Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has today announced that the NSW Government has committed $8 million to the development of the project ‘Playground on the Murrumbidgee’ through its Regional Growth Fund.
Ms Cooke said the grant will go a long way in ensuring the project will allow Narrandera visitors the opportunity to take part in a nature based experience, designed to build visitor appeal and increase economic growth in the area.
“I’m incredibly excited to be here today to announce this funding, knowing how much of a difference it will make to the local community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Narrandera is a wonderful place to visit and it’s such a pleasure to be able to celebrate the funding of this project with the community.”
Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka said of the announcement, “The project will position Narrandera as a key visitor destination in the growing environmental tourism market.
“Narrandera Shire Council understands that to be competitive, attract and retain visitors and offer a great experience, high quality and unique experiences are a must.”
The scope of works includes an impressive rebuilds of the Visitor Information Centre to become Narrandera’s Destination and Discovery Hub, where people can discover Narrandera’s nature based and cultural stories using interactive displays including virtual reality.
The Lake Talbot Water Park will continue its transformation with a new family splash play area to be constructed in place of the island pool and toddler pool. Disabled access and solar heating will be added to the Olympic pool together with new state of the art filtration equipment and associated filter rooms. Shade structures will also be built for additional sun protection next to the 50m pool.
Lake Talbot Tourist Park will see the demolition of an existing aged amenities block and camp kitchen to clear the way for a new amenities block incorporating disabled access and family change rooms, a laundry and new camp kitchen.
Twelve sites are to be upgraded to increase capacity for caravan, RV’s and tent use, while a conversion of an unused building into two new family units will be completed and a new playground built for the facility.
The town bike and hike trail is set to be increased with the construction of an impressive North Bank Bridge over the main irrigation canal, connecting the bridge to an extension of the formed bike and hike trails along the north side of the canal to link up with existing trails. The pathway will feature solar lighting, and landscaping to form an attractive link between a free camping area and Narrandera’s Central Business District.
Finally, the iconic Lattice Railway Bridge will be converted to form part of the bike and hike trail over the Murrumbidgee River.
