A future redevelopment of The Dog on the Tuckerbox could soon be on the cards. Photo: Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
For almost eight years, the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has been working with the owners of the iconic Dog on the Tuckerbox to deliver potable water to the site.
The monument is an ode to a 1850s poem about an unlucky bullocky whose team had become bogged “nine miles from Gundagai”.
In hopes of completely redeveloping the site, the council and The Dog on the Tuckerbox Developments Pty Ltd have researched methods to bring a modern and visitor-friendly experience to the site.
Until recently, this seemed unlikely due to several development restrictions, including the lack of potable water on or near the site.
However, council and the company have recently signed a new deed that could see the future of the tourist site arrive sooner rather than later.
“Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council (CGRC) and The Dog on the Tuckerbox Developments Pty Ltd have signed a notable deed that will see potable water delivered to the Dog on the Tuckerbox site,” a CGRC spokesperson said.
“Identified in 2017 as a major project for CGRC, the Potable Water to the Dog on the Tuckerbox project has progressed to the stage where it will become a reality.
“To date council has undertaken feasibility studies, environmental factors, land availability and future consumption needs for the Dog on the Tuckerbox precinct.
“The future redevelopment of the site will include the construction of three buildings, the relocation of the Dog on the Tuckerbox memorial, construction of a play area, construction of car parking and associated landscape works which will be undertaken by The Dog on the Tuckerbox Developments Pty Ltd.”
CGRC Mayor Councillor Abb McAlister said it had been a long time coming and would be well worth the time spent bringing it to fruition.
“I am excited that this project will finally be delivered and the future of the historic Dog on the Tuckerbox site will be strengthened for future generations to enjoy,” Cr McAlister said.
“A project of this magnitude was always going to take some time to see it through; there were many factors to consider, overcome and accomplish.
“The delivery of potable water to any site is a basic requirement these days and it is essential to meet the expectations of the visiting public, potential future needs, hygiene and health requirements. ”
Original Article published by Jarryd Rowley on Region Riverina.
