A message from the Mayor: A successful January in Kempsey

Published on 30 January 2023

In recent weeks Kempsey Shire Council has received some very positive and welcome news with four successful grant applications announced.

These funding arrangements often require Council contributions for them to proceed, as was the case in several of these announcements.

Crescent Head’s Lloyd Park

The focus of Crescent Head, Lloyd Park, will have a $1.15 million upgrade courtesy of a funding grant from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

The Crescent Head cenotaph will be relocated within the park as part of this project that will improve the amenity of the village for both locals and visitors.

There has been extensive community consultation in planning this upgrade as part of the Crescent Head Public Domain plan adopted by Council in October 2020.

Kempsey Airport Tarmac

Under the Federal Government's Regional Airports Program, Kempsey Shire Council has been awarded a grant of $5 million to resurface the runway, upgrade the pilot activated lighting system and install an all-weather ambulance shelter. This follows on from the recent upgrade of the airport taxiways, which together with this funding will make the airport much safer.

This is a dollar-for-dollar grant where Council will match the funding. There were 44 projects funded under this $27.9 million program, with Kempsey Council awarded the lion’s share.

Stuarts Point Tennis Courts

Funding for a new club house and new lighting was announced for the Stuarts Point Tennis Courts. It has been funded under the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. The total cost of these projects will be $326,000 with Council providing half.

Stuarts Point Stormwater/Groundwater Management Study

On Sunday I attended the welcome announcement in Stuarts Point by NSW Emergency Services Minister Steph Cooke of a $300,000 grant.

This will enable Council to undertake groundwater, stormwater and flood risk studies that will be used to devise a plan to mitigate groundwater issues.

With the State Election in March we should be hopeful of further announcements to benefit our Shire Community.

But wait there’s more!

Also worth celebrating is Council’s Slim Dusty Centre being shortlisted in the Grey Nomad Awards.

Finally, last week’s Australia Day Citizenship and Awards Ceremony was highly successful. My thanks to all who made it so memorable and congratulations to all our new Australians and Award winners.