Case Studies
Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan

Design Feature

Type of project
Masterplan
State
Victoria
Location
Rural
The Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan provides a strategic proposal for future improvements along the riverfront to reinvigorate this public open space and enhance its social, environmental, cultural and economic value. This living document relates to a 4.5-kilometre linear riverfront space situated between the Murray and Marraboor Rivers. It is an integral project for the future of Swan Hill and is an initiative in the Swan Hill Rural City Council Plan. The Council recognised the importance of community consultation during the development of the masterplan. This involvement has made the plan unique and representative of the community’s vision, and will strengthen ownership and respect for the area, allowing the preservation of a sense of place.
Between the Murray and the Marraboor
The Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan aims to create an attractive and inclusive public open space along the Murray River where the local community and visitors can meet, shop, play and relax for generations to come. The process in developing the masterplan was a whole-of-community experience with more than 2,000 people providing feedback and information at various stages during its development. Since its endorsement by Swan Hill Rural City Council, initial projects as part of the masterplan have transformed this destination. These projects include the cleaning of the Riverside Park’s pond and installation of new lights on its water fountain and the realignment of the path from Riverside Park to under the Swan Hill Bridge.
Additional projects include the installation of six outdoor fitness stations, drinking fountains, Murray Cod-shaped bike rack, designer recycle bins and car park developments which have facilitated a destination that encourages activity and interaction across the community. As part of the masterplan’s lighting strategy, LED energy-efficient lighting has been installed, including 23 light poles and lights, 12 tree up-lights and five solar lights along the riverfront from the wetlands to Brian Street. This has not only improved the safety of the area, but made it more accessible, encouraging community members to use the riverfront throughout the year.
The masterplan has also seen the initial construction of the Swan Hill Riverwalk – a pathway providing an almost continuous link from Pental Island Road through to Milloo Street Wetlands and connecting with regional walking trails. Stage one saw the completion of a 1.5km shared path along the Swan Hill Riverfront from the caravan park to local wetlands. Stage two has recently been completed and includes the extension of the shared pathway from the Pioneer Settlement’s Paddle Steamer Gem to the levee bank along the Little Murray River.

During these works the road and carparks in the area have been re-aligned and formalised. Future plans also include improvements to the Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery. The riverfront improvements have further encouraged community events within Riverside Park, which make full use of the new facilities. This includes a monthly Farmers Market, the Swan Hill triathlon and the Colour Your Run event. The annual Harmony Day, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations at Riverside Park also regularly attract up to two thousand community members and visitors.

Additional projects planned as part of the Riverfront Masterplan include an All Abilities Active Play Precinct (skate and play area) in Riverside Park, Japanese-themed garden, boat ramp extension (for which funding has been received) and remediation of fuel depot sites.
Project team
  • Swan Hill Rural City Council

Project Cost
  • Up to $55 Million over 30 years

Health Value
  • Shared pathways, outdoor fitness stations, drinking fountains, improved lighting and enhancing the overall amenity and accessibility of the riverfront (including Riverside Park) offers health value as it has encouraged increased physical activity at the precinct by community members and visitors.

Economic Value
  • The Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan will play a vital role in the future of Swan Hill. It has seen, and will continue to see, the creation of new assets, new business opportunities, new jobs and a wide range of community activities being undertaken.
  • The staged development and upgrade of existing and installation of new public infrastructure will also help improve the economy through increased local and tourist activity.

Environmental Value
  • The Swan Hill Riverfront Masterplan includes key sustainable design concepts to reduce impacts on the environment. This includes a reduction in water use through adoption of measures that support water saving and reuse, enhanced appreciation of the natural environment and protection and appropriate presentation of Aboriginal and European cultural heritage.

Social Value
  • The riverfront provides interesting, comfortable and safe meeting places for a wide range of users and encourages activity and events.
  • It also recognises the Aboriginal and European cultural heritage of the area, elements of Swan Hill and increases the sense of pride, ownership and use of the riverfront by the community.

Use Value
  • The installation of infrastructure, enhanced amenity and facilities along the Swan Hill Riverfront as part of the masterplan has further encouraged the community and visitors to utilise and enjoy this space – be it for physical activity or social gatherings.
  • Large community events are also held within Riverside Park, including a monthly Farmers Market, Swan Hill triathlon, Colour Your Run, Harmony Day, New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations.

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