The Kooloonbung project was a pioneering step in reclaiming Crown Lands for development by private enterprise. This was stated by the Minister for Lands, Mr. T.L. Lewis, when he opened the Sesquicentenary Bridge on Thursday afternoon.

The minister said the department had put its reputation on the line in undertaking the project. He said it was the first time a contract had been let for the reclamation and development of Crown Land in which final disposal, either by sale or leasing, was the responsibility of the developer.

The minister said, however, that the development had proved a wonderful example of what can be achieved through private enterprise and the government working together.

Mr. Lewis was speaking to some 200 people who gathered to see the official opening and unveiling of the plaque. The $50,000 bridge, 110 feet long and 34 feet wide, was constructed in five months by S. Turner and Sons, of Gosford. 

In his address, the minister expressed his appreciation to Mr. Vaggelas for inviting him to open the bridge. The minister said  although the Kooloonbung project was a unique venture, the department does undertake large scale land development projects for home sites.

However, the government has only limited funds for land development and these must be directed to areas where demand is highest.

The minister said the Kooloonbung reclamation project was a most interesting alternative for development which might otherwise be delayed for many years. He said the result was a first class project of immeasurable economic benefit to Port Macquarie, with a former waste land in the heart of town converted to a boat harbour and channel, with public reserves and a car parking area.

Grant to headland

The Minister for Lands, Mr. T.L. Lewis, will grant $1000 towards beautification of the headland from Lions Lookout to the Town Beach. He gave this assurance at Thursday’s opening of the Sesqui centenary Bridge, in the Kooloonbung reclamation project. He said the grant would be made on a dollar for dollar basis, council contributing $1000.

The program of improvements is estimated to cost over $2000 and the municipal engineer, Mr. E.F. Grogan, has the work listed for early attention. The minister said the state government would definitely, be interested in the Flynn Estate in Lord Street if it could be purchased at a reasonable price. Council is seeking subsidy to purchase the estate for a koala reserve.

Minister at Race Track

One of the many things which impressed Mr. Tom Lewis, MLA, Minister for Lands in the state government, was Port Macquarie’s new race track and its surrounds. He was taken there by the chairman of the Trust, Mr. Athol Platt, who took the opportunity - in the picturesque setting where the stand, saddling paddock, member’s enclosure and betting ring will be located - to ask the minister for a little more land, to ensure the proud claim that this will be the best country race track in New South Wales.