Access to historic Tacking Point lighthouse will be improved by a million dollar upgrade of Lighthouse Road.
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Luke Hartsuyker, Member for Cowper, recently announced a $540,000 grant for the project from the Commonwealth’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council will match the funding and undertake the $1.08 million works.
Mr Hartsuyker said the lighthouse was one of Port Macquarie’s most iconic attractions.
“I’m delighted that the Commonwealth and the Council have worked together to deliver more user-friendly access to the Lighthouse for locals and visitors,” Mr Hartsuyker said.
“Many tourists visit the location because of the history, and the spectacular views of the coast and the hinterland that you get from there.
“Locals love it just as much, and for the same reasons.”
Mayor Peta Pinson said that the project is a great demonstration of how when different levels of government work together great outcomes can be achieved for the community.
“Tacking Point Lighthouse is a popular tourist destination that sees more than 600 visitors travel along Lighthouse Road to take in the magnificent view each day,” said Ms Pinson.
“The new upgrade will significantly improve safety for pedestrians with a new 1.5m pathway adjacent to the road.
“Council are excited to be able to partner with the Commonwealth to deliver this important project for our community, and we look forward to continuing to make our region an attractive place to live, learn, work, play and invest,” Ms Pinson said.
The federal funds have come from Round 2 of the infrastructure stream of the $200 million Building Better Regions Fund. Council has allocated a matching contribution of $540,000 held as reserve funds for the Lighthouse Road upgrade.
The Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government, John McVeigh, was successful in getting another $200 million for a third round of grants in the recent Budget. He said the program demonstrated the Coalition government’s commitment to creating jobs, driving investment, and building stronger regional communities.
The works will start at Mathew Flinders Drive and will address critical points along the route to the lighthouse turn-around.