FUNDING grants for the Jetty Theatre Project, Brelsford Park Masterplan Project, and Woolgoolga and Sawtell Swimming Pools Redevelopment are being sought by Coffs Harbour City Council.

The grants are being sought from the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, which is jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

The fund provides $250 million in grants to support the social and economic recovery of communities affected by bushfire in 47 regional NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs), including the Coffs Harbour LGA.

Grants of between $200,000 and $20 million are available for eligible projects.

Council identified three priority infrastructure projects for grant applications to the fund, including the Jetty Theatre Project (total project cost $4m, grant application for $4m), Brelsford Park Masterplan Project (total project cost $5m, grant application for $5m), and Woolgoolga and Sawtell Swimming Pools Redevelopment (total project cost $15m, grant application for $9m).

Council recently revealed detailed concept designs for the upgrade of Woolgoolga and Sawtell Swimming Pools.

Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight said, “It’s crucial that we have attractive and popular pools for the community and visitors.”

Coffs Harbour City Council General Manager Steve McGrath said, “Sawtell and Woolgoolga Pools are ageing assets, approximately 37 years old, requiring significant work to either upgrade or refurbish them to current standards.

“We recognise that aquatic recreational activities have evolved over time; we are incredibly pleased to get to this stage and with the concepts presented,” Mr McGrath said.

Coffs Harbour City councillors unanimously resolved at Council’s meeting on Thursday 26 November to endorse the three infrastructure projects for grant applications to the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, and note that grant applications will be made to facilitate some positive recovery and engagement activities.

Successful applications will be announced in April 2021, and final project completion must occur no later than 30 June, 2022.

 

By Emma DARBIN