Locals turned out last Friday for the official launch of the much-anticipated new $300,000 Barwon River boat ramp at the Mungindi River Park.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall joined Moree Plains Shire Mayor Mark Johnson and Queensland’s Balonne Shire Mayor Samantha O’Toole to officially open the new ramp, completing the almost million-dollar upgrade of the Mungindi River Park.
Mr Marshall said the ramp project was funded by the previous State Government and constructed by Balonne Shire Council, in partnership with Moree Plains Shire Council.
“This is a fantastic facility for the community and I commend both councils for coming together to use the funding to deliver a unique recreational area for a truly unique Australian town,” Mr Marshall said.
“Mungindi is the only true cross-border community, straddling both sides of the Barwon River and therefore in two States, but this has been no barrier to everyone working together to upgrade this beautiful park for the local community and visitors to enjoy.”
In addition to boosting access to the river for local and visiting fishers and boaters, Mr Marshall said the boat ramp also provided important first responder access to the river at times of emergency or for rescues and the SES were at the opening to ‘christen’ the ramp.
“The Barwon River is an incredible natural asset, but could only really be enjoyed from its banks due to the lack of boat access,” Mr Marshall said.
“Most importantly, the safety for fishers and recreational boaters is vastly improved, and environmental damage to the riverbank will be greatly reduced.
“This entire new river park will enhance Mungindi’s visitor economy by encouraging participation in fishing and encouraging extended visitation for campers at the fantastic facilities now available.”
Moree Plains Shire Mayor Mark Johnson said the Mungindi Recreation Area upgrade, including the new boat ramp, would greatly benefit Mungindi residents on both sides of the border.
“A lot of hard work happened behind the scenes by Moree Plains Shire Council, Balonne Shire Council, the Mungindi Progress Association and Mungindi Fishing Club and it’s great to see it all come to fruition,” Cr Johnson said.
“The boat ramp will provide safe public access to the Barwon River and will add so much to the Mungindi community.”
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