LANDMARKS of a Riverland town will largely be kept intact following the completion of its river-front development project, according to a local mayor.
A Letter to the Editor – featured in last week’s Murray Pioneer – from local Rosemary Robinson questioned Renmark Paringa Council’s handling of its Taylor Riverfront Precinct development and plans for the town’s water fountain once the project was completed.
However, in a Letter to the Editor in today’s Pioneer, Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson confirmed the structure of the fountain, and the nearby lion statue, would remain a part of Renmark’s river-front precinct.
“The development is not a water playground, it is a water feature,” Mr Martinson said.
“Kids will be able to get wet in a much safer environment than previous, which was one of the requests from approximately 75 people who attended the community engagement forum in the Council chambers in December 2016.
“Clarks fountain will return to the site… the only difference being that it will be approximately six metres closer towards the lion.
“Council has contacted the Clark family and they are very happy with the proposal and the design of the fountain, which will be the same as the original drawings of Peter Everingham.”
Mr Martinson said the town centre’s large tree – traditionally used for a Christmas display each year – would also be kept in its current location.
“Although 18 trees (six were coco palms) have been removed, 30 new established trees will be planted with a lot more lawn, plants, shrubs, ground cover and roses,” he said.
“There will be four shelters with barbecues and bench seating and an additional 17 bench seats throughout the area with a deck overlooking the River Murray.”
Renmark Paringa Council allocated more than $3.8 million toward completing Stage 1A of the UDF in its 2018/19 budget.
The project – originally scheduled for construction in 2017/18 – is being funded with $1.4 million from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, plus $550,000 from the Stage Government’s Places for People Program.
It is understood the construction process is set to last six months, with more than $500,000 supporting local subcontractors during this time.
A 3D video further illustrating concept plans for the Renmark UDF can be viewed by visiting the council website (www.renmarkparinga.sa.gov.au/services/major-projects/urbandesignframework).