Australian Drilling Attachments

$5.4 million Birubi Information Centre approved

BIRUBI 1
The $5.4 million Birubi Information Centre has reached a significant milestone, with the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel giving their tick of approval for the Development Application (DA).
 
Port Stephens Mayor Ryan Palmer says it’s an important step for this much-needed project.
 
“Birubi Point Aboriginal Place is the gateway to the stunning Worimi Conservation Lands and the largest moving sand dunes in the southern hemisphere,” Mayor Palmer said.
 
“We know that during the holidays, the numbers of visitors to this beautiful part of the world increases dramatically. This causes traffic chaos and puts increased pressure on the environment, Aboriginal heritage and cultural values of this area.
 
“While Port Stephens Council is working on short-term solutions, the Birubi Information Centre is going to be a gamechanger for the residents of Anna Bay and the thousands of people who visit each year.”
 
Brock Lamont, Council’s Community and Recreation Coordinator, says the centre will be an outstanding facility once constructed.
 
“The Birubi Information Centre has been carefully designed to create a unique visitor experience that respects and celebrates the significance of this incredible place.
 
“It aims to alleviate many of the current issues we face at Birubi to improve the lives of locals and facilitate greater access for all to this amazing area.
 
“This project would not be possible without funding from the NSW Government’s Growing Local Economies Fund and the hard work of our community and Port Stephens Council staff.
 
“This is an exciting step in a long journey that has been 8 years in the making,” Mr Lamont said.
 
The proposed design includes 50 car parking spaces (including three disabled spaces), ten coach parking spaces with a drop-off zone that can accommodate two coaches, and provisions for pedestrians and cyclists.
 
The approval of the DA means Council can now progress to the detailed design phase of the project to be ready for construction commencement in late 2020.

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