Electricity supply for events like Slice of Haven, Australia Day, Ironkids and many outdoor fundraising events held on the reserve at the end of Seymour Street Laurieton, has been a nightmare for volunteer event organisers.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council has committed $70,000 in funding towards the necessary works required to install high voltage power to the site. On Monday Member for Port Macquarie Leslie Williams announced further funding, a $49,830 grant offered to PMHC, which will ensure the project is fully funded to the tune of almost $120,000.

Community groups have welcomed the news with open arms.

“The reserve here is the perfect spot for community events,” said Slice of Haven committee member Kate Owen.

“It’s beautiful, right on the water, shade trees and when there are events here they are highly successful because the location give enough space and a beautiful backdrop.”

Previously events drew on the power supply of the Laurieton United Services Club, ran generators and distributors with cables running between.

“Running generators and distribution boards and electrical leads has been a risk management nightmare for our event,” said Kerry McFadyen representing the Slice of Haven food and wine festival.

Robert Dwyer, secretary manager of the LUSC and volunteer organiser with Slice of Haven, Ironkids etc, said the reserve has hosted many events for various community groups and fundraising causes.

“Having electricity will mean we can utilise the site more and with increased safety,” Robert said.

John Saunders, president of Laurieton Rotary and vice president of the Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce, said the installation of electricity will provide access for more community groups and expand the possibilities of the site, with the possibility of lighting for evening events.

PMHC’s funding application to the state government outlines a two-month delivery for the electricity. The council will provide a definitive timeline when the details of the grant are known.

The scope of the project was developed in consultation with the Slice of Haven committee. Essential Energy requirements were also investigated in developing the scope of works.

Providing power to the site, the council stated, will optimise the potential of the reserve and provide a focal point for community development, engagement, inclusiveness and participation. It will strengthen economic development and reduce the risk of electrical failure and risks associated with diesel and petrol generators and extended runs of electrical cords at future events.

This funding highlights the potential for Council to partner with other levels of government and the community to deliver positive community outcomes.

Installation of this electrical infrastructure will provide improved access to this foreshore reserve for community based events and provides potential for growth of existing events to increase the economic impact for the Camden Haven economy. 

"Council is proud to be able to support this project with a significant funding allocation and is pleased to have the NSW Government providing further funding support,” said mayor Peter Besseling.

"It is often the provision of basic infrastructure and services that makes the biggest impact in our communities, particularly projects that support community events and social wellbeing."

The funding from the state government’s Public Reserve Management Fund was part of $82,000 in grants for the Port Macquarie electorate, the lion’s share coming to the Camden Haven.

“Crown reserves are wonderful assets valued by local communities and their ongoing success is vital to sports, clubs, business and tourism in regional towns,” Mrs Williams said.

“It is important that community facilities on Crown Reserves are improved as regularly as possible to allow our community to enjoy them and utilise them to their fullest potential.”

Hamilton Green in Port Macquarie (Hastings Council Community Reserves Reserve Trust) was offered $28,500 to bitumen seal the existing gravel access driveway on the eastern side of the reserve.

$3,520 to the Port Macquarie Citizens Hall was offered to the Port Macquarie Citizens Hall Reserve Trust (Port Macquarie-Hastings Council) for the modification of doorways and walls of existing disabled toilets to comply with current legislation and repainting of walls.

“Letters of offer have been sent to the Trust Managers and once they are accepted, the funds will be made available,” Mrs Williams said.