Our Region Our Rivers-supported projects celebrated

Published on 26 June 2024

Three Gannawarra Shire Council projects that formed part of the Federal Government-funded Our Region Our Rivers program have been officially celebrated.

Mayor Ross Stanton and Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson joined representatives from neighbouring councils that benefited from the program and Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill, during a morning tea at Koondrook on Thursday, 20 June.

Rolled out across the region during the 2019/2020 financial year, the program supported major projects in the Victorian municipalities of Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Loddon and Swan Hill, as well as Balranald Shire, Edward River Council and Murray River Council in New South Wales.

“Gannawarra Shire Council thanks the Federal Government for supporting this program, which has enabled significant transformational projects to occur across both sides of the Murray River,” Mayor Stanton said.

Gannawarra Shire Council received more than $1.3 million to support significant improvements to Cohuna, Koondrook and the northern end of Kangaroo Lake.

The highlight of these improvements was the development of Cohuna Beach, which has provided visitors to Apex Park a unique space adjacent to Gunbower Creek to relax by the water, and the construction of new barbecue areas within Apex Park.

“Since its opening, Cohuna Beach has become a place where residents and visitors can enjoy Gunbower Creek, with its location a few minutes’ walk from the town’s central business district providing flow-on benefits to local businesses,” Mayor Stanton said.

The program also supported improvements to vehicle and pedestrian access along Tramway Place, Koondrook, connecting the town’s business district to the Koondrook boat ramp and Koondrook Retreat.

“By enabling all-vehicle access between Koondrook and the award-winning Koondrook Retreat, visitors to this popular precinct are able to enjoy the natural beauty of the banks of the Murray River and Gunbower Creek without needing to worry about what type of vehicle they drive,” Mayor Stanton said.

Visitors to the northern end of Kangaroo Lake have also been benefiting from the program, thanks to work to instal additional boat and vehicle parking, new picnic facilities and landscaping.

“All of these projects formed part of the Waterfront Masterplans that were adopted by Council in early 2019 and were developed with extensive community input,” Mayor Stanton said.

“Council thanks the Federal Government for supporting these initiatives, and we continue to encourage residents and visitors to make the most of these improvements.”

ABOVE: Campaspe Shire Council Mayor, Cr Rob Amos (left), Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson, Mayor Ross Stanton, Senator for New South Wales, Deborah O’Neill and Swan Hill Rural City Council Mayor, Cr Stuart King joined celebrations recognising improvements funded by the Federal Government-funded Our Region Our Rivers program.