Several months ago, Corowa’s iconic lagoon was at risk of being washed away, but that was before over 80 volunteers and business sponsors began to transform the area. This enormous undertaking has included rehabilitating and preserving the lagoon with 1,000 ‘ElcoRock’ sandbags, each weighting up to 300 kilograms.
This structuring of the banks ensures that the area will be sustainable for many years.
The lagoon has been dredged and re shaped to allow all year boating access to the river, the boat ramp has been duplicated, a car and trailer park established and significant landscape works undertaken.
Road access from Ball Park Oval has also been improved. While the completion of the project had been delayed due to the recent flooding, everyone is thrilled with the final result.
Volunteer Shaun Whitechurch said it has been a long haul with many weekend working bees and challenging weather conditions.
Corowa Shire Mayor Fred Longmire congratulated the volunteers and sponsors of the project.
“We expect that this project will generate a significant level of tourism and provide great economic benefit to our community,” he said.
The Mayor congratulated New South Wales Maritime for their support during the project in addition to providing significant funding support.
“The Corowa lagoon is a favourite spot for locals and visitors to the area, and what an asset this is now,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the summer months and ski season, which is when we will really see the great benefits of this work.”
Major grants secured to support the project included $129,000 from New South Wales Maritime, $90,000 from the Australian Government Community Infrastructure Program and $25,000 from Corowa Shire Council.
