Lismore may soon have a state-of-the-art Olympic standard skatepark facility after the council was given almost $4 million by the NSW Government for the project.
Lismore City Council received $3.9 million from the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund 2022-23 to create the new sports precinct, including a 2300sqm skate park, in the Lismore CBD.
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The 'Lismore Urban Sports Precinct' will deliver skateboarding, roller skating, BMX, scootering and sport climbing infrastructure as well as associated recreational infrastructure.
Mayor Steve Krieg said it was "great news for our community and will create a family friendly and safe place where young people can gather to skate and ride".
He said the creation of a regional skatepark in the youth precinct within Lismore Park near the corner of Uralba and Dawson streets will be able to host major skate and BMX events, adding to Lismore's reputation as the regional sporting capital of NSW.
"Lismore already has some wonderful sporting facilities that attracts various competitions from around the state and the country.
"This continues to benefit our local businesses and jobs as those playing or coming to watch these sporting events spend money in our city, whether it's at our motels, restaurants, clothing stores or other retailers.
"With skating now an Olympic event, and many world-class skaters coming from our visitors. region, a new skate park will be another string in our bow and attract even more visitors."
Lismore MP Janelle Saffin welcomed the NSW Government's investment in Lismore's Urban Sports Precinct.
"A new regional skate park is much needed and a project which I have strongly supported and advocated for," Ms Saffin said.
"The skate park certainly will be well utilised by our skateboarders, with whom I have been in contact, and local families.
"I am also excited that a bike track and climbing equipment are included in this project, all elements of which are 'building back better' to be flood resistant."
The Urban Sports Precinct will replace Lismore's old skate park near the river which reach the end of its life and is no longer safe.
This Precinct will embrace new technologies through smart infrastructure, wi-fi and night, in a safe environment. sports lighting, to ensure users and spectators can access the precinct both day and night, in a safe environment.
Cr Krieg said the project would go through the tender process as well as community consultation to fine tune plans for the site.
Funding is allocated with the expectation projects will commence by July 2023 with construction completed by December 31, 2025.
A total of 83 applications were submitted for consideration, 39 of which were successful. The total amount awarded through Round 2 of the Multi-Sport Community Facility Fund is $102,600,129 for projects with a total value including co-contributions of $225,030,570.
The NSW Office of Sport administered the Program on behalf of the NSW Government. Final decisions on the award of funding were made by the Minister for Sport.
