Described as a massive boost for Yamba, the Treelands Drive Community Hub is set for a major expansion which will include the relocation and revitalisation of the library, a more efficient community centre, an art gallery, a dedicated youth space, a visitor information hub, and new commercial kitchen
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan said the project has been made possible thanks to a $13 million dollar partnership between the Federal and NSW Governments and Clarence Valley Council (CVC), and will “boost our economic recovery and create jobs in our community.”
“Developing a community precinct in a central location that incorporates existing community services and a place of refuge to gather in times of need really makes sense,” added Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis.
“The expanded hub will be a massive boost for Yamba and will improve the accessibility of services to our community.
“The site is also home to the new TAFE NSW Connected Learning Centre and Yamba Community Health and Ambulance, so it is really going to create a one-stop shop to access a range of health, education and youth services as well as serving as a hub for cultural activities and to promote everything Yamba has to offer.
“It is great to see the Nationals in Government, at both a State and Federal level, working together with Council to deliver for the communities we represent.”
CVC Mayor Jim Simmons welcomed the successful funding announcement and said it was great news for the Clarence Valley.
“This project would not have been possible without funding assistance, so we’re excited to see it come to fruition,” he said.
“Not only will it create a new public facility for the town, it will also serve as a community refuge hub for the residents of Yamba and surrounding areas in times of natural disaster.”
The Federal and State Government will provide a combined $11.1 million, with CVC providing $2 million for the project.
Following the announcement, Yamba local Rhiann Freya said she is looking forward to seeing the community hub undergo a massive expansion.
“I’ve only lived in the region for a few years, and I think a project like this will be super for the locals, especially the younger ones in the community like my three kids,” she said.
“It’ll be convenient to have a lot of activity going on in one location.”
Funding was secured through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Package, one part of the $4.5 billion overarching bushfire support program co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments for bushfire recovery, response and preparedness in NSW.
For further information, visit www.nsw.gov.au/blerfund