Chance lost for Kiewa River access in Tangambalanga

For 10 to 15 years, the community and Indigo Shire Council have been battling to find the right location to create a public riverside park, which does not exist in the town at present.

Cr Peter Croucher thought they had finally found the answer when a Kiewa East Road property with direct river access went up for auction on September 12.

Councillors moved a recommendation in the confidential part of their August meeting to bid on the property, with a cut-off price.

But council was not the only party interested in the 22,872 square metre property.

It sold for $580,000, well past what the council budgeted for.

“The council has looked at a number of different access options, but none were viable until this opportunity arose,” Cr Croucher said.

“If successful with the purchase, the council planned to create a beach reserve with facilities at the eastern end of the river frontage land and the remainder, including the house, being put back on the market to recoup the majority of the purchase price.

“Unfortunately the auction went past the council cut-off price and a couple from Albury are now proud owners of the property.”

The land included a period home of the earlier 1900s.

Councillors voted at Tuesday’s meeting to release the confidential information and update the public on their efforts.

Creating access to the Kiewa River was the top priority identified by the Kiewa-Tangambalanga community in its 2011 plan and was supported by Parklands Albury Wodonga in its 2012-2015 implementation plan.

Ideas for the riverfront included an area for camping and caravans, plus a barbecue area for families and swimming in the river.

Cr Croucher said he was not sure of the next step to make it happen, but council would keep trying.

“It’s been difficult to find a location,” he said.

“I used to swim there when I was young, there’s a good little beach there.”