Moama Echuca Community Skate Park

Description

The Moama Echuca Community Skate Park, located in Blair Street, Moama, adjacent the Kerrabee Soundshell, was constructed during 2011 and was officially opened by Murray Shire Mayor, Councillor Graeme Shiells, on Saturday 8 October, as part of the 2011 Riverside Freestyle Festival.

The project is a great example of a successful partnership between three levels of Government and the community to create a wonderful and very popular community facility.

History

The old Moama Skate Park was built some years ago, consisting mainly of metal ramps attached to a concrete pad. Over the years, the facilities deteriorated and most of the ramps were removed due to safety issues or non-compliance with current regulations.

During 2008 a group formed, including parents, Murray Shire Councillors and Council staff, skaters, bikers and scooters, to work towards achieving an upgraded community skate park. The Moama Echuca Community Skate Park Committee worked quickly to form community partnerships and conduct many fundraising events, including a youth festival involving a mini motor bike show and bands.

In 2009, Council received a $30,000 grant through Round 1 of the Australian Government’s Regional and Local Community Infrastructure Program (RLCIP) to develop the full working drawings, designs and paperwork required to go to tender for construction and development of the Moama Echuca Community Skate Park. Part of this funding was also allocated to purchase and install basic modular ramps on the existing park, to give residents something to use while waiting for the new park to be built.

Both Murray and Campaspe Shires committed funding towards the project, however, the Committee still faced the significant task of raising the required funds to see the project realised. During 2010, the Committee continued to work hard to raise funds. In November 2010, Council received a $141,000 grant under Round 3 of the Australian Government’s RLCIP. This was the significant injection of funds required to give the project the go-ahead. Council also received a $60,000 grant through the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program. These grants combined with a contribution of $134,000 from Murray Shire and $45,000 from the Skate Park Committee to make the project possible.

The Future

The Moama Echuca Community Skate Park Committee continues to function and will focus on running an annual event at the Skate Park.