Visitor numbers will be bolstered at Sharpes Beach under a $1 million upgrade that will boost access and deliver new facilities for local surf lifesavers.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the project, delivered under the NSW Liberal and National Government’s Regional Tourism Activation Fund, will provide infrastructure that allows more residents and visitors to enjoy the beach.
“The upgrades include accessible toilet and shower facilities, improved carpark access, and an accessible viewing deck, allowing more people with limited mobility or disability, or parents and carers using prams, to access the beach,” Mr Toole said.
“Additional storage for the local hard-working lifesavers will mean quicker rescue and response times as they continue to do an incredible job patrolling our beaches.
“The carpark also marks the access point to the popular Aboriginal Cultural Ways walk, which explores Ballina’s rich heritage and living Aboriginal Culture, and these upgrades will bring more visitors to this important attraction too.”
Mr Toole said the project is one of 30 projects across the State that will receive a share in $150 million from Round Two of the Regional Tourism Activation Fund to develop high impact tourism and events infrastructure to attract visitors to the regions.
“We know regional NSW has Australia’s best tourist destinations and experiences. We want to amplify that by helping create new experiences and drawcards that put more heads on beds and attract more tourism dollars into regional communities,” Mr Toole said.
Ballina Shire Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said council is thrilled to receive this funding from the NSW Government.
“These car park improvements are part of a master plan that is a key link in the Coastal Recreational Walk connecting Ballina to Lennox Head and the funds will provide improved amenity to this beautiful stretch of coastline,” Cr Cadwallader said.
“As part of the works, Council will also provide storage facilities for Surf Lifesaving activities, so this is an absolute win for the Ballina Shire community.”
The $180 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to support growing regional centres, activate local economies and improve services and community infrastructure for regional communities.
For more information, go to nsw.gov.au/RTAFund
