Architect: Moir Studio
Client: Brewarrina Shire Council
Location: Brewarrina, NSW
Partridge is working alongside Moir Landscape Architecture to deliver civil, structural, and hydraulic engineering services for the Four Mile Reserve upgrade, a Brewarrina Shire Council project.
Located in remote outback NSW on the Barwon/Darling River, Brewarrina Shire covers 19,000 square kilometres and borders Queensland. The shire is significant for its First Nations heritage, notably the National Heritage listed Baiame’s Ngunnhu (Brewarrina Fish Traps). Estimated at over 40,000 years old, these ancient structures formed a key historical inter-tribal meeting site and retain strong cultural importance.
The architects worked closely with the First Nations people, taking into consideration suggestions such as moving the parking away from the river to avoid overcrowding and adding a garden area.
Our involvement covers the design of civil infrastructure and structures, stormwater system, water supply, sewer systems — ensuring the site is both functional and resilient.
The area’s tendency to flood has been a key consideration in our design. Features like the elevated boardwalk and gabion retaining walls, made with locally sourced rock, have been carefully planned in consideration of modelled flood levels while blending with the natural landscape. We have supported the design of new concrete paths for accessibility, improved surfaces for car parking, and upgraded turning circles to improve traffic flow and keep vehicles on designated roads. Stormwater design has focussed on nature-based solutions to create allow user to benefits from enhanced biodiversity and amenity value through drainage features like planted swales and basins.
Partridge has provided solutions for water supply to the new amenities building, supporting passive irrigation for the open spaces, and sewer upgrades to support the expected increase in visitors. The new facilities, including BBQ areas and a boat ramp, have all been integrated with accessibility and durability in mind.
The project is now out for tender, with construction scheduled to begin later this year. We’re proud to be contributing to the thoughtful upgrade of this well-loved riverside reserve.
