New skate park confirmed

Published on 19 June 2020

Broken Hill will soon boast a new skate park after Council secured $310,000 in funding for the project through the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities program.

The grant will be added to funding set aside by Council in this year's budget, bringing the total available for a new skate park to $660,000.

Mayor Darriea Turley AM said the funding announcement would be welcomed by local children and their families.

"The community made it clear to us that they wanted a new skate park for the city's kids, so we made it a priority in our funding applications and advocacy to Government bodies," said Mayor Turley.

"We weren't successful in our first few attempts at securing funding, but we were determined that we wouldn't take ‘no’ for an answer, and the end result is a great outcome for Broken Hill.

“In June 2019 Minister for Western NSW, Adam Marshall, made it clear that this round of funding would be earmarked for projects that would benefit youth, and to his credit he has made good on that promise.”

Councillor Branko Licul has been an ardent supporter of the skate park project through his role as chair of the "Our Economy" Key Direction Working Group.

Cr Licul said quality family amenities were a key to the city's prosperity.

"A new skate park may not seem linked to the city's economy on face value, but liveability is a key factor in the success of any city," he said.

"When you have quality amenities for families and children then you have a greater prospect of attracting and retaining skilled workers, it's a fundamental prerequisite for any city looking to grow its economy.

"With money now secure from both the Council and State Government, we can get to work on delivering the new skate park that this city needs and deserves."

In 2018 Council undertook wide consultation regarding the features to be incorporated into a new skate park, with respondents requesting a new concrete park featuring flat banks, a half pipe, bowl end, flat rail, hubba, fun box, and large transitions.

Council will again consult with youth leaders to update this feedback, before proceeding to a tender process for design and construction.

• Mayor Darriea Turley AM is pictured with Campbell Quintrell from the Y's Young Leaders program.