“The time to act is now. Let’s make Balranald great again.”

Kimberly Grabham, The Riverine Grazier

‘Make Balranald great again’.

This was the resounding message and vibe of a recent meeting held at the Discovery Centre Café.

Business Xchange Catch Up meetings were established by Balranald Shire Council with a view of getting local businesses and organisations together to exchange news, ideas and look at ways to grow the local economy.

Recently appointed Director of Governance, Business and Community Services, Glenn Carroll said it was time for Balranald to take the reins and benefit from the significant boom the area is having, with large corporations implementing works such as mining, solar farms, wind farms and horticulture.

“The time to act is now,” Mr Carroll said.

“Let’s make Balranald great again.”

Council’s dynamic executive leadership team of General Manager Craig Bennett, Community Projects Tourism Economic Development and Grants Coordinator Connie Mallet, Interim Acting Project Manager Adrian Edgecombe Lucas, and Mr Carroll rolled out the impressive list of projects being undertaken by Council.

“It is all happening here, we are in a boom, and on the doorstep of real happenings,” Mr Bennett said.

“At the same time, we are only as good as our team.

“We have a fantastic administrative and executive team at Balranald Shire Council, and the team will only strengthen further once councillors are elected and in action towards the end of the year.

“So, if anyone out there knows of any strategic thinkers to stand for council, please encourage them to do so.”

Mr Bennett also highlighted the need for a good housing strategy to keep workers for the undertakings such as mining and energy farms in the area.

He said Council has been working with the region on implementations such as economic strategies .

“I see Mungo as the jewel that Balranald offers,” Mr Bennet continued.

“We are not competing with others to get visitors, but rather coming together to offer a package of the best reasons to come to, and visit every town in the district of far west.

“We need to make hay while the sun shines, this is our moment, this is our time.

“We need to take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

“There’s no point looking back in five or ten years and having to say we should have done this or that.”

Ms Mallet also discussed a positive outcome of Balranald’s involvement with the Far West organisation, comprising the four LGAs (Local Government Areas), of Wentworth, Balranald, Central Darling and Broken Hill.

“There was a million dollars announced in their funding for tourism infrastructure upgrades,” she said.

“Balranald took the lead, and put forward the concept of Cultural Heritage Trails.

“The presentation was approved, and they have allowed us to take the lead in this project.

“We have one year to deliver the project, and it will have a regional focus.

“It will give each one of the LGAs involved the chance to showcase their area and heritage.

“The project will have a series of signage, its own website, maps and more.

“It is a significant undertaking, but one we are well capable of.

“There will be an itinerary created to drive traffic to the four LGAs, driving people to stay in each of the four LGAs overnight as part of the experience.

“Thanks to our proactive council, all the stars are aligning.”

Council will deliver its Destination Management Plan in June.

This plan involves tourism, highlighting a lot of key areas covered in community consultations carried out in Balranald.

Ms Mallet said the beauty of new management with vision has been getting more accomplished, and increased budgeting to accomplish more.

“We have been working very hard to get the ground work done, and lay solid foundations for when a new council is elected,” she said.

“We will also be placing our Housing Strategy Application in the near future.”

Rachel Williams was the mind behind Balranald Shire Council’s Economic Development and Strategy Plan.

Ms Williams told the meeting that more than 210 voices fed into the plan, with the first draft emailed to Ms Mallet the same day.

The plan will be on public exhibition in the near future.

The meeting also heard from Interim Acting Project Manager, Adrian Edgecombe Lucas who detailed many projects currently underway.

The Lions Park upgrade at the end of the highway has been contracted, and play equipment procured.

The park will be fully accessible. Locals can expect to see amenities, pathways and play equipment arise at the park in the coming months.

Extensions to the Discovery Centre Building, and a building off the current information centre will be happening in the next six months.

There is a new barbecue and shed shelter at the river.

Tennis court has received new lighting, as has the netball courts, with the netball court also being resurfaced, and receiving new hoops.

Various parks around town have received new irrigation systems.

There is a new cricket pitch, and the old basketball courts have new surface and lighting.

Caravan Park amenities building has had an overhaul, has a new pool and riverfront design.

Hatfield Hall has received renovations, new lighting and insulation.

The one million dollars flood recovery funding procured will be used in three separate projects; Balranald riverfront remediation and lighting, revitalising the Ben Scott Memorial Bird Trail and Euston River Walk.

“We have the engine room right to provide real results,” Mr Edgecombe Lucas said.

When attendees were asked for feedback, local transport operator and businessman, Alan Linnet raised the importance of having good roads in the district for tourists.

“That is a great point,” Mr Bennett responded.

“We are working hard to invest money in road repair and improvement.

“There are a lot of roads in the Balranald Local Government Area (LGA).

“We are well aware of the need to resolve the issue of Oxley Road, which has incurred significant damage due to flooding.

“It is very difficult to do this when it is still underwater, but we are keeping a close eye on the issue and will take action as soon as we can.”

Another attendee shared feedback received about the Caravan Park amenities block, and the vast improvement seen in recent years.

Mr Edgecombe Lucas attributed this amenities block change to maintenance team at council and Peter Murphy.

“Big things are planned for the Caravan Park,” he added.

“From the ground up, changes to the Caravan Park are geared in a way to provide a unique experience, and coming to Balranald will be the kind of thing discussed in RV (Recreational Vehicle) groups.”

Balranald Inc member Community Liaison Person for CanAssist Wyn Scott raised the issue of the ‘unhealthy’ health system.

She said the loss to the district of long-term health physician Dr Slava would mean people have to travel away for medical issues, and would take a lot of business away with them in incidental shopping.

The meeting was well attended, with representatives from various organisations taking the opportunity to voice hopes for Balranald’s future.

Meetings will be held once every two months.

This article appeared in  The Riverine Grazier, 22 May 2024.