Tweed Shire Council today welcomed more than $24.8 million in funding to support major infrastructure works on the Tweed Coast.
NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully today announced funding to fast-track two major projects on the Tweed Coast, through the NSW Government's Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.
The funding will be used to support the development of 5,516 new homes in the Tweed and includes:
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Tweed Coast Road – duplication to four lanes from M1 to Cudgen Road intersection - $18.5 million
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Depot Road Sports Fields at Kings Forest - $6.3 million.
Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry welcomed the announcement as a significant step towards facilitating the burgeoning growth of the Tweed Coast.
"The Tweed Coast is a much sought after place to live and an increasingly popular destination for visitors so it's crucial we manage this rapid growth carefully," Cr Cherry said.
"This funding will go a long way towards assisting development already planned for the area, such as the Gales-owned land at West Kingscliff and the major development of Kings Forest, and we thank the NSW Government for their support.
"This will allow Council to push ahead with plans to duplicate Tweed Coast Road, from the Chinderah interchange on the Pacific Motorway, south to the traffic lights at Cudgen Road. The widening of this important road connector will facilitate the development of new housing stock in the Tweed, something we all know is critically needed in the Shire.
"It is also appreciated that this four-laning will improve access to our brand-new Tweed Valley Hospital – so, it's a win for everyone."
Council will provide the balance of funds required to complete the Tweed Coast Road duplication project through developer contributions. The overall four-laning project stretches down to Casuarina Town Centre but will be staged over the next 10 to 20 years as Kings Forest progresses.
Funding was also secured for the establishment of 8 hectares of structured open sports fields at Depot Road, adjacent to the soon-to-be-built development of Kings Forest. The project, identified in the draft Sports and Active Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2033 currently on public exhibition, will be subject to community consultation about its future use, with early indications pointing towards new AFL fields for the region.
Cr Cherry praised Council staff for their efforts in progressing both projects to the funding stage.
"The Tweed is going ahead in leaps and bounds, creating exciting opportunities for residents and local businesses alike. This $24 million in funding will see our capital works program average at more than $100 million per annum over the next two years, on top of the $385 million in flood restoration work already underway," she said.
"This follows the recent securing of $10 million in funding to build our new Council Works Depot on land off the floodplain at the new industrial estate at South Murwillumbah.
"Other significant projects recently completed or currently underway include $8.47 million for parks and structured open space projects including the new Uki Mountain Bike Park and upgraded playground areas at Jack Evans Boat Harbour and Recreation Ground at Tweed Heads, $15.5 million in funding for community assets and $9 million for a new animal rehoming facility.
"These are strategic capital projects, which will leave a legacy for generations to come and I thank Council staff for their vision and hard work to make these projects a reality."
