Gannawarra Shire Council, Media Release, 22 July 2022
Residents and visitors are benefiting from the transformational Cohuna Waterfront Project, with the last section of this important project recently completed.
Gannawarra Shire Council oversaw $3.4 million worth of works across a two-year period, focusing on Apex Park, Garden Park and King George Street.
The broader project aims to develop Cohuna as a serious destination for lifestyle, recreation and business. Featuring creative infrastructure that maintains the strong Gannawarra brand, the works are opening up many new opportunities in Cohuna to grow the population and diversify the local economy.
“Cohuna residents and visitors already know that Apex Park and Garden Park are ideal locations to socialise and relax beside Gunbower Creek,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“The improvements to these areas build on this reputation, with both areas featuring spaces where families can relax by the water and visitors can enjoy the picturesque views of Gunbower Creek whilst enjoying a meal from our local traders.”
Inspired by improvements identified in Council’s Waterfront Masterplan process undertaken during 2018 and 2019, construction of the Cohuna Waterfront Development was split into two stages.
Stage 1 involved improving vehicle access to Apex Park and Cohuna’s sports precinct, with the installation of traffic calming infrastructure at the intersection of Cohuna Island and Tennis roads in mid-2021 providing easier access for vehicles accessing the Cohuna Recreation Reserve, Cohuna Swimming Pool, Cohuna Bowls Club and Cohuna Tennis Club.
“These improvements have created safer access for vehicles accessing these community assets, as well as enabling greater pedestrian access between the Cohuna Recreation Reserve and Apex Park,” Mr O’Reilly said.
Stage 2 focused on Garden Park and King George Street, with key features including a jetty on the banks of Gunbower Creek at Garden Park, improved outdoor dining areas and the creation of a new seating area at the corner of King George and Sampson streets.
“It has been great to see residents and visitors embrace the new jetty and seating areas, which will be a popular place to catch up with family and friends during the warmer months,” Mr O’Reilly said.
The Cohuna Waterfront Development also included the construction of the Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground (above), which celebrates Cohuna’s agricultural sector in a manner which people of all abilities can enjoy.
Opened to the public in December 2021, the playground includes water play elements, a three-storey play area designed as an old farm shack, climbing areas and flying fox, all located along a pathway that replicates the Gunbower Creek.
“The Cohuna All Abilities Adventure Playground’s proximity in Apex Park has ensured this new play space is a favourite location for families to catch up,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“This popularity will grow thanks to the recent installation of a junior space that caters for toddlers and junior children.”
The Cohuna Waterfront Development was supported by the State Government’s $2.7 billion Building Works package, with improvements to the corner of King George and Sampson streets possible thanks to the Federal Government’s Murray–Darling Basin Economic Development Program.
“Council thanks the State and Federal governments for their support for this transformational project, as well as the efforts of Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp and Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster for advocating for these improvements,” Mr O’Reilly said.
