ANNA Bay’s facelift is continuing with approval for a $200,000 injection of funds going towards the redevelopment of Anna Bay Skate Park.

The decision formed part of determinations at the Ordinary Council Meeting on June 13 for the allocation of $6 million of the Port Stephens Council loan.

Nine projects across Port Stephens will receive funding including the Yacaaba Street extension valued at $1.5 million and Shoal Bay drainage works valued at $500,000.

The decisions come after council resolved on 14 February to borrow $6 million for infrastructure projects to be determined by Council.

Deputy Mayor Chris Doohan said the Anna Bay Skate Park was an “important recreational facility” for young people in the area and the current skate park needed replacing for aesthetic reasons, but also due to safety concerns.

There are also funds now available to improve the local park (Robinson Reserve), which is on Worimi land.

Cr Doohan told News Of The Area that Council was still negotiating the park’s renovation.

“If arrangements don’t move forward at the current site, we will use those funds towards a park in another location within Anna Bay,” Cr Doohan said.

Cr Doohan indicated that he was “very keen to work with locals and the Worimi people regarding the new Anna Bay Skate Park”.

Anna Bay has seen major infrastructure improvements in recent years that are gradually eroding the ‘poor cousin’ tag.

The major redevelopment of the Surf Club facility at Birubi Beach has been followed by the commencement of preliminary works at the new Lifeguard Facility at One Mile Beach.

These changes, along with the skate park and park playground, will see the area continue to improve.

When asked how Council determined which projects received priority, Cr Doohan suggested it was a balancing act, with a “focus on projects that the community can love and respect and enjoy”.

Cr Doohan said that he would continue to work for the community, regardless of whether he retained his position following the elections.

“I may or may not be a councillor, but I’ll certainly still be here,” he said.

Cr Doohan said it was important to “leave a legacy for the residents”.

 

By Jo FINN