After the success our community has had in building a new identity since the highway bypass, I was invited by the Urunga Mylestom Chamber of Commerce to share some thoughts around Kempsey’s experience in moving on from being a highway town.
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I’m the first to say that the changes caused by the Kempsey bypass posed challenges, but getting the traffic out of town did give our community that once in a life time opportunity to rethink what we do and who we are.
Whether a small town, a regional town or a city all need “verve”. Creative enthusiasm, vitality, its own character and charm. Something unique to themselves. For Kempsey, we are re-establishing ourselves as a country town, with a country feel offering friendly hospitality. A little bit of country on the coast – Slim Dusty, Akubras, our river and beaches and a proud agricultural past.
Within our CBD we are moving the focus from traffic to people – making Kempsey once again a town where people love to go, not only to shop but to catch up with others and share the news of the valley - being ‘local’ and connected.
Smith Street is coming alive with businesses embracing the chance to offer outdoor dining, the modern furniture and pergolas are attracting more people to relax and enjoy the space. Two years on and our local businesses are indicating that trade is getting back to same or better than when we were a highway town.
Council is working on designs for streetscape works in Frederickton to highlight the deep history of this unique village. There are also important projects happening for South Kempsey that will see a more appealing suburban locality than a highway thoroughfare.
Complementing all this, Council, government and business are working to bring the people and investment needed to boost jobs and growth in the Macleay. It is important for us all to keep the ‘I love the Macleay Valley’ theme circulating so we all play a part in making the Kempsey Shire the best it can be.