Community invited to have their say on Four Mile Reserve transformation

As part of their extensive reactivation of public spaces to create a vibrant and modern future for residents and visitors, Brewarrina Shire Council has revealed the first design plans for the transformation of Four Mile Reserve.

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, shade and BBQ area, improved access to the river, grassed expanses, car and van parking and road upgrades – all of which will be fully accessible.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was very pleased to see the designs taking shape, which have been inspired and formed by local Dreaming stories, the local landscape and local resources.  

“Careful thought, considerate planning and community input has gone into every aspect of the conceptual planning for Four Mile by experienced architects and landscapers. They’ve taken into consideration current and future uses, cultural significance, flood mitigation, utilising local resources and the local workforce, and how we can improve the facilities of this favourite riverside spot,” said Mr Kirby.

“Four Mile is not only extremely popular for camping and recreation for the community and visitors, but it is also a special place for First Nations peoples. Dreaming stories tell us the Rainbow Serpent, travelled across the landscape creating the river, and then came to rest at the bend in the river where the water reaches its deepest depth – what we know today as Four Mile. Our project team met with community members including staff from the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council and heard this story, and it has inspired much of the design elements for the makeover.”

As well as inspiration from the heritage and history of Four Mile, the design team also looked to the local landscape and natural resources to form key elements of the transformation plan.

“We are lucky to have some truly beautiful natural resources in the region, including the deep coloured natural rocks and granite at our quarry. So, the designs also look to utilise these local resources and materials to form some of the buildings and structures at the site, as well as leveraging the local workforce to complete the project.  

“This will be a place built for and by the community,” added Mr Kirby.

Another important aspect of the design is the impact flooding events can have on the location.

“Four Mile Reserve and the surrounding low-lying areas are prone to flooding. All elements of the upgrade works will be built to withstand, be removable, or be built in areas less susceptible to flooding,” said Mr Kirby.

Key elements of the new design plans for the Four Mile Reserve upgrade project include:

• New amenities building including bathrooms, showers and changerooms, featuring locally sourced stacked rock walls that not only look good, and suit the natural landscape but also reduce costs and boosts the local economy.
• A new BBQ area and shelter designed to provide shade throughout the day, for a cool place to gather, eat and enjoy the river.
• Lawn areas and retaining gabion walls and terracing made from locally sourced stacked rocks to provide flood mitigation and stabilise the shoreline as well as offer comfortable places to sit and a natural gathering place.
• Better access to the water through a stabilised riverbank area and a new floating pontoon and jetty, parallel to the boat ramp, that extends into the deeper section of the river. The jetty is designed so it can be easily removed in times of flooding.
• Upgraded roads, parking bays, footpaths and boardwalks, ensuring the space is accessible for all, and easily manoeuvrable for cars, trailers, buses and vans.

A detailed copy of the plans can be found here and on display at council’s offices, with the community invited to submit their feedback on the plans via an online survey, which is open until Friday October 11, 2024.

“We want to hear from the community on the proposed plans for Four Mile. We have an online survey open now for the next few weeks where you can have your say on the plans. We know how important this place is for the community, whether it’s for fishing, camping, boating, and just generally enjoy the outdoors and our river, so it’s important our upgrade plans are really enhancing Four Mile and making it better for all to enjoy, for years to come,” concluded Mr Kirby.

Have your say on the Four Mile Reserve plans by completing the following feedback survey by Friday October 11, 2024 – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/35DZ8MR