Four Monash University students have formulated a master plan for an integrated civic, arts and tourism precinct in Echuca to help revitalise the picturesque region.
In 12 weeks, the students conducted a design and feasibility study to develop a vision and concept of the Echuca river frontage between two bridges that connect the NSW border town of Moama.
The main issues identified were: The area lacked connectivity between spaces, disconnect between Echuca’s central business district and riverfront, lack of destinations throughout the site, and limited pedestrian accessibility.
Findings from the design phase of the study to help tackle these problems recommended: a new boardwalk and paths, remodelling the existing Council Civic Centre to help bridge the gap between Echuca and the riverfront, adding a pumphouse and water play with improved access to leisure activities like kayaking and swimming, and creating a network of paths while ensuring all abilities access points were integrated throughout the site.
By implementing the master plan, the students believe Echuca will be revitalised, with the riverfront transformed into a “unified vibrant civic space”, while transforming into a focal point for community engagement and tourism.
In late 2022, the largest transport infrastructure project in northern Victoria was completed.
The result was the construction of a second Murray River crossing to connect Echuca and Moama to make it quicker and easier for people to travel across the Campaspe and Murray rivers.
The newly built Echuca-Moama bridge also established a complementary endpoint along the stretch of Murray River frontage, extending from its location to the older steel bridge.
For Campaspe Shire Council, this new ‘Bridge-to-Bridge’ stretch unlocked an opportunity for the development and redevelopment of the Echuca River frontage between the two existing bridges.
To leverage this opportunity, council partnered with the Monash Industry Team Initiative (MITI) and Gardiner Foundation to employ a small multi-disciplinary team of students to conduct a design and feasibility study of the Echuca Murray River frontage between the two bridges.
The Bridge-to-Bridge Project team was made up of Monash University students: Aleez Vasaya – Master of Architecture, Aydin Custovic – Master of Architecture, Cameron Reynolds – Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) and Minor in Renewable Energy, and Yuan Liu – Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) and Design (Industrial).
The four students spent the summer of 2023-24 living and working in Echuca as a team to tackle this project.
“The most memorable experience from working on the project would be all our interactions with the various stakeholders of the project and hearing their collective visions for the riverfront in Echuca, no matter how ambitious,” Mr Reynolds said.
“This really inspired our design choices leading towards a blend of the community's visions.”
Mr Custovic, who lives in Essendon, said the overall experience of living in a regional area was quite a change from living in the city.
“Living in a different environment, regionally, I think made the experience such a positive one,’’ he said.
‘’I am not sure if I would have felt the same had I completed this project living at home and working in the city.
‘’I really enjoyed the things we did outside of work, on the weekends, that I otherwise wouldn't have done at home.’’
This is the first community project the Gardiner Foundation has sponsored through the MITI program.
Since 2014, Gardiner has supported more than 266 students, providing them invaluable exposure to relevant learning opportunities and practical experience in regional and rural areas.
Investing in dairy communities to maximise the benefit of all sectors is a large part of the self-sustaining philanthropic organisation’s purpose and vision.
This project is part of an effort to attract and retain skilled people in regional areas, so these communities can continue to thrive.
Mr Reynolds and Mr Custovic developed a new appreciation for Campaspe Shire after spending their entire placement living in Echuca.
Both are, for the first time, widening their job search to include regional areas.
“I think the experience has opened my eyes to the range of jobs that rural communities and businesses have to offer,” Mr Reynolds said.
‘’Prior to my placement I probably wouldn't have considered a job in a rural community or within a local council.
‘’However, the program showed me the kind of opportunities that are available.’’
Mr Custovic added that the experience would change the way he approaches the job search after graduating.
“I would have never considered a job in a regional town. However, after this experience the option to live regionally is there,” he said.
The project has created opportunities for council to explore and integrate surrounding areas with the river frontage design.
Key elements include establishing a street connection between the Campaspe and Murray rivers, creating a Campaspe River frontage walk that connects with the Murray River walk and incorporating the bridges within the Murray River walk.
Throughout the project, the student team gained invaluable exposure to relevant learning opportunities related specifically to their studies while acquiring hands-on practical experience.
“I think these programs are extremely helpful in terms of putting my study into action. There were several times where I could integrate civil engineering solutions and recommendations into some of the problems we were facing,” Mr Reynolds said.
“However, these were not always as straight forward as some of the practical examples given throughout my studies.
‘’This program challenged and enabled me to think of solutions beyond what I'd learnt while still drawing on my acquired knowledge.”
Mr Custovic said this practical work helped to solidify their studies.
“Doing work in the real-world context puts things into perspective in how our work can make a difference to the community.”