"It's progressing very quickly now," said project manager and member of the Rotary Club of Taree on Manning, Ken Raison.

"I am so buzzed by the fact it's nearing completion after three years.

RELATED:

"We've got the poles in the water and on the bank and once the deck was built, and very well built by a local registered builder that we contracted, we had a platform to work from and put up the roof trusses."

The "quite spectacular" roof went up on Tuesday with work over the following days to finish it off.

The construction started in November and Ken said it is due to be complete in about a month's time.

"The reason it's moving so quickly is because we procured a lot of the materials well in advance," he said.

The stage's two front timber poles will be carved into sculptures by artist Russell Saunders, who is also planning to paint an Aboriginal artwork on the front of the arched truss, linking the two poles.

"That will be a spectacular addition."

The stage itself is 11metres by 8metres in size. "It doesn't sound very big but when you stand in the middle, it will fit a lot of people."

Ken said the construction has been a celebration of the community coming together, with tradespeople, builders and people with specific machinery who have loaned their equipment and time.

"There was money raised to build the structure but so much has been given by the community."

He said those people will be acknowledged at the official handover to MidCoast Council, which is currently in planning.

"The community committee, led by Rotary and Lions are also still in negotiations to lease the stage back and maximise the use by community groups at no cost. It would also be available for commercial use.

"It will be a real signature piece for the Manning," said Ken of the stage. "We want to draw people back to the riverbank. It's beautiful and not utilised enough."

Ken said security measures will include motion sensor cameras powered by solar panels.

Did you know the Manning River Times is now offering breaking news alerts and a weekly email newsletter? Keep up-to-date with all the local news: sign up here.