Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park
Project terminated
Kempsey Shire Council has been formally advised by the State Government that the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park project will not proceed.
This follows a review of the proposal by the Department of Regional New South Wales to determine whether the project remained viable given the remaining timeframes and budget. Due to the impacts of the pandemic on building costs, additional funding was sought to bridge the gap in the original proposal costings to what would be required now.
There will be no impact financially on Council. The project was 100% externally funded and the costs expended to date will be treated by the State Government as sunk costs.
South Kempsey will benefit from a new BMX pump track following the termination of the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park project.
The Department of Planning and Environment, via a Places to Play grant, has approved the relocation of the BMX/Pump track that was to be part of the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park project to South Kempsey.
The pump track will be located at the southern end of the South Kempsey Public Recreation Reserve (South Kempsey park) on Lachlan street.
No Development Application will be required for the pump track as the Transport and Infrastructure SEPP 2021 allows for development without consent. Clause 3(a)(ii) states that recreation areas and recreation facilities (outdoor), but not including grandstands, can be carried out by or on behalf of a public authority.
The pump track budget, which will be entirely covered by the Places to Play grant, is approximately $460,000. Works are expected to commence in March with the track opening in June 2024.
History
In 2020 it was announced that residents and tourists of the Macleay Valley would be able to test their limits at the new Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park, thanks to funding of $11,283,000 allocated under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, co-funded by the NSW and Commonwealth Governments.
The facility, to be located at Kempsey Regional Airport, would have been the only one of its kind in the country.
The Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park was set to feature facilities designed for a variety of sports, including a world-class canopy swoop pond, BMX pump track and an indoor rock climbing gym. An indoor climbing gym was to be equipped to support people interested in learning how to climb as well as those looking to hone their speed climbing, sport climbing or bouldering skills.
The key facet was a multifunctional canopy swoop pond to be used to teach flat water kayaking, small craft sailing and kids' fun water-based activities as well as serving its core purpose for competitive parachutists.
Benefits
The Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park was set be a major attraction in the region. It would have promoted the Macleay Valley to tourists as an adventure sports capital in regional New South Wales, as well as creating jobs and providing a fun and safe place for the local community to get an adrenaline rush.
Read our Frequently Asked Questions(PDF, 199KB) about the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park.
Status
Works already completed:
- Council has developed relationships with the Australian Parachute Federation, Coffs Skydiving, Sport Climbing NSW and Sport Climbing Australia, and is working with these organisations to ensure the facilities are built to the highest athletic and safety standards.
- Detailed plans have been designed by consultants in preparation to go to tender.
- Public Works Advisory has been appointed as the project manager.
- A development application has been prepared for the approval of the proposed indoor recreation activities. This application will go to the Northern Regional Planning Panel for determination. The role of this panel is to determine regionally significant development applications.
Location
33 Airport Road, Aldavilla 2440 View Map
-31.0670224,152.7624289
33 Airport Road ,
Aldavilla 2440
33 Airport Road ,
Aldavilla 2440
Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park