Work on Stage One of the upgrade of Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads is now complete, and the revamped recreational and aquatic playground is open to the public. Tweed Shire Council’s $8 million Jack Evans Boat Harbour revitalisation project has created a vibrant recreational and tourism centrepiece for Tweed Heads, which acts as a fitting gateway to the Tweed and New South Wales.
The boat harbour is primarily open space parkland surrounding a clear, protected body of water. The harbour is tidal and is connected to the Tweed River, and is located just a few hundred metres from the river mouth.
The parklands now feature extensive boardwalks, modern park furniture and landscaping, with plenty of green space for picnics and passive recreation. Energy-efficient lighting around the harbour provides a spectacular night-time display, improves pedestrian safety and discourages vandalism.
One of the highlights of the new facilities is a structured and enlarged swimming area on the northern side of the harbour, which provides a safe swimming area for swimming and recreation, and features an ‘all abilities’ access ramp to the water and rock pools at all tidal levels.
Also included in Stage One is the rejuvenation of the harbour’s other beaches, harbour revetment and improved filtration of stormwater entering the harbour. It also includes the first stage of the Goorimahbah – Place of Stories Aboriginal botanic and artwork gardens.
Council has accepted a tender for the construction of a new toilet and shower block at the site. The design of the project was the subject of extensive consultation over a number of years and has been developed to reflect feedback from consultation on the Jack Evans Boat Harbour Concept Plan in 2006.
The Australian Government provided $1.8 million for Stage One and the NSW Department of Planning provided an additional $230,000. All remaining works in the $8 million project were funded by Tweed Shire Council and developer contributions.
Stage Two of the redevelopment is the proposed ‘Goorimahbah – Place of Stories’ cultural gardens and event space, featuring additional artwork story walls, other sculptural artworks and the development of an Indigenous Botanic Collection, all of which will showcase the region’s rich local Aboriginal heritage. A cafe/kiosk is also planned, as well as the creation of a new entrance promenade landscape from Boundary Street.
An official opening of the Stage One works will be held in the near future.
About Jack Evans Boat Harbour:
