Matt Wright from Midpro Engineering and Irrigation has begun constructing the new bird hides for Gum Swamp. INSET: The existing bird hide will also receive a makeover.
Construction Co
Avid and amateur twitchers will soon have four, unobtrusive vantage points from which to observe over 150 bird species, with the construction of new bird hides underway for Gum Swamp reserve.
Local contractors, Midpro Engineering and Irrigation commenced work earlier this month to construct three new two-storey steel and timber structures on the water’s edge. The existing bird hide at Gum Swamp will also receive a makeover as part of the redevelopment.
The existing bird hide will also receive a makeover.
Forbes Arts Society’s Keith Mullette said, “While Gum Swamp is already a popular destination for bird watchers, this project will encourage residents and visitors to utilise the wetland sanctuary for other passive recreational activities such as walking, photography and yoga, or to simply immerse themselves in nature.” Work on the new bird hides is anticipated to be complete by the end of 2020, weather permitting.
Gum Swamp is one of the stops on the Sculpture Down the Lachlan trail following the installation of the impressive ‘Varanus’ sculpture in July which has clocked up 8,500 visitors in ten weeks.
The ‘Boosting the Lachlan Valley Economy Art Project’ is proudly funded by the NSW Government’s Restart NSW program through the Regional Growth, Environment and Tourism Development Fund, the Forbes Arts Society, Forbes Shire Council, Lachlan Shire Councils and Evolution Mining, and aims to foster visual arts throughout the Forbes Shire to grow the visitor economy and promote the Lachlan Valley region as a premier tourism destination.