Council progresses Ball Park Caravan Park and Foreshore projects
Published on 16 March 2020
Federation Council continues to make solid progress in respect to the planning works for a renewed Ball Park Caravan Park, and a higher level Murray River Foreshore and Surrounds Precinct Plan for Corowa.
The purpose of these two projects is to continue to raise the profile of the Corowa region, and to ensure that projects being undertaken, particularly in and around the central Corowa Murray River Foreshore are delivered in a strategic and integrated manner. The Foreshore plan is also a key visionary document that not only outlines for the communities awareness, existing projects funded and underway or soon to commence, but also possible future projects.
During the second half of 2019 from July through to December, Council worked closely with the team from Integrated Site Design to undertake a full review of the Ball Park Caravan Park layout and operation. This work was undertaken both to provide a plan for the future of the park, and also as a part of Council’s responsibility in managing the crown reserve on which the park sits.
The draft masterplan and business case prepared was presented at a Councillor workshop in December and the Masterplan is expected to be going to exhibition phase, for public, agency, and stakeholder consultation following endorsement by Council at the ordinary meeting of Council in April.
Exhibition of both the Ball Park plan and the Foreshore plan, will be run concurrently so the public can get a good understands of how both sites interact and also any changes proposed can be clearly visualised.
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said together these plans form a significant and very exciting blueprint for what the future of this amazing area could look like. This is especially for our many valued quality sporting and other community organisations who utilise the many spaces within this area, but also for locals and visitors alike.
“Key elements of the new caravan park masterplan that will be presented to Council for consideration and exhibited, including a larger variety in site offerings for the Caravan Park, improved public access to the riverfront on the eastern side of Bridge Rd and better amenities for both Caravan Park patrons and those using the public open spaces near the river,” he said.
“The preparation of the Murray River Foreshore and Surrounds Precinct Plan for Corowa is a complimentary piece of proactive work that will assist with the preparation of a Plan of Management for the large Crown Reserve, and also ensure that a number of other projects Council have completed, underway and planned in the local area have connections with each other and form part of a logical, cohesive and forward looking overall plan. The other key component is to ensure future planning for the facilities and amenities that local sporting groups currently utilise in the Ball Park and John Foord sporting precincts are catered for now and into the future.”
Mayor Bourke said once this work commenced the scope was increased to include Morris Park to ensure that as many local sporting facilities are catered and planned for as possible. “Work on this complimentary plan commenced in December last year with initial stakeholder meetings held before Christmas,” he said.
“Those sessions were well attended by representatives of the local sporting clubs, chamber of commerce and local Landcare. The first draft of the plan was tabled with stakeholders and Council in late February and we expect to be exhibiting the draft plan along with the Ball Park Caravan Park draft Masterplan following the April Council meeting. Council would like to extend their appreciation to all key stakeholders involved in the project to date and looks forward with anticipation to deliver these plans to the community for feedback. I would especially like to acknowledge the representatives of both the Bangerang Tribe and Wiradjuri Nation who have viewed the site and plans, and also a very big thank you to the many sporting and community representatives who have spent significant time working with Council and the designers, to ensure their organisations needs and views are considered.”
Mayor Bourke said of course, as with any plan, some elements require agency approvals, and this is particularly so for the proposed new boat ramp and wharf areas.
“Notwithstanding that there are no guarantees in any of the new projects proposed being a reality, until approvals are obtained and funding sought, it is critical in seeking any funding opportunities, that an agreed set of plans is already available to assist in any decisions made,” he said.
“Following exhibition, and community consultation, Council will begin to work on a funding strategy and detailed design, to support the projects proposed in the final plan adopted, to continue to increase activation of our amazing foreshore assets. Any increased visitation including by locals and visitors, all adds to the vibrancy of the area, and in continuing to provide important economic activity to our many valued local businesses.”