Construction of the long-awaited Mehi Beach project at Moree Water Park has officially begun, with a sod-turning event at the site marking the occasion on Monday.
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Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, Moree mayor Katrina Humphries, Moree Plains Shire Council representatives, members of the Moree Water Ski Club, representatives from Toursim Moree, volunteers, sponsors and members of the community were on hand to witness the turning of the first sod of the $160,000 Mehi Beach project, which will go a long way in making the park a premier tourist destination.
“Not only will the facility upgrades and improvements make this one of Moree’s best community assets, and much more family-friendly, it will make the Park a destination for tourists, day trippers and interstate water sport competitors and their families,” Mr Marshall said.
“This will bring millions and millions of dollars into this community each year.
“It is different, it is out of the box and I think it is absolutely brilliant.
“The sky is the limit for this place and I’m really, really excited about it, so well done to all.”
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Cr Humphries echoed Mr Marshall’s sentiments, saying it’s going to be a “national treasure”.
“This is exciting, fabulous,” she said.
“This is going to be a tourism drawcard for people right across Australia.
“I’m incredibly proud of the local volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this what it is and I encourage all locals to get out here and have a look for themselves.
“It’s something the Moree community should be really, really proud of because it’s different.”
During Monday’s event, stage one of the Mehi Beach project – which included a solar-powered pumping station, shelter, test beach and landscaped area – was officially opened by Mr Marshall and Cr Humphries.
The sod-turning marked the beginning of stage two which will include shade shelters, barbecues, shade trees, landscaping, camping areas and a sandy beach.
When finished, Moree Water Ski Club envisages that Mehi Beach – to be located on the bank of the large circuit lake – will become an iconic destination for Moree, the North West and beyond.
Moree Water Ski Club president James von Drehnen said five road trains will begin moving sand in the coming weeks.
“It’s really exciting,” he said.
“We’re working to a plan, we’re now two years into our five-year ‘To infinity and beyond’ plan.”
The current project, which includes the building of Mehi Beach and the installation of an automated gate with CCTV, is being funded by the state government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
It is envisaged to have the project completed by 2019 to coincide with the filling of the large circuit lake, in time for Moree Water Ski Club to host the 2019 National Waterskiing Championships over Easter.
Mr von Drehnen said the park wouldn’t be where it is today without support of local businesses and the hard-work of all the volunteers involved, particularly the Joblink Plus Work for the Dole team, led by supervisor Col Arthur, and Corrective Services.
