Sample Ideas for linking Community
The old railway that links Murwillimbah to Casino can be recycled into a rail trail, used for walking, cycling and horse riding. This provides a great opportunity to link the Tweed Valley towns together and promote an overall theme/identity for the entire area.
It promotes healthy outdoor rural living, with users roaming through the scenic countryside. It also helps protect native plants and animals and link vegetation in Burringbar's farming areas.
There are a plethora of economic opportunities that come with its installation. It will promote the surrounding whole food farming, production, cooking, dining, as well as local B&Bs alongside the trail. Having a place of rest to offer tourists will help draw attention to the town and all that it has to offer.
There are websites that help people find a trail to explore, which may also help bring positive economic attention to Burringbar.
RAIL TRAIL
COMMUNAL PATHWAYS & BIKE TRACKS
The establishment of footpaths and bike paths throughout Burringbar will offer improved walkability and a sustainable way for community members to safely stay well connected while helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the reduction of car use.
These paths create healthy recreation and transportation opportunities by providing people of all ages with attractive, safe, accessible places to cycle, walk, hike, jog or skate. Appropriate street lighting and landmarks will provide a more sustainable and enhanced experience.
ACCESSIBILITY & LEGIBILITY
The establishment of an on/off ramp at the Pacific Highway adjacent to Mooball and better signage will greatly improve Burringbar's accessibility for residents and visitors.
The provision of public transport facilities such as buses will assist Burringbar's growth, improving accessibility in and out of town for public travelers. Bus shelter designs conducive to rural living will uphold the character and identity of the area.
Current public car parking facilities will need to be extended to support an increasing population.
The provision of an information/interpretative centre will assist visitors and trail goers navigate Burringbar and its facilities easily.
The provision of new local roads, supported by developers, will assist residential growth.
Renovation of the community hall would assist in the success of the cottage industries in Burringbar.
It already houses cooking classes and could further become a place for community members and tourists to buy local goods and learn new skills.
RENOVATION OF COMMUNITY HALL
EXPANSION OF EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
An increased town population will increase the population at Burringbar's primary school and therefore demand for greater educational facilities.
Additionally, land should be allocated for the planning of a new secondary school to meet future demand, plus the building of a permanent library.
In Spain more than 2,000 kilometers of disused railways have been converted into cyclists and hikers tracks under their Greenways Program. Persons with reduced mobility (especially disabled, elderly and children) are the biggest beneficiaries of this infrastructure.
ENHANCED CENTRAL COMMUNAL PARK AREA
The new proposed park for Burringbar sits on the western end of the pre-existing memorial park, opposite the primary school and sports facilities, and in front of the proposed retirement village. This location is also central to the main retail precinct and allows for maximum utilisation, easy access, and enjoyment by all members of the community.
The park includes two permanent structures; a piazza (orange) and a playground (pink). Originating in Italy the piazza is an open seating area for communal use that helps bring the community together. It can double as a stage for public events such as music festivals, fetes or the farmers market. The permanent playground structure is a concentrated area for parents to supervise their children in the beautiful outdoor environment.
The spacious remaining area of the park (green) will be dotted with native trees, allowing space for market stalls and other events such as music festivals, community gatherings, ‘Dining in the Park’ events, and friendly sporting events.
The playground has been positioned at the westerly end of the park so the structure does not interrupt any events that may want to occur at the park. Similarly, as the piazza is a wall-less structure, it can sit on the edge of the pre-existing park and the newly developed park and act as a connection point between the two.