MAJOR works at Nambucca Heads’ Main Beach – the construction of a protective seawall and bleachers – were officially opened on Monday 20 May.

A ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Nambucca Valley Council marked the completion of the $3.6 million project which has significance for residents and visitors to the district.

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The majority of the upgrade was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments’ Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund.

“There were various other funding streams available for those directly affected by the fires, however the aim of this funding was to bring about social connection, social recovery and economic recovery to the Valley,” Nambucca Valley Mayor Rhonda Hoban OAM told News Of The Area.

“Main Beach was an area that needed a massive input of funding to protect infrastructure and, being such an iconic location for locals and visitors alike, it was chosen to benefit from this funding.”

The enduring protection that the seawall and bleachers give to the surf lifesaving club building, the beach itself and adjoining carpark, combined with improvements to shared pathways, boardwalks and public spaces in the Nambucca Valley, complements the natural beauty of the area.

Completion of the project is also a notable example of the capacity of Council’s ability to manage and execute major construction projects in-house.

The Welcome to Country at the official opening was delivered by Uncle Bud Marshall, who commended Council staff who had worked on the project for the quality they had been able to produce.

“The work that has been completed is first rate so well done to the Council and well done to both the State and Federal Governments for funding the project that provides enhanced visuals, particularly from this new platform that projects out over Main Beach,” Member for Oxley Michael Kemp added.

“It is also great that people of all abilities were considered in the design and construction of what we see here at Main Beach.”

A highlight of the official opening was the presence of a significant number of the Council team responsible for the actual construction of the project.

Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan congratulated the Mayor for fighting for the funding and the Council staff for having the ability to complete such major works that might normally be undertaken by contractors.

“It’s been a few years since we made the initial funding announcement and it’s fantastic to see this important upgrade now finished,” Mr Conaghan said.

“The Black Summer Bushfires decimated our beautiful region, and the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund was introduced to assist those communities most heavily affected by supporting projects that secured the region’s future prosperity.”

By Mick BIRTLES