A $35 million complete overhaul of the Corowa foreshore and sporting precinct has been drafted by Federation Council.
The structure plans for the Corowa foreshore and surrounds and Morris Park are the outcome of a planning process including extensive community engagement.
The plans are split into precincts and include upgrades to Bangerang Park, Corowa River Walk, a new full size synthetic hockey pitch at the Corowa Hockey Centre, an off-leash dog park and conversion of four existing grass courts to synthetic grass with lighting for night use at the Corowa Tennis Club.
Two new basketball courts are proposed adjacent to the tennis courts as well as a new sports pavillion at the Ball Park Oval.
"The Murray River foreshore at Corowa currently provides the majority of sport and recreational facilities for the local community and visitors," a statement from mayor Pat Bourke and general manager Adrian Butler said. "The foreshore hosts a diverse range of sports including football, cricket, hockey, rowing, soccer, tennis, netball, lawn bowls and croquet.
"The river is accessed via a boat ramp within a lagoon, which is also the major swimming hole in the river.
"A caravan park that is centrally located adjacent to the river, has untapped potential to provide a range of accommodation options for visitors to Corowa - whether they be visiting for leisure, events or just passing through.
"The structure plans have been developed following extensive consultation with councillors, management and staff of Federation Council and representatives of all local sporting clubs, the Corowa Chamber of Commerce, Corowa Landcare and the wider community."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The plans have been prepared to improve recognition and accessibility to the Corowa foreshore, improve the connection between key facilities, the foreshore and the town centre, improve the lagoon area to remove user conflicts and provide improved amenities, vastly increase use and visitation to the Corowa foreshore, improve the health and wellbeing of the local community and support local economic growth.
Preliminary costs show the complete upgrade could cost $35.8 million, with the most money going into what is known as the southern precinct which includes the Ball Park Caravan Park redevelopment, Corowa foreshore and the Bridge Road Reserve and boat ramp.
The draft plans include a preliminary staging plan, with each project divided into four stages, with some already under contract.
The timing of the stages will be governed by the availability of funding and the priorities determined by council.
There were 31 submissions received during the exhibition and notification period.
