The Narrandera Shire Council has approved an elevated walk (skywalk) and viewing platform as a replacement for the rejected lattice bridge project over the Murrumbidgee River bridge at Narrandera.

The Council will reallocate $821,000 from the now cancelled Lattice Bridge walk project to the alternate project of an elevated walk and viewing platform, improved pedestrian access and lakeside deck.

Cr Barbara Bryon spoke against the decision and local resident Bob Manning spoke at the public forum to say he thought it shouldn’t be decided during the caretaker period.

Narrandera Landcare previously blasted the Council for axing the lattice railway bridge project, with chairman Peter Beal saying he was appalled by the Council’s decision after having worked with them for six years to develop the project.

Council refused the development application for the Lattice Bridge walk at its October meeting and this decision prompted a backlash from some groups including Landcare.

”They rejected their own DA,” Mr Beal said.

Deputy General Manager Infrastructure Shane Wilson said in his report to Tuesday’s Council meeting that the replacement skywalk project aligned with the Playground on the Murrumbidgee program and could be delivered within the available time.

The funding that remains unspent on the Council’s Playground on the Murrumbidgee project is $821,000 and discussions were held with NSW Government representatives regarding the ability to have the funds reallocated to another project.

“This was generally supported; however, it needs to align with the desired outcomes of the program, that is to attract visitors and highlight the features of the Murrumbidgee River and associated infrastructure,” Mr Wilson said.

“There was previously some vision and desire to enhance the attraction to the Lake Talbot area for both visitors and locals alike. Whilst exploring potential options, the idea of an elevated walkway (skywalk) came to mind to maximise the topography of the area and allow for a feature not generally associated with the Riverina area.”

The replacement project could include a 50m long skywalk, starting at the top carport of the Lake Talbot water park and extending around 10m over the north-western bank of the lake. The walkway will be about 12m above the water of the lake and allow for an unobstructed view of the lake and surrounding area.

The walkway will be of steel construction with a plastic mesh floor, as well as a 1.5m high balustrade/handrail and relevant remote signage to advise all users of the risks and hazards. It is proposed to place interpretative signage on the viewing platform which informs and further promotes the area, along with some centralised seating to allow people to sit and enjoy the views.

In addition to the skywalk, it is proposed to improve pedestrian access from the carpark to the boat ramp area. This would result in the existing stone steps being renewed and the path being formalised.

The next activity, subject to available funds, would be construction of a deck and mooring area on the western side of the existing boat ramp. This would allow for boats to safely moor and reduce the erosion of the bank in this area.

Mr Wilson said in regard to the funding remaining unspent from the Lattice Bridge walk project of $821,000, the grant portion of this allocation (about two thirds) either needed to be returned as unspent, or a suitable replacement project identified and submitted to the NSW Government as a modification to the existing Playground on the Murrumbidgee program.

“The available funds will pay for the skywalk and access path improvements, with a potential to commence the lake bank deck. As these funds are already available, there is no additional financial burden on Council,” he said.

Community engagement will now be undertaken following the Council’s approval of the skywalk project.

“Any structure such as this comes with potential safety concerns, but these concerns are generally managed by way of physical improvements or signage. The skywalk would require increased balustrades to prevent falling and signage that identifies all the associated risks of such a structure,” Mr Wilson said.

“Nevertheless, these only protect users who choose to do the right thing, with the potential of persons not adhering to the warnings. The remote warning signage provides Council with an insurable protection, along with the reasonable construction measures that need to be aligned with the useability of the structure.”