Investigation funding for Bexhill Quarry Parklands

A RISK assessment for post-mining land use of the old Bexhill Bricks Quarry will investigate its potential transformation into family-friendly native parklands following a $10,000 NSW Government grant.

Bexhill Quarry Parklands Association, Des Harris said the association was extremely keen to work in partnership with the traditional owners of the land, the Widjabul Wia-bal people of the Bundjalung nation.

“We are grateful to Janelle Saffin for believing in our project and for successfully lobbying for this critical grant funding,” Harris said.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the recreational tourism project had the potential to directly link with a future stage of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail.

“Association president Des Harris and his committee have generated a lot of interest and support for their concept of an attraction featuring a sheltered picnic area, interpretive centre, native bush walking trails, safe swimming area and car parking,” Saffin said.

“This grant will allow the association to hire Newcastle-based consultants Integrated Environmental Management Australia to run a workshop for stakeholders, provide an opportunity for community input, and develop an action plan for addressing and closing out risks.”

The association had raised $2,000 through meat raffles at the Eltham Hotel and a further $2,000 from the Greater Bank, with the $10,000 grant bringing the new Bexhill Quarry Parklands a step closer.

The project is supported by the Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, Lismore City Council, Boatharbour Landcare, Eltham Community Foundation, Northern Rivers Rail Trail, Destination NSW, and Northern Rivers Tourism.

For information, follow facebook.com/bexhillquarryparklands