State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin was joined by Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg and members of the former Nimbin Advisory Group (NAG) to officially open the newly-constructed accessible amenities block at Peace Park in Nimbin.
The NSW Government provided $400,000 for the amenities block.
This much-anticipated facility was designed to meet the needs of a diverse range of users, and features an accessible toilet/changeroom with shower, and single toilet cubicle to service the skate park, playground, Nimbin Rainbow Walk and surrounding areas, as well as an accessible toilet/changeroom with shower to service Nimbin Pool users.
Nimbin artist Julie De Lorenzo has been commission to create a mural artwork. Julie's application was selected following an Expressions of Interest process. Nimbin Artists Gallery representatives Pauline Ahearn and Karen Welsh assisted with this EOI, providing local knowledge and expertise.
Julie is currently working with the project team to finalise details prior to commencing soon.
Artwork of this scale is expected to take six weeks (weather dependent). The toilet block will be operational during this time.
Ms Saffin, who is also Minister for the North Coast, said: "I was delighted to secure $400,000 in NSW Government funding for the Nimbin community as one of my key election commitments and to have Lismore City Council agree to handle the project and agree to its maintenance.
"It has been a labour of love for many, including locals like Sue Edmonds from NAG and Friends of the Nimbin Pool, and while I know in Nimbin many views are expressed on this project as on all matters, all welcome the amenities block.
"The opening of this centrally located facility, coming just after the opening of the Nimbin Rainbow Walk and Aquarius Park – a great State-Federal funded project -- will enhance daily life and the visitor experience in Nimbin.
"I thank NAG for keeping the need for an amenities block on the public agenda for more than 15 years, building contractor Bennett Constructions, and Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty for making the funds available through the Department of Regional NSW."
Lismore Mayor Cr Steve Krieg said: "This facility is built with resilience and practicality in mind, ensuring it can be easily cleaned and maintained, even after potential flooding or damage.
"This amenities block is something the local community has wanted for a long time, and I would like to thank our local member Janelle Saffin who followed through on her election promise and worked hard to get the $400,000 to make it happen."
Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said: "The Nimbin community has long been calling for accessible amenities to be constructed at the park, which is a popular space for locals and visitors to come together in Nimbin.
"The new facilities will allow families and tourists a more comfortable and enjoyable experience when exercising or socialising at Nimbin's Peace Park.
"The NSW Government is committed to building community infrastructure that supports cohesion and wellbeing in regional NSW."
Accessible amenities at Nimbin Peace Park had long been called for by the Nimbin community due to its central location near the local pool, children's playground, basketball courts and recreation area.
The existing shade sail in the construction area has been relocated to the other end of the pool to provide further shade for users
The completed amenity is part of Lismore City Council's broader effort to maintain and improve public amenities. Twenty-three public toilet upgrades are planned across the LGA, which are currently underway, ensuring access to clean and comfortable public amenities at local parks and rest stops for our residents and visitors alike.
Photo: Lismore Mayor Steve Krieg, community member Sue Edmonds and State Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
