Meninya Street Project update
Published on 19 November 2025
Murray River Council has resolved to accept more than $1 million in funding to revitalise a key entry point into Moama’s CBD.
A total of $1,078,164 has been awarded under the NSW Government’s Sustainable Communities Program (SCP) to support redevelopment works at 6 Meninya Street, the site of the old council offices.
The SCP funding program aims to minimise the social and economic impacts of Australian Government water recovery measures on Basin communities by funding investment-ready projects that can stimulate economic activity and deliver lasting community benefits.
The council had initially resolved to decline the funding on the basis that it should be awarded to projects in communities directly impacted by water buybacks. However, via a rescission motion at this month’s council meeting, council revisited the proposal and resolved to accept it via a vote (split 5 in favour and 4 against).
“Securing the grant allows council to address longstanding safety and accessibility issues while unlocking more than $1 million in external funding,” Mayor, Cr Harvie said.
“It means we can deliver much needed utility upgrades at a lower net cost to the ratepayers.”
The funding was to cover:
- Demolition of the existing buildings (old council offices and toilet block)
- Installation of a new Changing Places facility to replace the current public toilets
- Relocation of bus stop and site beautification
- An Expression of Interest process for potential private investment of the site.
Council resolved to contribute $369,036, bringing the total project value to $1.44 million, although further discussions will be had to clarify the full scope of works and land classification, particularly regarding the old council office building.
In readiness for future SCP funding rounds, council staff have already commenced work to identify suitable projects within the Greater Wakool Ward and Greater Murray Ward. Council’s Economic Development team is also supporting local community groups and stakeholders to prepare their own applications for funding when the new round opens.
Council also received an update on the status of the overall Meninya Street Precinct Project at its November meeting, resolving to pause design works while it clarifies the project’s future direction. The update was provided in recognition that, although the project has progressed under previous Council resolutions, the current Council has not yet had the opportunity to formally reaffirm its commitment.
“Recent discussions have suggested that support for the project in its current form may not be sufficient to justify continued investment of time and resources,” Cr Harvie said.
“As a result, Council has determined that pausing the project will allow space to reassess community expectations, financial considerations and the overall scope of what is needed in Meninya Street before proceeding further.”
To date, the project has delivered master plans, concept designs, video animations and progress on detailed designs.
While a formal cost estimate was yet to be produced, early conservative forecasts placed the full streetscape upgrade at between $22–25 million, reflecting a comprehensive scope of works.
The project was intended to be delivered in stages over several years, with Council seeking to secure state and federal grant funding to offset costs.
In resolving to pause the project, councillors cited feedback from local community and businesses saying they were against the project proceeding in its current form.
In making its decision, Council also acknowledged that regardless of the project proceeding or not, a number of infrastructure updates will still be required in coming years to address asset renewal and compliance issues.
“Pausing the project will enable Councillors to carefully consider what is needed for the CBD and determine the most appropriate next steps for Meninya Street and Moama,” Cr Harvie said.