Prepared by consultants Integrated Site Design, the result follows substantial community consultation involving the many sporting and community groups in the area.
“It is critical to note that this is a Structure - High Level/Concept Plan only - in many respects,” Federation Council’s director engineering services Steve Carmichael said.
“The plan recommends detailed master planning then occur across the precincts as and when funding and need arises.
“The Ball Park as an example, has already proceeded to this stage and has a finalised Master Plan and Business Development Strategy.”
Thirty-one submissions were received by council during last year’s exhibition period of the masterplan. An overview of the submissions was presented at council’s July 2020 meeting.
“It’s important to note there were a lot of submissions and the consultants very much listened to their concerns and amended the masterplan – all coming together for a very good masterplan,” Cr Paul Miegel said.
“The community should be encouraged ‘Yes, you do get listened to’.”
“Sporting groups have a document now they can feel ownership of and be involved in seeking grant funding,” Cr Fred Longmire said.
All submissions were attached to Mr Carmichael’s report which presented a table of concerns with answers.
The main areas of concern from the submissions were a boat ramp facility adjacent to John Foord Bridge, and provision of sporting facilities at Morris Park – tennis courts, basketball/netball court and for Little Athletics.
Provision of the sporting facilities at Morris Park have been included in the plan. Conjecture exists as to the merit of a regional boat ramp near the lagoon.
Whilst the plan’s recommended adoption is to include a notation suggested by council’s director engineering services that the existing boat ramp facility at the head of the lagoon area be retained and developed in due course to a regional boat standard, deputy mayor Shaun Whitechurch expressed his disagreement.
Cr Whitechurch said the location is unsuitable for a regional boat ramp for various reasons, including safety, and that council must explore another location.
Adopted by council on the motion of Crs Gail Law and Longmire, this plan awaits approval from the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Investment, Crown Reserves.
Cr Andrew Kennedy referred to the recent push by Corowa Chamber of Commerce, which has council support, for a weir/loch (see separate story). “All those boardwalks are not going to work if a loch/weir goes in,” he said, which was acknowledged by Mr Carmichael who said both proposed projects were long term plans.
Included in The Free Press is the Proposed Structure Plan relating to the Corowa Foreshore and Surrounds which depicts a wide range of new or upgraded assets, including new, additional football and hockey ovals.
The detailed masterplan of the Corowa Foreshore and surrounds, and Morris Park area is to further define the development to occur including the proposed road and access improvements along Bridge Road to the bridge/foreshore areas.
“The plan represents another significant step forward in the future planning of council/community assets, and has already been instrumental as a draft, in attracting $1.8 million of State Government funding under the Crown Lands Improvement Program,” Mr Carmichael said.
“Proceeding with adopting a masterplan does not commit council financially and will have a neutral impact on Council’s Long Term Financial Plan 2020-2030 financial sustainability ratios.
“It will be important to factor into future LTFP’s planning for priority projects so that appropriate funding can be identified and secured.”
