On Friday, June 29, the NSW government announced it would contribute $600,000 towards the planning, design and construction of the playground next to the town’s skate park. 

“It will completely reinvigorate the space here,” Member for Bega Andrew Constance said at the site on Friday.

He said inclusive playgrounds were designed for people of all abilities and it would act as a drawcard for Tathra and attract tourists to the town. 

“What I’ve seen is people come to the areas where they exist and holiday there,” Mr Constance said. 

“Parks and playgrounds are special places for children of all abilities to come together to learn and play, and are often the heart of the community.” 

He said reason the funding had been made available for Tathra was because the Minister for Planning Anthony Roberts had made an assessment of the town after the recent bushfire.

“This will be part of the recovery effort and will benefit the whole region,” Mr Constance said.  

When questioned when the construction of the playground would begin, he said the money was available to Bega Valley Shire Council and it was his government’s expectation that council would begin the works quickly. 

Bega Valley Shire Mayor Kristy McBain said the project was a continued “reinvigoration” of Tathra and the district. 

“It’s an asset for the community that will be here for the long term,” she said. 

“The aim is to create a beautiful playground precinct.” 

Cr McBain thanked Mr Constance and the state government for their support of Tathra and the district. 

The funding for the project is part of the Accelerated Open Space and Parklands Program, implemented by the Office of Open Space and Parklands. 

Commissioner of Open Space and Parklands Fiona Morrison said the new inclusive playspace will align with the Everyone Can Play in NSW guidelines, which will outline a new standard of design by catering for all people, including disabled and able-bodied children and their carers.

An inclusive playground was opened in Merimbula in 2016.