Garden Park Upgrade

Concept designs for the new Garden Park works have been released and are available for feedback. 

The project forms part of the $3.4 million Cohuna CBD and Waterfront Connections project. The concept plans have been formed with some suggestions having been given by the public earlier in the year.

Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said, “The concept design aims to enhance Cohuna’s natural beauty, celebrate its history and create a space where families can meet by Gunbower Creek.”

Features of the concept design include a deck pontoon connected by a walkway to King George Street, where the current town clock stands. The clock, however, is not included in the plans, which has many locals disappointed. 

The Major Mitchell cairn will be relocated to the Gateway Visitor Centre either in its current form or redesigned, and the stones from the cairn repurposed within the landscaped garden.

The sound shelter, which has never been accepted by the community and has been described by the public as ‘useless’ and an ‘eyesore’ may be replaced with an amphitheatre precinct. This proposal removes the popular car park at the Island Road end of the park and replaces it with terraced seating. The new stage area provides no cover for performers.

At a presentation given at the Cohuna Progress Association meeting on Monday night, Gannawarra Council’s Manager Projects and Property, Wade Williams, said the amphitheatre concept was open to discussion and changes.

Copies of the Cohuna Waterfront Connection Project concept design are available at the Gateway to Gannawarra Visitor Centre and the Cohuna Library or can be viewed on council’s website.

“All feedback received will assist with developing the project’s final design, with works to begin during the second half of 2021,” Mr O’Reilly said.