New precinct connects with nature and the Murray River in Albury

Albury’s new riverside precinct development is proving to be a popular new hotspot along the Murray River.

Completed in July, the multi-million dollar project was designed to enhance the natural beauty of the river.

It has turned the area near the Albury Swim Centre into a feature location on the Murray with an elevated boardwalk, viewing platforms, paved pathways and landscaping.

You can now get a whole new perspective of more than a kilometre of riverfront which stretches from Hovell Tree Park to Bungambrawatha Creek.

There will be a grand opening to celebrate the achievement on 7 October and all are invited.

Albury City mayor Kylie King said the transformation project had created a new recreational and meeting space for visitors to enjoy and interact with the river.

There is also a floating dock, various river viewing points, additional barbecue and picnic facilities, shade structures, better parking and lighting and landscaping.

“The improvements have completely transformed what was a really underutilised area along our beautiful Murray River, creating a space for people to meet, picnic, walk, cycle and enjoy right in the heart of our city,” mayor King said.

“We’ve been pleased to see so many people making use of the new riverside precinct at all times of the day, especially as the weather begins to warm up.

“The new space makes a great addition to our much-loved Noreuil Park Foreshore which we see packed with locals and visitors over the summer months.”

Albury City hopes there will be a big turnout at the grand opening and they’ve lined up an array of food trucks and a barbecue to be hosted by the local Rotary club.

There’ll also be roving entertainment, magic shows, free mini face painting and music.

“I’d encourage everyone in our community to come down and enjoy a free community event at the precinct from 10 am,” mayor King said.

“There’ll be delicious treats from our local food trucks, live music and lots of other fun activities to keep you entertained.”

The new pathway along the river’s edge on Hovell Tree Drive also provides a new space for community events and markets, and encourages active recreation such as walking and cycling, with a more accessible connection to other areas of the foreshore like Noreuil Park.

Minister for Agriculture, Regional NSW and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said improvements to local community spaces such as the Albury Riverside Precinct were essential to encourage travel to our regions and enjoy the beautiful spaces that people living in our regions have come to love.

“This project ensures that our community spaces can be enjoyed by people of all abilities, as well as provide new vantage points to explore, with new signage giving community and visitors an understanding of the riverside environment,” Minister Moriarty said.

The completion of the riverside precinct follows the opening in September of the Wagirra Trail Wonga Loop which now encompasses more than 20 kilometres of shared walking and cycling pathways.

The majority of the trail was constructed by Albury City’s Aboriginal work crew and included the creation of 12 kilometres of sealed trail, the installation of four bridges, creek crossings, seating and picnic tables and significant revegetation.

It also included the installation of new artworks which form part of the Yindyamarra Sculpture Walk that follows the Wagirra Trail. There is a total of 16 in place.