The Gwydir River at Bingara now has a boat ramp, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Council and Bingara’s fishing fraternity.
Gwydir Shire Council with the support of the Bingara Anglers club made an application to NSW State Government’s Maritime Services under the Better Boating Program for the construction of a boat ramp on the Gwydir River in Bingara. The Better Boating Program is a State Government initiative which aims to assist Councils and other agencies in providing new and improved boating facilities.
The grant application was successful. The total project was valued at $42,000 and was jointly funded by Gwydir Shire Council and NSW Maritime Services, each organisation contributing 50% of the funding for the project.
Two locations for the boat ramp were initially considered, one on the northern side of the Gwydir River and the other on the southern side of the river. Following community consultation, the preferred site was selected on the southern side of the Gwydir River, just upstream from the Bingara water pump station.
The concrete boat ramp is 4.5m wide and 15m long on a 1:8 grade. The ramp is designed to allow boat launching and retrieval at various river levels. The boat ramp was constructed in three sections, with the first section being precast on site and placed in position with a 60 tonne crane; the other two sections were constructed in situ. The boat ramp is now open for use and is considered a great asset for the community.
