A decision on a controversial subject which has split the community was finally resolved when Narrandera Shire Council voted to proceed with the skywalk project during its meeting on Tuesday.

Council has decided to proceed with the project with the following amendments:

• The use of appropriate materials and colours designed to minimise the visual impact of the skywalk
• The inclusion of interpretive signage at the entrance to the walkway and on the Skywalk designed to inform users of the features of the area and the history of Lake Talbot and its environs
• The installation of lighting and security cameras on the walkway and in the area.

Narrandera Mayor Neville Kschenka was pleased a decision had been reached to give the project the green light and implied that Narrandera could be the catalyst for other councils to build their own skywalk.

“It’s not going to be the horror story that might have been portrayed, Cr Kschenka said.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if other people try to copy it like they have with water slides and things like that.”

All the councillors in attendance, except for Deputy Mayor Cr Cameron Lander, voted to go ahead with the project.

“I won’t be supporting it based on what I’ve received and that’s what it comes down to,” Cr Lander said.

“It’s based on what’s come in and discussions that I’ve had.”

Cr Narelle Payne believes that when completed, the skywalk will be “an excellent attraction for Narrandera”.

“I think there are many things that are positives,” Cr Payne said.

“As a member of the disabled community, I don’t necessarily like saying that but it’s a fact, the skywalk allows not only myself, but other disabled people who sometimes cannot access many of the tourist attractions or wonderful sites that we have around the whole of Australia… this would give them an opportunity to go out on to the skywalk and get magnificent views and that’s a commendable point there.

“It would be a unique tourist attraction and there’s opportunities for photo shoots and to promote Narrandera and the whole complex, so I highly recommend this project.”

Cr Payne said she respected the opinions of all the people who lodged a submission.

“The number of people who have come out and said they’re against it are very much in the minority,” she said.

“We need to look into the future, this is going to be a positive addition to Narrandera with minimal environmental impact.

“As the mayor has alluded to, as per usual, when Narrandera has a brilliant idea and we often have many of them, other areas like to say ‘that’s a good idea, how about we do it as well’ and the word is that a larger council, not necessarily far from here, is already talking about skywalks.

“I look forward to the day, not in a wheelchair but with my stick, I can access the skywalk and perhaps get a photo up there in such a brilliant location.”

Cr Tracey Lewis said she had experienced more support for the project than she had heard negatives.

“I’ve also had people who really don’t care either way – they just don’t have a problem with it,” Cr Lewis said.

“I’m not voting on hearsay, I’m voting on actual conversations that I’ve had with real people and after taking all submissions into account.

“I always seriously consider all people’s opinions and I’m always true to myself and the community I represent.

“For me to do the right thing for our community, I need to listen to everyone’s statements and I truly believe that the majority is in favour of the skywalk and it would be a travesty if the skywalk did not go ahead.

“I’m really excited about the interpretive signing that’s going to go on the skywalk because I think that it’ll be great for people who come to visit Narrandera to find out why the lake was built as a man-made structure, where the water goes to from there and what happens when we drain the lake once a year.

Cr Sue Ruffles said she had also deliberated her decision for some time.

“Like all the councillors sitting here I’ve given this thorough and due consideration over a long period of time,” Cr Ruffles said.

“I like the point that it’s going to be appropriate materials and colours designed to minimise the visual impact.”

The youngest councillor of the group, Cr Braden Lyons, said he was faced with his first important decision on council.

“This is my first major vote on council and to be honest I’m quite surprised at the debate this has created,” Cr Lyons said.

“All I can say is the majority of people I’ve spoken to in person and I say again, the majority, have voiced their support for this skywalk proposal.

“For us to grow we need more tourism.

“The Skywalk creates disabled access, it creates beautiful views and I think we should get behind this because it’s beneficial for our community.”

The skywalk is part of the Playground on the Murrumbidgee Project which council received approval and funding for in 2019.

This article appeared in the Narrandera Argus, 19 May 2022.

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