A new tourism opportunity floats in Bingara with the pontoon launched on the Gwydir River. Gwydir Shire Council General Manager Max Eastcott, Councillor Francis Young, Deputy Mayor Catherine Egan, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Councillor Jim Moore, Mayor John Coulton and Councillors Geoff Smith and David Coulton.
Thursday, 9 July 2020
GWYDIR Shire Council has officially ‘floated’ its latest tourism opportunity, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week inspecting a new pontoon on the Gwydir River at Bingara.
Mr Marshall said the pontoon was part of Council’s ‘Big River Dreaming Project’ which was funded by a $2 million State Government Regional Growth grant.
“The tourism sector has a huge role to play in helping rejuvenate businesses in the Gwydir Shire following the worst drought in living memory and the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Marshall said.
“Through its ‘Big River Dreaming Project’ Gwydir Shire Council is transforming Bingara into an exciting visitor destination by connecting the Gwydir River to the town’s popular social and cultural attractions through a network of footpaths.
“The pontoon, which has been installed on the Gwydir River below Campbell Bridge, forms part of the aquatic precinct which links the new Bingara Swimming Pool and river front.
“Floating just off the bank, the pontoon will provide locals and visitors with access to the waterway for a range activities including fishing, swimming, kayaking and picnicking.
“The pontoon was supplied and installed by Pacific Pontoons at Burleigh Heads and has been designed to rinse and fall will varying river heights, reducing the risk of damage from flooding.
“This new addition is a game changer for the way the public interact with this incredible natural resource and I’m sure local kids just can’t wait to start flipping into the river come summer.”
Mr Marshall said the next stage of the project would be to start linking local landmarks via a network of pathways.
“Over the next two months around 300 metres of concrete footpath will be laid to connect the pontoon to the Bingara Swimming Pool,” he said.
“This will make it easier for pedestrians, in particular the elderly, to access the picturesque river bank.
“I am confident the delivery of Big River Dreaming will boost the local visitor economy by offering a unique and ‘new’ experience within an area of NSW renowned for its physical beauty, social pride and commercial ingenuity.”