Fiona Phillips (Gilmore, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

During the Black Summer bushfires, hundreds of residents took refuge at the beach reserve on the shores of Malua Bay, in the Eurobodalla, as flames and smoke bore down on them. After such a traumatic experience, many local families now hold a deep connection to that reserve, so I was really pleased to have secured more than $1 million in federal funding to create a special place for them. The beach reserve has now been completely transformed, with a wonderful playground, climbing gyms, exercise equipment, a flying fox and a very cool basketball half court. There are new accessible amenities, covered barbecue areas, beautiful gardens and a spectacular viewing platform for our community to enjoy. It is now a happy place.

It was so wonderful to open this amazing upgraded reserve, which I know is greatly loved and will continue to be well used by families in Malua Bay and surrounding areas, as well as by visitors to this spectacular stretch of coastline. I was absolutely overjoyed on opening day to see the huge smiles on the kids' faces as they flew through the air on the flying fox. I took the opportunity to shoot a few hoops with local teenagers on the basketball court. The federal government's Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program continues to create wonderful community spaces like this—projects that support the resilience of local economies and that create regional jobs by delivering community infrastructure. Thanks to the Eurobodalla Shire Council, the Batemans Bay Lions Club and all who supported this amazing project.