STATE Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin has welcomed confirmation by the NSW Government that a rundown retreat at Toonumbar Dam will get a $330,000 facelift following her lobbying efforts on behalf of Kyogle Council.
A grant from the Cross-Border Commissioner’s Infrastructure Fund will help ensure this much-needed upgrade of Toonumbar Waters Retreat, Ms Saffin said.
Ms Saffin said she had made strong representations to NSW Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey and had kept in regular touch with Cross-Border Commissioner James McTavish, who administers this Fund.
“I sincerely thank Minister Pavey for showing a real interest in reinvigorating the old retreat as a recreational tourism and ecotourism drawcard,” Ms Saffin said.
“I know that Kyogle Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland and Deputy Mayor Cr John Burley were among many locals who did not want to see the WaterNSW-controlled facility being underutilised and going to wrack and ruin,” Ms Saffin said.
“This is the same message I conveyed to Minister Pavey; here we had a retreat which could accommodate up to 60 people and all it needed was some tender loving care to bring it up to modern standards.”
Kyogle Council deemed Toonumbar Dam as a significant opportunity for tourism and economic development for the region as an ecotourism and nature-based hot spot providing swimming, fishing, boating, walking, bicycle riding and bird watching.
Council sought funding support towards undertaking repairs to 20 cabins, improve accessibility at two common areas, upgrade sewerage, electrical and water treatment systems. Fire safety compliance and landscaping are included.
Once these improvements are completed, the retreat could be leased and reopened, increasing visitation, employment opportunities and regional economic benefits.
Monday, 24 May 2021.
