THE Noreuil Park boat ramp will close to the public on March 4, but emergency services will still have access to the facility.
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Emergency service personnel including the NSW Volunteer Rescue Association will be provided with a key to access the ramp that had been the major launching place for boats before the opening of the upgraded Kremur Street ramp before Christmas.
Albury Council’s parks and recreation team leader David Armstrong said Noreuil Park would become popular for swimmers and canoeists without boats being launched from the ramp.
“The existing one at Noreuil Park is too small,” he said.
“There were also car parking issues and conflict with river users.
“They were the boat users, swimmers and canoeists.
“Having all the boat users down at Kremur Street separates them all especially around that Noreuil Park area, which is a major swim area.”
Mr Armstrong said the ramp would remain in place, but only to restricted users such as the VRA.
The Noreuil Park area became overcrowded with boat users during the drought years due to the low level of Lake Hume.
An average of 85 vehicles per day are using the Kremur Street boat ramp since its opening in early December.
The additional picnic tables and public toilets are also proving popular for visitors.
Meanwhile, the council has received an additional $114,945 from the NSW government to offset costs associated with stage 1 of the Kremur Street ramp.
First stage works included the boat ramp, car and trailer parking and access road.
Member for Albury Greg Aplin said the additional funding would lift the total funds provided for the project to $439,945.
“The program funding includes revenue raised from boat registrations and licences,” he said.