Ramping Up the Fun in Mungindi with a New $300,000 Boat Ramp

Last week Moree Plains Shire Council joined representatives from Balonne Shire Council, Mungindi Progress Association and Mungindi Fishing Club as Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall announced a $300,000 NSW Department of Primary Industries grant to construct a boat ramp on the Barwon River.

Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson said that the new 20-metre boat ramp is a major success in preventing further degradation of the riverbank.

“This is welcoming news for the Mungindi community who have endured hardship in recent years living with floods, fires, drought, the mice plague and border closures”, said Mayor Johnson.

“Not only will the boat ramp create new avenues for the economy and tourism, but it will also increase recreational fishing and camping opportunities for residents and visitors.”

Mungindi Progress Association President Katherine McMillan said the town’s entrance slogan reads ‘Welcome to Mungindi. On the Border. On the Barwon. A Sportsman’s Paradise’ and this funding will allow Mungindi to do just that.

“The boat ramp will allow safer access to the water and it will be wonderful to see more watercraft using the river in the summer”, said Mrs. McMillan.

“It will also make it much easier for emergency services to access the water during floods to check the levee bank, which surrounds the whole township of Mungindi.”

Mungindi Fishing Club President Garry Trindall said the boat ramp will help Mungindi prosper again.

“The fishing club used to put on a kids’ fishing day once a month. They would always draw a large turnout of families and we made sure every child got a prize, not just the winners. Kids would have so much fun they’d keep nagging their parents to take them again. It’ll be good to see that return”, said Mr. Trindall.

With Balonne Shire Council managing the project, the boat ramp is the fourth and final stage of the Mungindi River Park upgrade. The project has seen the inclusion of new amenities, car parks and a BBQ, along with a playground. The River Park will support Balonne Shire Council’s RV strategy, which encourages longer stays and provides economic benefits for the township.

“This project is a prime example of cross-border collaboration. I would like to thank the Moree Plains Shire Council staff, Balonne Shire Council team and Mungindi Progress Association members who have worked tirelessly to make everything happen”, said Mayor Johnson.

Construction on the boat ramp is expected to begin once the Barwon River’s flooding recedes further and the ground has had time to dry out.

Photograph (L-R): Balonne Shire Council Cr Robyn Fuhrmeister, Moree Plains Shire Council Cr Lisa Orchin, Mungindi Progress Association President Katherine McMillan, Mungindi Progress Association Vice President Justin Malone, Mungindi Fishing Club Treasurer Lyn James, Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, Mungindi Fishing Club President Garry Trindall, Moree Plains Shire Council Mayor Mark Johnson, Balonne Shire Council Director Infrastructure Services Andrew Boardman and Moree Plains Shire Council Project Coordinator – Planning and Development Todd Jones.