Photo caption: Opening the revamped Mungindi River Park last week, Balonne Shirer Mayor Samantha O’Toole, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Queensland Regional Development Minister Glenn Butcher and Moree Plains Shire Councillor Lisa Orchin.
Monday, 6 February 2023
A NEW-LOOK Mungindi River Park was officially opened last week, following a $748,000 upgrade, jointly funded by the Australian, NSW and Queensland Governments and Balonne Shire Council.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall was on hand to help cut the ribbon to the upgraded public spaces, alongside Queensland Regional Development Minister Glenn Butcher, Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole, Moree Plains Shire Councillor Lisa Orchin and the local community.
“It is incredible to see three levels of government working collaboratively together to achieve such a positive outcome for the community,” Mr Marshall said.
“Mungindi is unique, as it’s the only true cross-border community, straddling both side of the Barwon River and therefore in two States but that has been no barrier to everyone working together to upgrade this beautiful park for the local community and visitors to enjoy.
“The current footpath has been extended to connect the river park (Queensland side of the border) to the township (NSW side of the border) by making a looped path along the river, under the bridge, through the town and back around.
“Money also helped install a fence and synthetic soft fall playground area, barbecue area and shelters, footpaths, landscaping, solar lighting, bollards and kerbing.
“The Barwon River is an incredible natural asset and enhancing the park facilities will benefit Mungindi residents on both sides of the border as well as attract more visitors to pull over and stay a while.”
The NSW Government contribute $184,000 to the project, which was carried out by Balonne Shire Council.
Mr Marshall he and the community was now looking forward to a new addition to the park – a concrete boat ramp – starting construction soon.
“Last year a $300,000 grant was secured by Moree Plains Shire Council from the State Government to build a boat ramp on the Barwon River at Mungindi, increasing local tourism opportunities by giving recreational boaters and fishers greater access,” Mr Marshall said.
“In true cross-border collaboration, it was determined the best place for the ramp was on the Queensland side of the river and Balonne Shire Council agreed to carry out the project, using the grant money.
“I am excited to see this project get underway and I know the local fishing club is as well.”