Community News
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RICHMOND VALE RAIL TRAIL ONE STEP CLOSER TO BECOMING A REALITY
Another milestone toward the Richmond Vale Rail Trail (RVRT) becoming a reality has been achieved with a Review of Environmental Factors now on public exhibition.
The proposed trail is a 32km cycling and walking track along the former Richmond Vale railway between Kurri Kurri and Hexham/Shortland.
This regionally significant trail traverses the three Local Government Areas of Newcastle (14.9km), Lake Macquarie (2.7km) and Cessnock, with 14.4km of the trail located in the Cessnock LGA.
The trail has been divided into two sections to seek relevant development approvals:
Shortland to Tarro and Pambalong (Newcastle LGA) and Stockrington to Kurri Kurri (Lake Macquarie and Cessnock LGAs). The Stockrington to Kurri Kurri Section of the rail trail is the focus of this Review, and the portion of the trail now on public exhibition.
Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal said the Review would take us one step closer to this fantastic project becoming a reality.
"The trial aims to support future growth in the Lower Hunter region, provide a safe alternative for active transport between communities, and provide better recreational access to the local natural environment. Once complete, the RVRT will provide safe cycling and walking experiences between Kurri Kurri and Newcastle for locals and visitors alike to enjoy," Cr Suvaal said.
The RVRT REF is open for feedback until 5pm on Sunday, 3 July 2022. For more information and to have your say, visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/RichmondValeRailTrailREF
TRAMPOLINE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE SPRINGS TO LIFE
Lake Macquarie is set to become the home of elite trampolining in Australia, with the NSW Government approving a $12.5 million grant to help build a new Trampoline Centre of Excellence at Glendale.
The state-of-the-art facility will complement the $25.7 million expansion of the Hunter Sports Centre, co-funded by Council and Federal Government, making it one of the country's premier multi-sport training venues.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the announcement was a windfall for the city and for the region.
"The new Trampoline Centre of Excellence will be up there with the world's best venues for the sport. It will mean we can not only attract and train Australia's best up-and-coming athletes right here in Lake Mac, but we can host national and international trampolining competitions," she said.
A 1500sqm arena with nine trampolines, two tumbling strips, two double mini-trampolines, a foam pit, warm-up areas and seating for 450 spectators are among its features. It will also cater to other aerial sports training and career pathways, including skateboarding and skiing.
Go to lakemac.com.au for more information about the Hunter Sports Centre expansion.
SHARE YOUR IDEAS FOR WARATAH LOCAL CENTRE UPGRADE
City of Newcastle has begun community consultation with local residents and business owners to understand their views on how to improve safety, parking and public spaces in the Waratah Local Centre area. Following input from the community, a public domain plan will be developed to guide the revitalisation of the area surrounding Station Street in Waratah.
Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz said the future upgrade aims to create a more accessible, attractive and safe local centre for the Waratah community.
"Our public domain plan will upgrade the streetscape, improve access to shops, and address traffic and safety in the area. Our upgrades often include new footpaths, trees and street furniture – so it's important that the community shares their feedback about what they would like to see," said Councillor Peta Winney-Baartz.
Have your say via the online survey at newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay before 13 June.
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