Brewarrina Shire Council has advanced the redevelopment of a waterfront area south east of the town.

A team of geotechnical engineers were on site at Four Mile on the Barwon River this week, completing final investigations in preparation for the completion of the extensive revitalisation construction plans.

This marks a significant milestone as the site prepares for a comprehensive $1.5 million transformation, aimed at renewing the area for both locals and visitors. 

Testing included soil assessments, which will be crucial in ensuring that the upcoming developments are designed to suit local conditions.

The $1.5 million makeover for the popular riverside spot will see a host of new facilities and features added inspired by the local culture and environment.

The improvements include new amenities with bathrooms and showers, shaded BBQ area with seating, improved access to the river via stabilised bank and removable floating jetty and pontoon, grassed expanses, and road and footpath upgrades – all of which will be fully wheelchair accessible and built to withstand flooding events.  

Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was pleased the final stage of the construction planning was almost finalised and looked forward to construction getting underway. 

"The completion of the geotech investigations is a crucial step forward in our vision to transform Four Mile Reserve into a vibrant community hub.

"We are committed to creating a space that reflects our community’s values and needs while preserving the unique natural environment for generations to come." 

The project is slated to begin construction in the coming months, with the construction tender for the project expected to be released shortly.  

Community gathering place

“Careful thought, considerate planning and community input has gone into every aspect of the conceptual planning for Four Mile by experienced architects and landscapers.

"They’ve taken into consideration current and future uses, cultural significance, flood mitigation, utilising local resources and the local workforce, and how we can improve the facilities of this favourite riverside spot,” said Mr Kirby, pictured below, on-site.

“Four Mile is not only extremely popular for camping and recreation for the community and visitors, but it is also a special place for First Nations peoples.

"Dreaming stories tell us the Rainbow Serpent, travelled across the landscape creating the river, and then came to rest at the bend in the river where the water reaches its deepest depth – what we know today as Four Mile.

“Our project team met with community members including staff from the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council and heard this story, and it has inspired much of the design elements for the makeover.”

As well as inspiration from the heritage and history of Four Mile, the design team also looked to the local landscape and natural resources to form key elements of the transformation plan.

“We are lucky to have some truly beautiful natural resources in the region, including the deep coloured natural rocks and granite at our quarry.

"So, the designs also look to utilise these local resources and materials to form some of the buildings and structures at the site, as well as leveraging the local workforce to complete the project. 

“This will be a place built for and by the community,” said Mr Kirby.