Reinstatement of the popular reserve on the banks of the Hastings River was now complete, confirmed Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Director Infrastructure and Asset Management, Jeffery Sharp today.

Significant improvements were undertaken at the reserve as part of Council’s 2010/11 and 2011/12 works programs. Unfortunately it sustained extensive damage in the floods of 2013.

Council was unable to undertake restoration works until it had secured State Government funding for the works and had engaged a suitable contractor.

The works were finally completed late last month with the restoration of a number of picnic tables.

Mr Sharp said the reserve had now re-opened to the public and encouraged local residents and visitors to view the repair works for themselves.

“Rocks Ferry Reserve has traditionally been one of the region’s most popular reserves and I have no doubt people will return in their droves once they hear it has been restored to its former state,” Mr Sharp said.

The project involved the removal of flood debris and a general clean up of the site as well as the resealing of the carpark and access road and finally the replacement of the picnic facilities.

The work was carried out by a local company, Bridle Group, under Council’s supervision, at a cost of approximately $290,000.

Council’s priority for the reserve had been replacing what was lost in the 2013 floods.

Mr Sharp said careful consideration would need to be given to the installation of any additional infrastructure in future due to the Reserve’s location in a flood prone area.