A REPORT will be released soon into the feasibility of a Lake Mulwala-type park at Tallangatta.
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An investigation into The Narrows plan has been handed to Towong Council by the Victorian government.
Mayor David Wortmann confirmed yesterday Towong’s economic development manager, Lauren Elvin had the report — “I don’t know when it’s going to be released,” he said.
Cr Wortmann said that while The Narrows project was beyond the council’s resources, he was “really pleased” the study had been done.
Benambra MP Bill Tilley announced the study in late 2013 when on a tour of the area during which he and Towong mayor Mary Fraser announced five new scenic lookouts.
The intention was to look consider the benefits for tourism and business, the impact on the Murray Darling Basin Plan and community attitudes to the project.
Another key to the study was to set “realistic” timeframes, construction costs and other economic benefits.
The Narrows plan could involve private investors building a bridge across Lake Hume, alternative energy plants and foreshore housing estates.
The project has been considered and dropped at various times for 20 years.
It was first proposed by prominent citizens of the region in the late 1950s.
Cr Wortmann said the scale of such a project meant it was never achievable for Towong alone.
“We all know that there’s going to be a very high price tag,” he said.
“It’s beyond council’s feasibility, so it would probably have to be a private industry and government project.
“The feasibility of it might hinge on whether they can generate electricity out of it.”
Cr Wortmann said everyone in the shire could see its enormous potential.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re in the eastern end at Corryong, they reckon it’s a no-brainer,” he said.
“It would be just great for the shire, but we’ll have to see.”
Cr Wortmann said it was at the very least quite encouraging that the study had been done, rather than nothing taking place at all.
“I have to compliment Bill Tilley on this,” he said.
“It was a key election promise from him (at the previous state poll) and he’s since followed through so that we now have this report.”
