Goondiwindi shows strong support for new golden age of River Precinct

Community feedback about the future of the Macintyre River Precinct has shown overwhelming support for new community projects and commercial ventures in the area.

The results of community consultation were presented to Councillors and showed that an overwhelming 96% of local residents would support change in the River Precinct area, which is the broader area including the Golden Age Centre, the Goondiwindi boat ramp, the river walk and the Goondiwindi Bowls Club.

The results showed very strong community support for leasing the Golden Age Centre (also known as the PCYC Riverview Function Centre) as a commercially operated space such as a restaurant. Other suggestions with strong support included the creation of an art and sculpture trail in collaboration with local community group Lanescape Inc to link the river precinct to the town’s CBD, as well as increased public access to the riverbank and improved lighting and security along the river walk.

Mayor of the Goondiwindi region the Honourable Lawrence Springborg AM 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 utilise 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,” the Mayor said.

Of the completed surveys, more than 70% of respondents said they currently use the area to exercise along the river and another 15% 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% said greater dining options such as a coffee shop, restaurant or bistro, 13% said a tourism hub and 12.5% said the availability of more recreational activities.

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

Cr Springborg said that Council has finalised its contract negotiations with the new lessee for the management of the facility after the Police Citizens Youth Club (PCYC) told Council it would not extend its previous lease of the facility past 30 September 2020.

“Council’s role is to work in the interest of the region to achieve the best outcome and, following a formal expression of interest process, I’m confident that the new lessee’s business will very much align with the vision for the precinct expressed in the community feedback,” Cr Springborg said.

Engage & Create Consulting consulted with the community from June - September 2020 about the use of the River Precinct Area, including the Golden Age Centre, boat ramp and Goondiwindi Bowls Club. The consultation included feedback from neighbouring residents, community groups and the wider community through surveys, phone calls and meetings.