A project to enhance the appeal of Australia's largest inland beach was officially opened in Cobram on Thursday 1 October.
The works at Kennedy Park, on the foreshore of Thompsons Beach, focused on a new play space for families, improved pedestrian access, the upgrade of existing park furniture and infrastructure, and new artwork installations that capture the natural environment.
Moira Shire Council and Berrigan Shire Council were co-contributors to the project, supported by government funding.
Attending the official opening were Moira Administrator Susan Benedyka, Moira CEO Matthew Morgan, Moira Director of Infrastructure Rachael Gadd, Moira Director of Community Scott Williams, Berrigan Shire CEO Cameron Boardman, sculpture artist Anderson Hunt, State Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy, and Moira Shire staff involved in the upgrade works.
Administrator Susan Benedyka was delighted to see the finished redevelopment, which had been completed in two stages over several years.
"While we're talking to the community about a new masterplan to guide the future of Thompsons Beach, it's very satisfying to finalise the previous masterplan with the completion of this extensive upgrading project," she said.
"This is a tremendous example of what councils working together can achieve. With the support of Berrigan Shire Council and the Cross Border Commissioner's Infrastructure Fund, we have created a public asset that is both beautiful and practical for residents and visitors alike.
"It's great to see investment going into public spaces that bring value to local families, while also making the region more attractive to visitors. These types of improvements can have long-term economic and social benefits for the community."
The first stage of the project was a new playground and community artwork (a mosaic trail of local wildlife and fauna).
The second stage included construction of accessible footpaths, all-abilities car parking near the toilet facilities, new shade structures, additional park seating, upgraded signage, landscaping and upgraded bollards around the carpark, and a significant new public artwork.
Designed to complement the redevelopment, Moira Shire Council and Arts for All Cobram commissioned artist Anderson Hunt to create 'Paddle, Drift and Glide', a series of bronze sculptures that celebrate the strength and beauty of the Murray River and surrounds.
Inspired by a childhood spent camping along the Murray River, the artist portrays a goanna, rakali and koala - all under the watchful eye of the long-necked turtle, the totem of the Yorta Yorta people.
"The natural beauty of the area, coupled with this redevelopment project, will ensure Thompsons Beach continues to thrive as a much-loved destination for families, locals and tourists for years to come," Ms Benedyka said.
"I look forward to sharing with the community a new masterplan for Thompsons Beach that will continue to support this much-loved river icon."
The upgrade was jointly funded by Moira Shire Council, Berrigan Shire Council and the Cross Border Commissioner's Infrastructure Fund: COVID Recovery Round, administered through the Office of the NSW Cross-Border Commissioner and the Department of Regional NSW.
