Edward River Council approved the designs at its April ordinary meeting, but without funding a start date for the project has not yet been discussed.
Mayor Norm Brennan said the project will likely be completed in stages, as funding becomes available.
He said the boat ramp will be one of the priority projects.
‘‘We have pressure on Deniliquin’s McLean Beach for river access and we have seen the same thing in Sloane St and Poictiers St where we have boat ramps there,’’ he said.
‘‘There have been complaints about the traffic increase over the years, so we need to try and counter that.
‘‘Our thought was to put a ramp off the Edward River Oval in some format. There is plenty of room for parking and whatever else might be needed and it has complimented the designs.
‘‘I think one of the biggest things is that it would mean people do not have to travel as far to get access to the river from north Deniliquin, and we expect it will reduce traffic at the other boat ramps.’’
Cr Brennan said there has been strong public support for the establishment of an off-leash dog park, which he said included two formal submissions of support.
The dog park will be surrounded by a 2m tall chain link fence with agility and exercise equipment, designated small and large dog areas, dog drinking dispensers and seating within the park.
Existing trees will be retained to provide shade for the dog park, with new native trees to be planted on the other sides to surround the whole area.
‘‘Council wants the Edward River Oval to become an operational area, because there is not much that happens there except the 20, or 30 to 50 dogs that utilise the space to socialise,’’ he said.
‘‘That is why we believe it will be beneficial to include a dog park. It is something the Deniliquin community has asked council to establish.’’
Other parts of the design includes a fish cleaning station with shelter, a kayak launching point, new pathways and seating, parking and the removal of the cricket pitch.
‘‘We haven’t got funding for it at the moment, but we think there may be a fair bit of funding coming down the track, especially in the lead up to elections,’’ Cr Brennan said.
‘‘It has been costed at about $700,000, which we just don’t have at the moment, but we will ensure the site is shovel ready.
‘‘I am looking forward to seeing these designs become a reality and believe it will become a highly used area, valuable to locals and tourists alike.’’
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