Lighting up the night

KINGSCLIFF’S beloved fig tree on the roundabout at the intersection of Marine Parade and Seaview

Street has been officially relit by representatives of Tweed Shire Council, local businesses and community groups.

The new light installation was unveiled in a ceremonial ‘relighting’ coinciding with the conclusion of October Business Month.

Tweed Shire mayor Chris Cherry said the new feature was part of a broader Council initiative to beautify and activate key precincts across the Tweed.

“The fig tree is an iconic part of Kingscliff’s identity, and it’s fantastic to see it illuminated in such a striking way,” Cr Cherry said.

“This project not only enhances the atmosphere of the town but is also a shining example of what we can achieve when the Council, local businesses and the community work together.

“We are working on similar projects with the Murwillumbah and Tweed Heads business chambers and the Pottsville Community Association to uplift and beautify key precincts in their towns, and I can’t wait to see what we can achieve there too.”

The Council’s Destination, Events and Business and the Parks and Active Communities teams worked alongside Business Kingscliff and the Kingscliff Ratepayers Association on the $20,000 initiative.

Ratepayers association president Peter Newton said the tree was a much-loved feature of the village.

“The return of the lights is so welcomed by our community,” Mr Newton said.

“Thank you to Business Kingscliff for advocating for their return and to Council for enabling this.”

Business Kingscliff president and Tweed Shire councillor James Owen said the community loved the iconic tree.

“Cr Rhiannon Brinsmead and I received a lot of correspondence from community members who wanted to see lights back in the tree,” Cr Owen said.

“We have been working with Council staff for some time now to see if it was possible, and so it’s great that it has happened.

“It’s a win for the community, and it’s just in time for Christmas.”