Construction is set to begin on Byron Bay's $2.6m skate park project at the Sandhills Estate near Main Beach, with Byron Shire Mayor, Michael Lyon, and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth Affairs, Ben Franklin, launching the project today (Friday 22 July 2022).
The Sandhills Skate Park has received $2.05 million NSW Government funding support with an additional $600,000 from Byron Shire Council.
The all ages and abilities skate park, being built by CONVIC will include a range of skate features including small ramps for young beginners, a street section and a 10-foot competition-spec bowl for aspiring professionals.
"First and foremost, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the Arakwal people and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, who have enabled this significant project to go ahead, for the benefit of the Byron Shire community," Mayor Michael Lyon said.
The project will also improve flora and fauna by undertaking environmental restoration of areas adjacent to the skate park. Council will remove invasive species regenerate and actively cultivate native trees.
"Once the precinct is transformed, it will also greatly improve connection from this area to the town centre, the Recreation Grounds, Main Beach, Clarke's beaches, the library and the YAC," the Mayor said.
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, the Arts and Regional Youth Affairs, Ben Franklin thanked the Bundjalung of Byron Bay Corporation (Arakwal) RNTBC and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council, for generously agreeing to make land in the Sandhills Reserve available for this project.
"I extend my deepest thanks and respect to the Arakwal people and Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Land Council and this project will proudly celebrate the cultural values of the site including through artworks, plantings, yarning circles and interpretative signage," he said.
"Not only will it be an important place for learning about culture but also a space for the area's youth to be active and engage with their community."
The Sandhills area is the next precinct to be rolled out as part of the Byron Bay Masterplan, following close to $50 million of infrastructure investment in town's rail precinct over recent years.
Vegetation works will begin on the site next week, with construction of the skate park to kick off mid-August, with completion scheduled for early 2023.
"A big thank you to the community for sharing their thoughts and feedback during community consultation over the years," Mayor Lyon said.
