And there there was the push to allow a hotel on the Lincoln Causeway with more beds than that already foreseen under planning laws.

The proviso in getting a hotel built with more than 200 rooms, on the circus land site next to St Ives Tavern, was developing emergency evacuation procedures to deal with flood and fire.

Businesses and other operations nearby though, such as the Hothouse Theatre, art galleries and farmers markets, were clearly in conflict with the Gateway Island Master Plan.

But that was another incarnation, several years ago, of the plan.

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The tavern proposal came in a plan from way back in 1997 and followed a $3 million private proposal that also included a tavern, plus shops and a bistro.

Over past decades there has been several incarnations as the best way forward in taking full advantage of the splendour of the Murray River, while protecting its fragile ecology, is constantly revised.

The latest revision of the master plan, the fourth, was recently released after an extensive consultation process that took into account almost 400 submissions and comments.

Some of the recommendations of the finalised plan that especially stand-out are for three river crossings for pedestrians and cyclists and for more river access for swimmers.

Possibilities include holiday park facilities, land and water-based adventure parks and the development of a Riverine Native Botanic Gardens and Nursery.

Big ideas, yes, but some Wodonga councillors hope it’s not just another “wish-list” that never sees the light of day.

Mayor Anna Speedie says that while there’s a lot of work to be done, it is achievable.

We would hope that sentiment is backed by action in the years ahead as what the master plan proposes is, as Cr Speedie says, truly exciting.