Federal funding for 'super park'

The announcement of $3 million in Federal Government funding for the proposed Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina Beach has been welcomed by a number of local community groups and government representatives.

The $4.3 million project will be developed on the current Umina Recreation Area site and includes new playground equipment, cafe, public amenities, tennis courts, clubhouse upgrades, sports ovals, park furniture and improvements to Umina Skate Park and BMX track.

The shortfall will be sourced from other grants and Gosford Council contributions.

The project is expected to be completed by the middle of next year.

For the Peninsula Families Action Group, the funding announcement is the culmination of four years advocacy and community consultation with council for a "super park" on the Peninsula.

"Persistent efforts of a community action group for a super park for the Peninsula have finally paid off with the awarding of a Federal grant of more than $3 million to build the Peninsula Recreation Precinct," group president Ms Sarah Tolmie said.

"From the very beginning, our vision was an amazing state-of-the-art playground and an integrated recreation area that provided for the whole of community - children, teenagers, family, people with disabilities and senior citizens.

"I am incredibly excited to say that, with the plans for the Peninsula Recreation Precinct now fully funded, our vision is incredibly close to being realised."

According to Ms Tolmie, the project was intended to address community building and networking and health and obesity, especially in children.

"We also wanted to look at the project as a way to facilitate the social integration of the community and minimise some of the antisocial behaviours prevalent on the Peninsula," Ms Tolmie said.

"And let's not forget, the development will also be a real attraction to tourists to come to the Peninsula which will also be a positive for the local business community.

"This is a win-win for everyone in our community."

Beachside Family Centre facilitator Ms Debbie Notara said she had been involved with the Peninsula Families Action Group in lobbying for the park since day one.

"I am extremely proud to see that all their hard work has come to fruition with the establishment of the Peninsula Recreational Precinct which will include one of the best parks on the Central Coast for families and children," Ms Notara said.

The Umina District Chamber of Commerce congratulated Gosford Council for its initiative in securing Federal Government funding towards the project.

"This is a well-deserved boost for the people of Umina and the Peninsula and represents a positive step forward in promoting our district as a great holiday destination," Umina District Chamber of Commerce president Ms Sharon Martin said.

"We look forward to working closely with council on this and future local projects that upgrade and create new facilities that strengthen the Peninsula as The Gateway to The Central Coast of NSW.

"We also take this opportunity to thank the Member for Robertson Belinda Neal and Minister for Infrastructure Anthony Albanese for their contribution in securing the funding for this project."

Gosford mayor Cr Chris Holstein also welcomed the Federal Government's funding promise and said the project would boost the Central Coast in many ways.

"Gosford Council recognises the need for providing recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities, and the Peninsula Recreation Precinct will contribute to the physical, mental and social development of those living in our community," Cr Holstein said.

"This investment in one of the most populated regions of the Gosford Local Government Area is a supreme opportunity to support local jobs during the current financial climate."

Cr Holstein thanked a number of groups involved in supporting the project including council's Playground Committee, the Peninsula Families Action Group, local bushcare groups, the Ocean Beach Holiday Park, the Peninsula School of Tennis, Umina Cricket Club, Umina Rugby League Club, Umina Primary School, Umina Soccer Club, Woy Woy Lions Club and Woy Woy Rotary Club.

"It is these people who will be using the facilities and as mayor of Gosford City, I would like to thank them for the immense amount of support that Council has received in gaining funding for this project," Cr Holstein said.

"My fellow councillors Terri Latella and Vicki Scott were also instrumental in campaigning for this project on the Peninsula."

Cr Scott said it was wonderful to see the hard work and commitment to the project pay off.

"The members of the Playground Committee, including enthusiastic community members, have been pushing for this playground to be built and are ecstatic that this day has come," Cr Scott said.

"As well as acknowledging this opportunity given by the Federal Government, I'm sure the Playground Committee would want me to acknowledge the great work council staff involved in the planning and delivery of this project."

According to Member for Robertson Ms Belinda Neal, the Peninsula Recreation Precinct at Umina will provide "world-class" sporting and recreation facilities for local residents.

"The Rudd Labor Government's commitment of more than $3 million to this project is a significant boost for the region's vital community infrastructure," Ms Neal said.

"This integrated precinct has a total cost of $4.3 million and will be great for local sporting teams, community groups, tourists and the especially for the young people of the Central Coast."

Ms Neal said the new development was part of the Federal Government's $800 million Community Infrastructure Program, the largest one-off investment in infrastructure in Australia's history.

"This community-building initiative will address a real demand on the rapidly growing Central Coast for better sporting facilities, parks and playgrounds that help keep our young children and families active and healthy," Ms Neal said.

"The delivery of better infrastructure and community facilities to the people of the Coast was a strong election commitment of mine and I will keep on fighting for funds to make the Coast a healthier and more pleasant place to bring up our children."

Gosford council and the Peninsula Family Action Group will host a community consultation session on Tuesday, June 16, from 7pm at Umina Public School Hall to ensure the community contributes to the design considerations and project vision.

Anyone from the community is invited and welcome to attend the consultation session.

For more information, contact Debbie Notara on 4343 1929.

Press release, 6 May 2009 Belinda Neal, Member for Robertson Press releases, 7 May 2009 Sharon Martin, Umina District Chamber of Commerce Cr Chris Holstein, Gosford Council Cr Vicki Scott, Gosford Council Press release, 14 May 2009 Sarah Tomlie, Peninsula Families Action Group