Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey announced yesterday that the NSW Government will commit $3 million in funding to create a coordinated regional sporting, recreational and wellness hub at Bowraville.
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Dozens turned out to hear the good news, including local community members, school students, Bowraville golf club members, Mayer Rhonda Hoban and representatives from the Nambucca Shire Council.
"The sporting/wellness hub is a once in a generation opportunity to develop the Bowraville community, boost tourism, increase sports participation, boost local jobs during construction and the project has valley-wide economic benefits," Ms Pavey said.
In conjunction with the Nambucca Shire Council and the Bowraville community, Ms Pavey hopes to transform the area to help benefit the whole community.
"With locals' ideas, together we will help to transform the area into a leading venue, which will benefit the community and attract visitors," the Member for Oxley said.
"Moving forward, the Bowraville community will create an incorporated group and seek to take over management of this precinct from council."
The $3 million in funding is expected to provide a new recreation clubhouse 'Hub', two covered synthetic bowling greens, re-configuration of the golf course, and an improved gender-equitable change room facility.
Along with re-establishing the renowned Bowraville cross country track, create two kilometres of concrete walking track linking the 'Hub' to the established walkways and reconfigure the Hennessey/Tape Oval playing surface to include touch football, AFL and soccer.
"This project will also build on the recreation area, which has a recently completed a bike track, upgraded skate park, connected pathways to town, shelters and barbecue facilities, revegetation as well as a commitment to build a $169,000 playground," Ms Pavey said.
The Member for Oxley said she has also committed to exploring options with the local TAFE to see if they can provide hospitality training in the new clubhouse for local students.
"We hope to utilise existing building infrastructure to add an aged-care facility near the revitalised 'hub'. This is a conversation I will pursue with aged-care providers and the local government," she said.
Ms Pavey thanked Nambucca Shire Council, which has committed $700,000 to the sporting/wellness hub, and said this community-driven project would be delivered over the next four years.
"Construction will start after the governance arrangements have been decided upon and community consultations are completed," she said.
"This won't happen overnight, we have to be patient, there won't be bulldozers and shovels out just yet, so please don't lose faith."
