THE lookout of Mad Dog Morgan is getting a big upgrade to allow more visitors to climb atop the rocks where the bushranger laid low.
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The NSW government is bankrolling a $186,898 project to replace the stairs and viewing platform at Morgan’s Lookout near Walla.
It is one of four projects across Greater Hume Shire being funded under the Stronger Communities Fund.
New skates parks at Culcairn and Jindera and an early childhood hub at Walla will also be built.
Landowner Russell Paech, who leases the lookout site to the council, said the work was overdue.
“The ladders you would not get away with with OH and S if they weren’t there from years ago,” Mr Paech said.
“This will give people a lot more access, as far as the disabled go.”
The work will be the biggest boost to the lookout since it was opened by then NSW MP Tim Fischer in 1972.
Dan ‘Mad Dog’ Morgan used the boulders, which provide 360-degree views of the surrounding plains, to hide from troopers between 1862 and 1865.
The Culcairn skate park will cost $179,439 with its counterpart at Jindera worth one dollar less.
Both will feature concrete bowls, drinking fountains and tables.
The Walla early childhood hub has a budget of $252,225 and it will provide long day care, preschool sessions and after school care.
Albury MLA Greg Aplin announced the shire funding.
"These four projects are the start of Regional Growth funding flowing into Greater Hume Council to provide amenities and infrastructure for the towns and villages of the shire," he said.
The Liberal MP also announced yesterday that the government was providing $35,956 for an Aboriginal-themed mural to be painted at Albury’s Westside Community Centre.
The exterior artwork, to be known as the Giilang Wall, will be 10 metres wide and two metres high.
Giilang means story in the Wiradjuri language.
Wiradjuri artist Ruth Davys, whose work is on Albury’s Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk and at MAMA, will co-ordinate the mural.
“It’s going to be community-driven, so what that story looks like I’m not sure of yet,” Davys said.
The first stage is set for the next school holidays with the project expected to be completed in 12 months and involve participants of all ages.
Mr Aplin said the funding came from the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund, designed to lift the lives of vulnerable citizens.
"I believe this project will bring great enjoyment to the local community but also tell an important story that can be enjoyed by everyone," Mr Aplin said.
