Tweed Shire’s Jack Evans Boat Harbour to be enhanced for accessible aquatic recreation

October 17, 2023

Tweed Shire Council is calling for community feedback on a draft concept plan to improve water access for swimming and water-based recreation at Jack Evans Boat Harbour at Tweed Heads.

Council secured $748,000 funding to transform the beach entrance to Jack Evans Boat Harbour as part of the NSW Government's Places to Swim program. The program supports improved water accessibility, allowing people to get in, on or around water more safely.

A draft concept plan developed by Council proposes to improve access into the harbour, replace the existing timber deck with composite decking, provide a large shade structure and shade umbrellas, more picnic facilities and seating, bike racks and landscaping.

Mayor of Tweed Shire Chris Cherry said she was excited to see the plan progress and to create additional recreational facilities for Tweed residents and visitors at Jack Evans Boat Harbour.

Mayor Cherry added "we are continuing to breathe new life into the precinct and are excited to be improving access to the harbour for swimming and other water-based recreation activities.

"We are always working towards building inclusive and accessible community infrastructure like parks and playgrounds across the Tweed.

"The harbour is our jewel and a major recreational asset for the Tweed. A modern playspace, safe swimming area, event space, informal sport areas and picnic areas will ensure our regional park is a place for everyone.

"We are committed to planning and designing public spaces that make Tweed a great place to live, play and work."

Community feedback will inform the final concept plan, with construction is expected to commence in January 2024.

Over the past 12 months, the regional precinct has been revitalised with a new inclusive playspace, new barbecues, picnic facilities and seating with shelters, trees and landscaping.

The inclusive playspace at Goorimahbah - Place of Stories was funded by the NSW Government's Everyone Can Play program and recently took out the NSW/ACT 2023 Playspace Award (over the value of $500,000). This award-winning playspace involved a range of stakeholders, contributing to the creation of a sense of place for the Tweed community.

As part of the NSW Government's Places to Love program, Council also trialled movie nights in the park and a pop-up café which were a huge success and received positive feedback from the community.

Construction works are currently underway to provide a new youth recreation area within the precinct.

The project is funded through the NSW Government's Places to Swim program. This project is part of Council's commitment to protecting and improving the quality of the Tweed's public open space, including access to its natural waterways.

Council is inviting the community to view the draft concept plan on the Your Say Tweed page, with feedback open until Wednesday 1st November 2023.

Image. Draft concept for Jack Evans Boat Harbour Swim Spot

2nd October 2023 - New playground included in Tweed Shire Council’s Piggabeen Sports Complex upgrade

26th September 2023 - Tweed Regional Gallery secures 2023 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award

16th July 2023 - Community feedback sought for Tweed Coast and Estuaries Coastal Management Program

29th March 2023 - Tweed Shire Council develops sport and recreation strategy

2nd March 2023 - Tweed section of the northern NSW rail trail opens

14th September 2022 - Draft concept plans for new youth recreation area at Tweed Heads open for feedback

17th August 2022 - Repairs set to get underway on outdoor pool at Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre’s Murwillumbah complex

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