Beach Access Open

Kingscliff residents will get a surprise early Christmas gift with the partial opening of their new central park this weekend.

From Thursday residents will be able to access the beach and the new concrete beachfront steps through the new park, just to the North of the Cudgen Headland Surf Club.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Councillor Katie Milne said the $22 million foreshore redevelopment project is nearing completion and the decision was made to open up the new beach access in time for the holiday period.

“Anyone having a peek over the fence can see that the park is rapidly taking shape but there are still a number of key elements which need to be finalised,” Cr Milne said.

“The power to the park is not connected yet so there is no lighting or barbecues, they are still waiting for some of the pavers and showers to arrive and the turf has just been laid so needs time to knit before it is ready for heavy traffic.

“The concrete steps, the area around the cenotaph and the beach access just south of the bowls club can be safely opened though which is great news.

“Everyone who has worked on this project has done an outstanding job and I know the community is excited to take ownership of their new park.”

Temporary lighting will be set up in the area for safety while closed areas of the park will remain fenced off as the site shuts down between December 22 and January 8.

The foreshore redevelopment, which includes the new central park and beach access along with a seawall and a complete redevelopment of the holiday park has been specifically designed to create a link between the beach, the park and the central business district of the Kingscliff community.

The protection of the foreshore from coastal erosion is expected to be a significant economic boost for the area and is expected to act as a catalyst for further public infrastructure and attract private sector development.

The President of the Kingscliff Chamber of Commerce Mark Humphries said the early opening will be a great gift for café and restaurant owners along Marine Parade.

“The new access is sensational and will make for a wonderful experience with views of the beach and the water,” said Mr Humphries.

“With the bridge being closed and then the park fenced off for the past year there has definitely been an impact and we have spent $20,000 of the chamber’s funds to run TV ads in the area telling day trippers we are still open for business.

“We have been big supporters of the Council’s plans from the beginning though and the final design has more than exceeded our expectations.

“I have no doubt Kingscliff is on the cusp of greatness and this will make a huge difference for locals and tourists alike.”