Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

Senator Deborah O'Neill
Labor Senator for New South Wales

Upgraded foreshore infrastructure along the Murray River to support tourism and community access was launched in Koondrook on Thursday 20/06/2024 by Labor Senator Deborah O’Neill on behalf of the Australian Government.

Senator O’Neill is Labor’s spokesperson for the electorate of Farrer and represented Senator Jana Stewart, the Labor spokesperson for Mallee, and the Minister for Infrastructure the Hon. Catherine King MP.

The Our Region Our Rivers Project has seen foreshore construction and an upgrade to public use areas across Local Government Areas (LGAs) in both New South Wales and Victoria.

The Australian Government committed $16.8m towards 29 projects across the local government areas of Balranald, Buloke, Edward River, Gannawarra, Loddon, Murray River, and Swan Hill in Northern Victoria and Southwest New South Wales.

The Our Region Our Rivers project is a first of its kind, as an innovative collaboration of local councils across two states. All the local communities involved in the project have increased visitor traffic, with projects being supported by local residents and visitors.

Up to 280 people are estimated to have worked on the construction phase of the project with 150,000 people anticipated to benefit from the tourism boost that will accompany its completion.

Quotes attributable to Senator O’Neill:

“It is great to be in Koondrook, on behalf of my Labor colleagues, to open this first of its kind project that has seen the beautification and development of many sites along the water.”

“This project will contribute to an already vital tourism industry and produce a major economic benefit to the community.”

“The Albanese Labor Government is focussed on building infrastructure and supporting regional industries; the Our Region Our Rivers project is an excellent example of government partnering with community.”

“This project will not only help the region become more of a destination for tourists but also improve the amenities available to local residents.”

Quotes attributable to Senator Stewart:

“The funding under Our Region Our Rivers project builds on our investments in Northern Victoria and Southwest New South Wales and ensures that local communities and visitors experience the natural beauty of the region I grew up in.”

“I’m proud that the Albanese Labor Government is partnering with local communities to drive tourism and economic development in our regions.”