$24.8 million boost for Tweed Coast Road and Depot Road Sports Fields
A multimillion dollar boost has been announced for two Tweed Heads infrastructure projects backed by the state governments accelerated infrastructure fund. Here’s what’s planned.
Tweed Heads
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A pot of gold has arrived on the Tweed to give a leg-up for two infrastructure projects designed to get more housing on the fast track for the region.
NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully announced on Wednesday, funding to fast-track two major projects on the Tweed Coast, through the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund.
$24.8 million will be put toward supporting the development of 5,516 new homes in the Tweed.
$18.5 million will pay for a duplication to four lanes of Tweed Coast Road from the M1 to Cudgen Road intersection and $6.3 million will be put to work at the Depot Road Sports Fields at Kings Forest.
Tweed Shire Mayor Chris Cherry said the funding would contribute as a significant step forward in the regions booming growth.
“The Tweed Coast is a much sought after place to live and an increasingly popular destination for visitors so it’s crucial we manage this rapid growth carefully,” Ms Cherry said.
“This funding will go a long way towards assisting development already planned for the area, such as the Gales-owned land at West Kingscliff and the major development of Kings Forest.”
Ms Cherry thanked the government for their support and said council can now “push ahead” with the Tweed Coast Road upgrade.
“The widening of this important road connector will facilitate the development of new housing stock in the Tweed, something we all know is critically needed in the Shire,” Ms Cherry said.
“It is also appreciated that this four-laning will improve access to our brand-new Tweed Valley Hospital – so, it’s a win for everyone.”
It’s understood Tweed council will provide the balance of funds required to complete the Tweed Coast Road duplication project through developer contributions.
The overall four-laning project stretches down to Casuarina Town Centre but will be staged over the next 10 to 20 years as Kings Forest progresses.
Funding was also secured for the establishment of eight hectares of structured open sports fields at Depot Road, adjacent to the soon-to-be-built development of Kings Forest.
The project, identified in the draft Sports and Active Recreation Strategy 2023 – 2033 currently on public exhibition, will be subject to community consultation about its future use.
Some early indications point towards new AFL fields for the region.
“This $24 million in funding will see our capital works program average at more than $100 million per annum over the next two years, on top of the $385 million in flood restoration work already underway,” Ms Cherry said.
The latest funding announcement for the Tweed comes after $10 million in funding was granted to build a new Council Works Depot on land off the flood plain at the new industrial estate at South Murwillumbah.
Current projects on the Tweed include $8.47 million for parks and structured open space projects like the new Uki Mountain Bike Park and upgraded playground areas at Jack Evans Boat Harbour and Recreation Ground at Tweed Heads.
The $15.5 million in funding for community assets and $9 million for a new animal rehoming facility.
“These are strategic capital projects, which will leave a legacy for generations to come and I thank Council staff for their vision and hard work to make these projects a reality,” Ms Cherry said.
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