Community gives stamp of approval to Four Mile Reserve makeover plans
October 22, 2024 – The community have given their stamp of approval to initial design plans for a $1.5 million makeover of Four Mile Reserve, with a resounding 97 percent of responders saying they liked the proposed upgrade plans, and over 84 percent indicating the updated facilities would encourage them to visit Four Mile more often.
Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive feedback received for the project.
“I am so pleased the community liked the Four Mile transformation plans as much as we did. Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the feedback survey over the past month, especially those who added some very valuable suggestions which have now been passed over to the designers,” said Mr Kirby.
“Your feedback and approval is extremely important as we know how much this place means to so many, and we really wanted to ensure the work that we undertake adds value and takes into consideration the needs, wants and uses of this popular spot.
“We want to enhance and upgrade the facilities, to help locals and visitors get the most out of one of our favourite river-side places. While also making some practical changes that make Four Mile more accessible for everyone, and more resistant to flooding events,” added Mr Kirby.
The $1.5 million make-over for the popular camping and fishing spot will see a host of new facilities and features added inspired by the local culture and environment, including new amenities with bathrooms and showers, shaded BBQ area with seating, improved access to the river via stabilised bank and removable floating jetty and pontoon, grassed expanses, and road and pathway upgrades – all of which will be fully wheel-chair accessible and built to withstand flooding.
“Flooding was one concern a number of people in the community raised during the survey period. It is an area prone to flooding, but this has been taken into consideration for all elements during our design phase. The positioning and the materials the facilities will be constructed from will all be suitable for flooding.
“The significance of Four Mile to First Nations people is also very important. It has played a key role in the upgrades, with the Dreamings creation story inspiration for much of the design,” added Mr Kirby.
With community feedback now received, the plans will go back to the designers, with additional suggested facilities from the community, such as a dedicated fish cleaning area, to be explored. The detailed plans will then be presented at Council’s next meeting, followed by tender documentation to go to market for construction.
Find out more about the proposed design plans here.