Independent review to decide future of Adventure Park

Published on 16 August 2023

The future of the Macleay Valley Recreation Adventure Park will be determined after the state government assesses the viability of a reduced scope facility.

The Department of Regional NSW is set to conduct a further assessment on the business case for Kempsey Shire Council’s grant-funded project proposed for the Kempsey Airport site given increased costs of delivery.

The capacity to deliver the entire project was compromised after Council learned on 27 July that a request submitted in December for additional funding to cover increased project costs was unsuccessful. As such a reduced project, delivering some components is under consideration.

The project received $11.28 million in funding from the Australian and NSW Government’s Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund in 2020. The Northern Region Planning Panel approved the Adventure Park’s Development Application on 24 July 2023.

After reviewing the project’s history, and considering abandoning the project, Councillors resolved at their August meeting to consider the independent viability assessment in a further report.

Mayor Leo Hauville said the independent review will be critical in informing Council’s final decision on the project’s future.

“We look forward to the Department of Regional NSW advising us of their findings on whether a reduced scope facility is viable within the remaining timeframes and budget,” said Cr Hauville.

“That review may determine that the project is not viable, in which case the funding will be returned to the government. Alternatively, Council will still consider whether to proceed even if the report identifies it is viable from the Government’s perspective.”

The scaled-down facility would include a hanger with training rooms, a taxiway and apron for skydiving aeroplanes, a specially designed swoop pond and the necessary pathways, carpark and utilities that may allow for future expansion.

The rock-climbing wall, café and accommodation services would not be constructed as part of a scaled-down facility. These factors will impact the jobs growth and achievement of local and regional tourism objectives to increase adventure tourism.

Councillors also resolved to ensure the approved Development Application didn’t lapse, even if funding for the Adventure Park is withdrawn. This will mean protections are in place to secure the utilities upgrades identified in this project which might enable future airport improvements or increased tourism opportunities.

“I am pleased Councillors together have found a way to look to the future in these tough economic times and make decisions to possibly have the Adventure Park built, depending on the viability assessment,” concluded Cr Hauville.

For more details on the report put to Council, please refer to the August business papers at www.ksc.pub/council-meeting