Come July 2, if a Coalition government is returned to office, McLachlan Park’s redevelopment will be underwritten to the tune of $1.8million. Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash and Member for Page Kevin Hogan made the announcement at the Maclean park last Friday. The funding is earmarked to construct a boardwalk from McLachlan Park to McNaughton Place and to complete the works at McLachlan Park. Redevelopment of the southern end of the park and the construction of a toilet block at the northern end are currently underway. Redevelopment of the middle part of the park had been left for a later date after Clarence Valley Council discovered that the $1.26million budgeted to reconstruct the park was inadequate. Making the announcement, Senator Nash said she was “delighted to be here with good friend and colleague Kevin Hogan”. “We, as the Nationals, are absolutely committed to investing in the regions and its people … to grow strong sustainable communities into the future,” she said. “Kevin was absolutely tireless in advocating for this. “It’s quite right that he was twisting arms and knocking on doors… It simply wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for Kevin ensuring, as the advocate for Maclean, this became a reality.” Senator Nash said the project would generate “about 20 jobs as a part of construction and ongoing jobs”, too, and that “the funding is ready to flow” if a Coalition government is re-elected. “It makes sense to keep [the work going] rather than coming back,” Mr Hogan said. He said he was happy that all of the Clarence Valley Local Government area falls within the boundary of Page, following the recent adjustment of electoral boundaries. “I started coming to Maclean once the new boundaries were announced,” he said, where “many people” talked to him about McLachlan Park. “I’m really excited we’re going to continue to grow Maclean’s vitality – we’re going to open this up and it will be fantastic for tourists and locals.” Mayor Richie Williamson welcomed the announcement. “It’s a staggering amount of money,” he said. “The funds announced today will complete McLachlan Park and construction of the board walk, stage 3 of the Clouston Plan.” President of the Greater Maclean Community Action Group, Ian McLennan, said the announcement was an “absolutely exciting and wonderful initiative”. “It will do what the council approved initially, bring tourists here and generate more interest in the town,” he said.