Public to have their say on access improvements to riverside parks

This is in response to feedback from community consultation in 2017 for improved facilities, parking and pedestrian connectivity between Australia Park, Oddies Creek Play Space and the other riverside park areas.

AlburyCity Councillors recently endorsed a stakeholder engagement plan for the project and are seeking to undertake further community consultation to ensure the project elements still resonate with the community prior to proceeding with the project.

The proposed development aims to improve public access and safety in the area and provide better links to Oddies Creek Park and the Noreuil Park foreshore.

The plans include a new 80-space carpark with four accessible spaces, a pedestrian bridge linking Australia Park to Oddies Creek Park, a BBQ picnic shelter, landscaping including tree planting, linking pathways, reconstruction of Ebden Street through the park and a new service vehicle crossing.

A portion of the South Albury levee bank, which assists in protecting the area from Murray River floods, will also be realigned and upgraded to improve flood protection in this part of the city.

Service Leader City Landscapes, David Costello, said Council was keen to hear the public’s views on the proposal.

“If endorsed, these plans would greatly improve people’s ability to enjoy this beautiful part of our city and also provide some additional protection from potential floods,” he said.

“Car parking demand is currently very high in the precinct, and this is expected to increase with the possible future establishment of a splash park at Oddies Creek, which is currently subject to a feasibility assessment.”

“The project will improve biodiversity and the riparian habitat for a range of native animals with the planting of 70 native trees and 120 native shrubs along Oddies Creek, which will offset the removal of 22 trees, predominantly exotic, to upgrade the levee bank and make way for the carpark.

“There will also be additional landscape planting of 18 new shade trees in the proposed car park and extensive planting of native groundcovers on the upgraded earth levee bank.”

“Two existing gravel car park areas will be decommissioned and rehabilitated to green space, which will ensure there will be no net loss of open space in the precinct.”

If endorsed, construction is expected to commence later in 2024. The project is jointly funded by AlburyCity and the NSW Government.

Find out more about the project and Have your Say on the AlburyCity website.