New funding for free community street events

THE New South Wales Government’s renewed Open Streets Program has funded three Northern Rivers councils to run free community events for the next three years.

The Tweed Shire, Lismore City, and Kyogle councils will share in the $721,780 to activate local streets by closing central roads to traffic, hosting recurring events, and implementing public space improvements.

The Tweed Shire Council received $350,000 for the Local Streets Alive project in Murwillumbah comprising three annual street party events delivered by Tweed Regional Museum in collaboration with the community, Business Murwillumbah and local businesses.

Lismore’s Eat the Street received $292,280 towards building economic growth, increased visitation, and overnight stays. The funding will also support initiatives to help develop and strengthen Lismore’s identity, showcasing it as a hub for an alternative lifestyle.

The Kyogle Civic Heart Precinct Activation will now expand and work to improve a monthly farmers’ market with $79,500 in new funding.

The temporary closure of Stratheden Street aims to increase visitation and dwell time by expanding the number of stallholders, encouraging outdoor cafe dining, and presenting a program of regular live music.

The $14.65 million state program contributes to councils to create vibrant and walkable community spaces, aiming to promote vibrant, community-driven events and improve cost efficiency and sustainability.

The initiative also supports cultural industries and local economic growth, as well as the utilisation of local streets by councils, businesses, and community groups.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the Open Streets Program supported councils in closing streets to traffic temporarily for free events.

“The program is part of our government’s agenda of supporting events, boosting local economies, creating safe and vibrant spaces, and stimulating nightlife activity,” Saffin said.