Summary of project

The Resources for Regions program have run since 2012, providing support to communities across regional NSW impacted by mining. Round 9 of this grant programs supported communities in regional areas with infrastructure and community projects that assisted the local economic and social prosperity.

Wentworth Shire Council was successfully in obtaining funding through this grant program and has facilitated ten projects with numerous outcomes. These projects include local shared way footpaths, Buronga pump track stage 2, community open space projects, Wentworth Sporting Complex Bowling Green and Alcheringa Tennis Courts Upgrade.

The viewing platform installation project was undertaken to replace the existing platform, which was undersized and did not provide disability access for community members or visitors. Demolition of the old platform commenced in August 2025, followed by construction of the new platform beginning in September. The project was completed in November 2025.

The viewing platform is located on Junction Island, a shoal of land situated between the Darling and Murray Rivers. This sandbar marks the historic junction where a group of Aboriginal people, armed with spears and weapons, confronted Captain Charles Sturt as he navigated the Murray River during his expedition in search of the inland sea. The encounter occurred upon his arrival at the Darling River junction and was ultimately defused when another group of Aboriginal people—who had befriended Sturt the previous day—intervened and peacefully resolved the stand-off.

Today, visitors can access Junction Island and stand on the footbridge spanning the Darling and Murray Rivers or walk to the precise point where the two rivers converge, where the new viewing platform has been established.