Council will allocate $400,000 from a $1.2 million grant through the federal government's local roads and community infrastructure program to expand the playground, install shade and improve toilet amenities near the Taree Old Bar SLSC clubhouse.

Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie said the aim of the funding program is to create 'strong communities'.

"This is a central, communal recreation area for families and children," Dr Gillespie said. "For the surf club, amenity blocks are very important."

The shade cloth will be a welcome asset, especially during the warmer months.

"We do have a harsh climate sometimes so a shade cloth over the play area will be a great benefit to lots of mums, dads and children," Dr Gillespie said.

Old Bar is a growing community so any upgrades to popular local spots is vital.

"A lot of growth in the Manning Valley is on the coastal strips so putting the services where there is population growth ticks a lot of boxes for local, State and federal governments," Dr Gillespie said.

MidCoast Council mayor David West said the project will be well received by the Old Bar community.

"Old Bar is a great place to live, and also a wonderful stop-over for travellers, the upgrades to Old Bar foreshore park will make a real difference," Cr West said.

Council will collaborate with the surf club on the project. The two parties will also discuss the prefered location for the amenity block.

The club was granted $350,000 by the State government in July to upgrade facilities, amenities and general infrastructure in the clubhouse.

So two upgraded and public accessible amenity blocks a matter of metres away from each other wouldn't make much sense.

Dr Gillespie said fast-tracking local infrastructure projects across the local government area will support employment in the economic rebuild post pandemic.

Other council projects that received funding through the roads and infrastructure program were Tuncurry Water Park and Tea Gardens pool complex.

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