McLachlan Park development ready to proceed


All the hurdles have now been cleared for the redevelopment of Maclean’s riverside park, McLachlan Park.

Clarence Valley Council tonight voted to amend its earlier decision for a staged development of the park and will instead complete the work in single, continuous development.

The decision means four camphor laurel trees, which were to be removed over five years, will go at the same time. Clarence Valley Mayor, Richie Williamson, said council had listened to the residents who wanted the trees retained but had to make a decision that was in the best interests of the entire community.

“We want this park finished as soon as possible,” he said. “It has already dragged on too long. “What we will have at the end will be a showpiece and I’m confident that, over time, even those who now oppose the removal of the camphor laurels will see the benefits of what we are doing.

“I encourage Maclean residents and others with an interest in the park to have a look at the artist’s impressions that have been installed at either end of the park. That will illustrate what a great community facility it will become.”

Cr Williamson said the upgrades to the park would provide visitors with complete and improved picnic and recreational space for gatherings, a great place of family outings and an attraction for tourists.

“We’re looking forward to beginning the developments and making the park environmentally sustainable and practical for the community,” he said

“The developments will provide a link between River Street and the foreshore of the Clarence River, shelters, amenities, performance areas, terraced seating, picnic and barbecue areas, bike racks and new lighting.”

He said completing the work in a single, continuous development would save around $50,000. “That was not the only consideration, but it was an important one,” he said. “The important thing is we will have a park that will be a much better asset to the community than we have now, and I can’t wait for it to get underway.”

He said the redeveloped park would be planted with established native species like Port Jackson fig and red cedar and they would quickly become practical shade trees for park goers.

Funds for the project came from a Federal Government grant of $500,000, another $500,000 kept aside from the part sale of Cameron Park, Maclean, and a $130,000 State Government Better Boating grant.

Council expects work on the park to begin by October.

For more information visit Clarence Valley Council