HATS off to Nambucca Shire Council for creating and guiding the new Business Advisory Committee charged with looking at the opportunities and challenges presented by the highway bypassing of Valla Beach, Nambucca Heads and Macksville.
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A large and engaged group attended council chambers for the first meeting – and it was something of an idea-fest.
While the committee is advisory, council was clear that it would give earnest consideration to all recommendations.
An ‘around the grounds’ of the committee delegates found a strong majority identified the environment and the lifestyle of the valley as its key strengths. So the challenge is to chart a course to play to these ‘left and right bowers’.
While some of the concepts kicked around at the initial meeting were expected, there were some innovative ‘left field’ ideas that appeared to impress the collective.
One was for decorative night-time illumination of the old Macksville Bridge. Another was to paint the main water tower on the northern entrance to Nambucca Heads in such a way that it creates a ‘selfie spot’ – to stimulate social media exposure for Nambucca.
How to capitalise on the river and beaches were common themes, as were ways to bolster al fresco dining.
While council is fostering the committee, it wants the ideas to come from the community rather than delivered from Princess St.
That said, council executive outlined fantastic plans for Gordon Park and Dawkins Park among other locations.
With a positive mindset, life in the Nambucca Valley post-bypass could be not only financially sustainable, but an era of prosperity.
The challenge lies in formulating the ideas to pursue, and getting the majority of the community onboard.