$11 Million flows into tourism projects along the Murray River
Published on 04 April 2018
Member for Albury Greg Aplin today announced over $11 million in funding from the NSW Government to create new tourism precincts stretching from Albury to Tocumwal along one of NSW’s most iconic river systems - the banks of the Murray River.
Mr Aplin made the announcement with Mayors from Albury City, Berrigan Shire and Federation Council's at Corowa today.
Mr Aplin said the new tourism corridor named the ‘Murray River Regional Experiences’ precinct will connect three major projects - the Albury Riverside Precinct, Parks and Wetlands Redevelopment, the Tocumwal Foreshore Activation and Economic Revitalisation project, and the Corowa-Mulwala trail and Foreshore Project - creating the ultimate river tourism experience.
“Today’s announcement will transform our stunning waterways and wetlands into one of the state’s must-see river tourism trails,” Mr Aplin said.
“In short, this funding will open up parts of the Murray River that people have never before been able to explore.
“This funding will be used to build new tourism facilities that will give local residents and visitors access to parks, walking and cycling trails, boardwalks, man-made lagoons, billabongs and picnic facilities.
“These projects will generate a huge return on investment, attracting an additional 365,000 tourists to the region each year, directly creating new local jobs in the tourism industry and ultimately ensuring that tourists stay longer and spend more in our local towns and cities.
“The Murray River on the NSW border is one of the most stunning waterways in Australia and it will now have the connected tourism corridor it deserves,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the project is one of around 30 projects being delivered in regional NSW through the Regional Growth – Environment and Tourism Fund.
“In the year ending September 2017, regional NSW welcomed 60.7 million international, domestic overnight and day-trip visitors who injected $16 billion into the regional NSW economy, directly employing 81,300 people,” Mr Barilaro said.
“This will be a significant investment for the Albury City Council, Berrigan Shire Council and Federation Council, making sure communities have the right infrastructure to preserve precious environmental assets and increase tourism numbers for the beautiful towns along the Murray River,” he said.
The ‘Murray River Regional Experiences’ precinct has received co-funding from local councils, taking the shared investment to $20.6 million.
Mayor of Albury, Kevin Mack, said the region’s riverside, parks and wetlands will be transformed, allowing tourists to immerse themselves in the stunning environmental surrounds.
“Albury is already known for its natural beauty and eco-tourism. Tourists can now plan to visit our redeveloped Wonga Wetlands that will comprise of 80 hectares of manmade wetlands and billabongs, or cycle or walk around a new trail linking key tourism spots with the wetlands,” Cr Mack said.
Mayor of Berrigan Shire Council, Matthew Hannan, said today’s announcement will provide a huge economic stimulus for the region.
“Today’s joint announcement with the NSW Government will see a major upgrade of the Tocumwal foreshore reconnecting the river to the town and giving tourists more reasons to visit Tocumwal.
Mayor of Federation Council, Pat Bourke, said he is excited to see this amazing project come to life and bring tourists from across Australia to Corowa, Mulwala and everywhere in between to experience the amazing natural surrounds.
“For people who love the outdoors the Corowa-Mulwala Trail and foreshore project will be a must see, must experience adventure with a new 43 kilometre walking trail along the Murray River for visitors’ experience.
The Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund to support infrastructure projects in the state’s regions.
The Corowa riverfront redevelopment will revitalise Corowa’s riverfront and improve local and visitor access to the river, creating a destination to encourage outdoor activities and interaction with the environment such as general sightseeing, bushwalking, fishing, bird watching, picnics/BBQ’s and recreational boating.
Key components of the redevelopment project include:
- Bangerang Park Adventure Playground (including accessible amenities block and landscaping);
- Café in Rowers Park;
- Corowa Boardwalk and Riverside Walking Track;
- River Revegetation;
- Interpretive Signage; and
- Lion’s Park Boat Ramp
The suite of projects will contribute to a revitalised riverfront, encouraging a greater connection to the River through improved access, amenity and infrastructure.
The Mulwala foreshore redevelopment will support better utilisation of public open space at the interface of Lake Mulwala for tourism and recreation purposes. It will focus specifically on redeveloping and repositioning key community areas.
The Corowa Mulwala Trail forms part of the Murray River Adventure Trail and includes the construction of a 42.9 km trail connecting Corowa and Mulwala.
The trail will enable a bicycle connection between the two destinations incorporating interpretive signage along the trail that builds an awareness and appreciation of the natural landscape of the area.