Goodooga and Brewarrina get a $4 million active boost

February 27, 2025 – The rural communities of Brewarrina and Goodooga are set to get a multi-million-dollar boost after it was announced Brewarrina Shire Council was successful in securing $4 million from the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund.

The projects in Goodooga and Brewarrina were two of just ten from across the state announced by the Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King this week.

Brewarrina has received $3 million for the design and construction of four pedestrian and cycle paths that will connect the Brewarrina town centre with the iconic Barwon River, and Barwon 4 Aboriginal Reserve, where for the first time residents will have a shared walking path that will give them full connectivity to town. The project will also include solar-powered lighting, shaded rest areas, seating, interpretive signage for significant cultural and historical locations along the routes, including the National Heritage listed Baiame’s Ngunnhu (Fish Traps), as well as formal lighting for the historical Barwon Bridge. 

While Goodooga will benefit from $1 million for a connecting pathway from the town centre to the incredibly popular Artesian Baths, which has led to a tourism boom for the remote community. Solar lighting, shaded rest areas with seating, water fountains, cultural wayfinding signage celebrating the region’s Aboriginal heritage and traffic calming measures will also be incorporated.

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said the funding is a real win for his community and the result of an extensive strategy dedicated to getting the region more active while also filling key infrastructure gaps.

“We’ve keenly been developing an extensive strategy to address barriers and opportunities for a more active, safer and pedestrian and cycling friendly Shire that will transform the way people move around, and foster improved, more accessible, and sustainable modes of transport. To see the community of Barwon 4 have a shared path connecting them to town for the first time, is probably what I consider one of our communities greatest accomplishments alongside the newly installed shared path at Weilmoringle from the Wytalibah Reserve.  To secure this level of funding for two key projects in our community is real coup,” said Mr Kirby.

“It’s more than just a few footpaths. It’s an opportunity to make moving about safer and more inviting. An opportunity for discovering and showcasing our unique, culturally rich and internationally acclaimed places. An opportunity to address our resident’s needs and enhance their wellbeing.”

Goodooga resident, and Mayor of the Brewarrina Shire Tom Stanton, said the investment into Goodooga is a fantastic achievement for his remote community and something that will make a real difference.

“Right across our towns and villages, pedestrian activity is high as a primary mode of transport. But we have inadequate infrastructure to support this. Currently, there are no formal footpaths connecting our key destinations in Goodooga. This grant will change that, significantly helping us improve safety, enhance access to our most popular local attraction and mitigate the impacts of our extreme heat, benefiting both residents and visitors alike,” said Councillor Stanton.

Both projects are centred around advancing accessibility, safety, and cultural appreciation for community and tourists through:

• Integrated Pathways: formalised concrete pathways that are wide enough to accommodate shared use by pedestrians and cyclists, including those using mobility aids and wheelchairs. The design ensures that the pathways are accessible to everyone, promoting an inclusive community environment.
• Solar-Powered Lighting: to enhance safety during low-light conditions, solar-powered lighting will be installed along the pathways. This environmentally friendly solution not only increases visibility but also contributes to the Shire’s sustainability by utilising renewable energy sources.
• Shaded Rest Areas, Seating and Water Fountains: Recognising the importance of comfort for path users and the extreme heat of the region’s climate, shaded rest areas, seating and water fountains will be placed at strategic intervals. These areas will offer users a place to rest and enjoy the surrounding scenery, making the paths more inviting for longer use.
• Cultural Wayfinding and Interpretive Signage: The paths will feature signage that highlights and celebrates the cultural and historical significance of the area. This educational component will enrich the experience for users, offering insights into the community’s culture, heritage and the natural environment.
• Traffic-Calming Measures: To ensure pedestrian safety, particularly at intersections and crossings, traffic-calming measures will be integrated into the design. These measures will help manage vehicle speeds and enhance the safety of path users crossing roads, thereby reducing the risk of accidents.

“This is just the beginning of a stream of projects that will make a real difference to our communities. Walking, bikes, scooters and the like are the only mode of transport for many people across our region, and the government is recognising this. We have a solid Active Transport plan and strategy in place, and we are committed and motivated to building safe, connected and thriving communities,” Mr Kirby concluded.