Upgrades to Goondiwindi precinct supported by locals

A community survey has revealed the vast majority of local residents want to see key upgrades to infrastructure in their town. See which upgrades are on the cards here.

Discussing the border are (from left) Queensland Police Superintendent Mark Kelly (left) Goondiwindi Mayor Lawrence Springborg and Assistant Commissioner Mike Condon at Goondiwindi's old Macintyre Bridge.

Overwhelming support from the Goondiwindi community has driven the execution of a number of key projects in the Macintyre River Precinct.

A community consultation was presented to the Goondiwindi Regional Council, and showed 96 per cent of local residents would support change in the region, which includes the Golden Age Centre, the Goondiwindi boat ramp., the river walk and the local bowls club.

The results showed strong support for leasing the PCYC which is set to receive a bout of funding for upgrades.

There is potential for the space to be leased for commercial purposes and operating spaces like a restaurant.

Strong support also backed the creation of an art and sculpture trail in collaboration with Lanescape Inc to link the river precinct to the town’s CBD.

Of the completed surveys, more than 70 per cent of respondents said they currently use the area to exercise along the river and another 15 per cent said they mainly used the area for fishing or other water activities. When asked what would encourage them to use the space more often, nearly 70 per cent said greater dining options such as a coffee shop, restaurant or bistro, 13 per cent said a tourism hub and 12.5 per cent said the availability of more recreational activities.

When asked about the Golden Age Centre in particular, 65 per cent of people wanted to see the centre operated differently, and the remaining 35 per cent of people thought it should continue in its current model, albeit with upgrades required.

Mayor Lawrence Springborg said the development of the River Precinct had significant potential to boost the region’s lifestyle and held particularly strong tourism opportunities.

“One thing we can all agree on is how lucky we are in the Goondiwindi region to have such a fantastic natural asset as the Macintyre River right on our doorstep,” Cr Springborg said.

“The community consultation that’s just been done is about working out how to best use the River Precinct area and achieve the best outcomes for the community.

“The key themes reflected in the feedback were that people would like to see the space used to grow the region’s tourism as well as boosting local liveability, while using our existing spaces and assets to their full potential.”