Tyalgum skate and scooter facilities set for upgrade
02 August 2016
Federal funds boost village park upgrade project
Tyalgum’s village centre is a step closer to a major upgrade, with confirmation of Federal and Council funding to create an enhanced youth precinct and improve facilities in Tyalgum Trust Public Reserve.
Representatives of several Tyalgum community organisations met with Council delegates and the Federal Member for Richmond, Justine Elliot, yesterday morning to discuss plans for the Tyalgum Activity Space Project and celebrate the contribution of $20,000 in Federal funding and a matching contribution from Council.
The funds will be used to create an expanded youth area - including new skate street equipment, improved half-court basketball facilities and playground equipment – along with additional barbecues and shelters.
Council worked with the Tyalgum Community Consultation Group to design the reserve upgrade, which is the result of public discussions following the closure of the Tyalgum Waste Transfer station last year. Low patronage of the transfer station and high costs led to its closure and Council engaged with the community to determine how the site and operating costs could be reallocated to better benefit the local community.
Those discussions have led to the ongoing creation of a dedicated lookout at the transfer station site and the injection of funds to improve Tyalgum Trust Public Reserve.
Ms Elliot announced the reserve upgrade would receive $20,000 through the Federal Stronger Communities Program. An additional $50,000 will be provided by Council through funding for the Youth Strategy, which identified the need for better facilities in Tyalgum for young people.
Council’s Development Officer – Youth and Families, Sylvia Roylance, said the improvements would create an important social hub for young people and other Tyalgum residents.
Mayor of Tweed, Councillor Katie Milne said: "There was a huge uproar when I first moved to close the waste depot but with some solid community consultation it has turned into really positive outcomes for the community".
"Young people will very soon have a long lasting space to have fun, the community managed Reserve will be greatly enhanced, Council will save money in the long run, and this significant scenic vista will be properly honoured and help to drive economic development for the town when it's finished. "
"The Tyalgum community are to be commended for their dedication to their village with all the work they do. It was also wonderful to hear glowing praise from the community for the Council staff involved in this project. "
Tyalgum Community Consultation Chairman Mic Julien said reserve upgrade, scheduled for completion by the end of the year, would give the community a real lift.
“This space is already used quite a lot but this will provide a great modern facility that is even more inviting for residents and visitors. The playground and youth space, in particular, will be fantastic for young people in our community,” Mr Julien said.
Ms Elliot said it was great honour to announce $20,000 in federal funding for the Tyalgum Activity Space.
“This project is a real community victory, with many local groups and Tweed Shire Council coming together and designing this fantastic space. Congratulations to everyone involved with this outstanding project, it shows how much we can achieve when we all work together,” she said.
Downloads
Photo 1(JPG, 189KB)
Caption: Tyalgum Business Group member Salsa Junior, Tyalgum Landcare’s Gabrielle Schenk, Tyalgum Rural Fire Service member Terry Turner, Tyalgum Community Consultative Group delegates Peter Bennett and Bob McDonald, Mayor of Tweed Councillor Katie Milne, Member for Richmond Justine Elliot, Tyalgum District Community Association Chair Gyrin Gyrfalcon and Tyalgum Community Consultative Group Chair Mic Julien.