The state government is putting nearly $1 million back into Newcastle for six community projects.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald announced the funding for the infrastructure projects which will be funded under the annual Newcastle Port Community Contribution program.
"This is a dividend that comes back to the Newcastle Port region every year, about $1 million, and it was set up when the Port was put through a long term lease so there's a return every year that goes back to the community to put towards assets, build community programs and that sort of thing," said Scot MacDonald.
The largest project to be funded from the nearly $1 million is $450,000 towards an 'active hub' in Griffith Park at South Stockton. The $1.25 million hub is set to feature a skate plaza, children's adventure playground and barbecue and picnic facilities.
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| Artist impression of the planned 'active hub' at Stockton. Image Newcastle City Council |
Along with money towards the hub, other projects getting some funding include:
- $135,000 for five research-based place activation initiatives by the University of Newcastle
- $365,000 for an upgrade of council-owned open space landscaping near "Wine Selectors" and Lee Wharf residential apartments in Honeysuckle to improve the link between the city adn the harbour
- $50,000 towards the Light Up Newcastle Chinese Lantern Walk in 2018 and;
- $148,000 for a public art installation at the historic Newcastle Railway Station of the "Newcastle Flyer" steam train
"I think it's important to honour the heritage and this is going towards a representation of the 'Newcastle Flyer' - that'll be a public art installation up at Newcastle Railway Station. There's no doubt that the CBD and the corridor and the Port are going through a lot of change so this is about remembering and respecting that heritage," said Scot MacDonald.
He adds all the projects will benefit both the city and the harbourside, improving the link between them and honouring the history of all of Newcastle.
"Everybody appreciates the city is going through a lot of change and the Port is seeing a lot of development but it's important that the public can access it and appreciate it and it's family friendly. I think these are really good initiatives."
