master planning of Bruce Steer Pool (Bermagui), Short Point (Merimbula) and the Pambula Surf Club Precinct (Pambula Beach) come to life.
“Council have undertaken extensive community consultation and the feedback will now see council deliver infrastructure improvements including exciting new elements such as aquatic ramps, headland pathways and beach access pathways.
“The project will be completed in three stages, with Stage 1 to commence later this year, which will focus on the Short Point viewing platform, revegetation and headland path; Bermagui Bruce Steer pool amenities and parkland pathways; and new storage for Pambula Beach SLSC.
“Stage 2 will see the completion of Short Point path, viewing areas and seating; Bruce Steer pool car park upgrade and picnic shelters; Pambula Beach car park upgrade, paths and picnic shelters.
“Stage 3 will further compliment the above works and complete the Short Point car park upgrade, public amenities, picnic shelters, BBQ and planting; The Bruce Steer pool all-ability water access, park shelters and planting; Pambula Beach public amenities, playground and outdoor gym, and planting,” said Mr Constance.
Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Kristy McBain, said she was delighted that these projects would now become a reality.
“With the longest coastline of any Council in NSW, there is little doubt that the unique coastal environment defines for many the sense of place in the Bega Valley,” Cr McBain said.
“While it’s the rugged nature of the coastline that in many ways provides its identity, unfortunately until now it has severely restricted and in many cases prevented a large proportion of the community with mobility restrictions from enjoying the activities many take for granted.
“Excitingly this work will be the catalyst for the establishment of the south-east of New South Wales and the Bega Valley Shire, more specifically, as a leader in accessible tourism.
“The planned infrastructure improvements are underpinned by our organisation-wide commitment within Bega Valley Shire Council and across the broader community to establish our area as a ‘must-visit’ destination - we will now truly be a destination for all,” Cr McBain said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the Bega Valley’s Destination for all is one of 33 projects that will be funded in regional NSW as part of the first round of the Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund.
“Tourism in regional NSW supports thousands of jobs and contributes billions of dollars to the NSW economy,” Mr Barilaro said.
“Regional NSW has breathtaking places to visit and the word is starting to spread across the globe.
“A record 852,500 international visitors stayed in regional NSW in the year to December 2017, and between them they spent a whopping $1.05 billion in our regions.
“We have never seen such a huge influx in international tourists to our regional towns, and we want to make sure the trend continues. When tourists come to down they stay in local accommodation, eat and shop in local stores and visit local attractions which all injects money into our regional businesses and economies.
“These attractions are often the pride of our regions and this investment will make sure they will shine when they are visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists every year.
For more information about the Regional Growth Environment and Tourism fund visit :https://www.nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/regional-nsw/regional-growth-environment-and-tourism-fund/
