PLANS for a multi-million dollar tourist park development in Bulahdelah are well underway.
Former Great Lakes Council gave approval for the construction of 61 caravan sites, five cabins, amenities building, function hall and administration office at the Blanch Street site.
A Development Application was recently lodged with MidCoast Council to expand the initial concept, to include an additional 99 caravan sites, two amenity buildings and a communal kitchen.
The Development Application for Stage 2 is currently on public exhibition.
“We have been working with MidCoast Council to make sure this development meets all the current requirements,” site owner Gary Ekert said.
“We are looking forward to commencing construction as soon as approval is granted.”
Gary and his wife Kim, who have owned the site for a number of years, believe the development will greatly benefit businesses in Bulahdelah and the surrounding areas.
“It will have the potential to bring over 300 people to the town every week, bringing with them valuable tourist dollars and building on the reputation of Bulahdelah and the magical Myall Lakes and what it has to offer,” Gary said.
“The development will open up over one kilometre of riverfront land to visitors through sprawling walkways and enhanced natural landscaping, linking it back to the township.”
Speaking with News Of The Area, Gary said the project will also create many new jobs during construction which will “flow into permanent and part time employment for locals”.
Bulahdelah Chamber of Commerce Vice-President, Kevin Carter, said the tourist park development is one of the largest investments in Bulahdelah since the Bypass.
“It’s good to see new investment like this in the town as it will lead to the diversity of options and complement existing venues,” he said.
“Private investments, such as the tourist park, show a commitment to the growth of Bulahdelah.”
The Development Application for the project can be viewed on Midcoast Council’s webpage, or in person at Council’s Forster Office and the Bulahdelah Rural Transaction Centre.
By John SAHYOUN
