Cohuna Waterfront Connection Project reaches concept design stage

Published on 15 April 2021

Plans to link the Cohuna central business district to Gunbower Creek and works underway at Apex Park have reached a key stage, with the concept design of the Cohuna Waterfront Connection Project developed and available for feedback.

Residents were encouraged earlier this year to provide feedback on potential opportunities for the project, which forms part of the $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections project, with ideas generated incorporated into the concept design.

“Council thanks all residents who engaged with Council during feedback process that occurred between January and February this year, which has led to the development of the concept design,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“The concept design aims to enhance Cohuna’s natural beauty, celebrate its history and create a space where families can meet by Gunbower Creek.”

To view a large version of this image, please click here - Cohuna-Waterfront-Connection-Project-concept-design_Page_1.jpg(JPG, 2MB)

Highlights of the concept design, which aims to connect Cohuna’s retail sector to the waterfront, include a deck pontoon on the banks of Gunbower Creek, connected to King George Street by a pedestrian walkway that spans Garden Park.

To view a large version of this image, please click here - Cohuna-Waterfront-Connection-Project-concept-design_Page_4.jpg(JPG, 3MB)

“This proposed walkway will also connect Gunbower Creek to two dedicated outdoor dining areas either side of the current King George Street crossing. These areas will be developed to cater for visitors to the area wanting to enjoy a meal or drink whilst experiencing the beauty of Garden Park,” Mr O’Reilly said.

To view a large version of this image, please click here - Cohuna-Waterfront-Connection-Project-concept-design_Page_2.jpg(JPG, 75KB)

“A similar seated area will also be created at the intersection of King George and Sampson streets, opposite the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre.”

 To view a large version of this image, please click here - Cohuna-Waterfront-Connection-Project-concept-design_Page_3.jpg(JPG, 2MB)

Cohuna’s historical links to Major Thomas Mitchell’s exploration of the land that is now the Gannawarra will be celebrated in a proposed monument park, to be located next to the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre.

“The memorial cairn currently located in Garden Park will be redesigned and placed within this park, which celebrates the Murray River and Major Mitchell’s Australia Felix expedition of 1836, which led to the discovery of Gunbower Creek,” Mr O’Reilly said.

To view a large version of this image, please click here - Cohuna-Waterfront-Connection-Project-concept-design_Page_5.jpg(JPG, 7MB)

Changes are also flagged to the south-eastern section of Garden Park, with a proposed amphitheatre to replace the car park located adjacent to Island Road.

“Community feedback received earlier this year emphasised an interest in rejuvenating this section of Garden Park, with the concept design featuring terraced seating and a hard standing stage area, enabling outdoor performances to be held within this space,” Mr O’Reilly said.

“Council will investigate whether this proposal is financially feasible and, if it is so, potential future use of the sound shell located within Garden Park.”

The Cohuna Waterfront Connection Project concept design can be viewed online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/CohunaConnection, with hard copies available at the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre and the Cohuna Library.

Council will also host a design workshop at the next Cohuna Progress Association meeting, occurring on Monday, 19 April.

“All feedback received will assist with developing the project’s final design, with works to begin during the second half of 2021,” Mr O’Reilly said.

The Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections Project, which ties in Council’s Waterfront Masterplan for Gunbower Creek, is supported by the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package.