$1.47 Million Boost for Jack Evans Boat Harbour Foreshore
Major waterfront upgrade will improve safety, accessibility and resilience at one of the Tweed’s most popular destinations.
One of the Northern Rivers’ most visited waterfront precincts is set for a major makeover after Tweed Shire Council secured $1 million in NSW Government funding to revitalise the iconic Jack Evans Boat Harbour foreshore.
The funding, awarded through the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund, will be combined with Council’s contribution to create a $1.47 million project aimed at renewing ageing infrastructure, improving accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience at the popular Tweed Heads destination.
Jack Evans Boat Harbour attracts an estimated 1.9 million visitors each year and hosts around 40 community events annually, making it one of the busiest public open spaces in the Tweed.
Mayor Chris Cherry said the project would restore and future-proof one of the region’s best-loved waterfront locations following damage caused by recent floods and severe weather.
“Jack Evans Boat Harbour is the heart of our waterfront and a key gathering place for locals and visitors alike,” Cr Cherry said.
“This funding allows us to restore important infrastructure like the boardwalk and concrete steps, while creating a more vibrant, accessible and resilient foreshore for the future.”
The upgrade will include replacing sections of the ageing timber boardwalk with more durable materials, repairing the damaged tessellated concrete steps, improving pedestrian pathways and accessibility, and installing new seating, landscaping and shade throughout the precinct.
The works are also designed to improve the foreshore’s resilience to future storms and flooding, ensuring the popular public space remains safe, functional and attractive for many years to come.
Tweed Shire Council General Manager Troy Green said the revitalisation would deliver lasting benefits for both residents and visitors while strengthening the local economy.
“The upgraded foreshore will attract more visitors, support local businesses and provide a safer, more welcoming space for everyone,” Mr Green said.
“It will also strengthen Tweed Heads as the gateway to NSW, something that we have already been focusing on through the Tweed Heads CBD revitalisation project. We are working hard to create a destination that reflects the pride of our community.”
The project builds on previous improvements in the precinct, including the highly successful Goorimahbah – Place of Stories playspace, creating a more cohesive and attractive waterfront environment.
Community consultation has shown overwhelming support for upgrading the harbour precinct, with more than 1,000 residents providing feedback during the long-term planning process. Improving ageing infrastructure, accessibility, safety and visitor amenities were consistently identified as key priorities.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said the investment would ensure Crown land continues delivering benefits for local communities.
“These projects are about making sure Crown land continues to deliver for communities, whether that’s through better facilities, safer access or protecting the natural environment people rely on,” Mr Kamper said.
He said Crown reserves play an important role in supporting recreation, local economies and community life throughout New South Wales.
NSW Member for Tweed Geoff Provest also welcomed the funding, saying the project would ensure Jack Evans Boat Harbour continues meeting the needs of both residents and the many visitors who enjoy the foreshore every year.
Construction is expected to begin in mid-2026, with completion anticipated during 2027.
Once complete, the revitalised foreshore will provide a safer, more accessible and weather-resilient waterfront, ensuring Jack Evans Boat Harbour remains one of the Tweed’s premier recreational and tourism destinations well into the future.
