Koondrook recognised as A Great Place
Published on 10 November 2020
Gannawarra Shire Council’s works to transform Koondrook into Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Destination have been recognised by the Planning Institute of Australia – Victoria.
The Koondrook – Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Destination project was a nominee in The Great Place category at the 2020 Planning Institute of Australia - Victoria Awards for Planning Excellence, announced online on 6 November.
The project was one of more than 60 recognised during the one-hour long online presentation – a record number for the State body that represents planning and the planning profession.
“It is an honour to be recognised alongside other category nominees, Collingwood Yards and the Greville Street and Grattan Gardens at Prahran, as well as the eventual winner, Nature Play at Melbourne’s Royal Park,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.
“This nomination and recognition during the awards ceremony recognises the work Council undertook with the community and renowned architects to showcase Koondrook’s natural attributes.”
The Koondrook – Victoria’s Nature Based Tourism Destination project recognises the four-year journey Council has undertaken to rejuvenate the Murray River-based township through the construction of tourism destinations and realignment of local roads.
“Bookmarked by the opening of the Koondrook Wharf in 2016 and the recent completion of the Koondrook Retreat, works have occurred to make the town’s Central Business District and riverside precincts places that residents are proud to call their own,” Mr O’Reilly said.
“These works have included the rejuvenation of Main Street and Tramway Place, using traffic calming measures to improve pedestrian access to the Koondrook Wharf and Koondrook Retreat.
“This nomination builds on the multiple Victorian and international awards the Koondrook Wharf has received since its opening, and with the Koondrook Retreat soon to open, visitors from across Australia will soon be able to experience what our residents already know; that Koondrook is a great place to live.”