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Imagine spending a day relaxing alongside the Nepean River or hiring a canoe to take onto the water for a leisurely row. That could become reality if Camden Council’s draft plan for the Camden town centre is approved. The ‘Camden Town Centre Urban Design Framework’ identifies the Nepean River as a potential tourism hotspot. Camden mayor Lara Symkowiak said she would like to see the Nepean River reach its full potential. “I would love to see the river used more,” she said. “We already have a bike track along the southern part of the river, but I think it is worth investigating extending that to the northern section. There is the potential for more tourist activities on the water and along the riverside.” The draft plan was created after consulting the community. The draft mentions potential recreational, environmental and educational opportunities around the river including a shared cycleway, informative signage about the river and boat access. Feedback from the community also included the potential for public events along the river, paddle boat and canoe hire and more access to picnic areas. “People love to walk or jog alongside the river so it makes sense that they would want to actually be on the water as well,” Cr Symkowiak said. “Access to the river is virtually non-existent at the moment. “The Nepean is a huge part of the natural environment in Camden and it would be great to see more use of the river and the riverside.” Another potential tourism drawcard identified in the plan is an improved heritage walk. Camden Historical Society already have a brochure for a self-guided heritage walk based on metal plaques they had erected in the town in 1988. Society president Dr Ian Willis said ‘high quality’ plaques like the ones in Sydney would better showcase Camden’s historic landmarks and buildings. “If they go with brass plaques that can take the traffic that would be ideal,” he said. “The plaques would have to be suitable for the location, so they could be embedded in footpaths or on buildings themselves.” Cr Symkowiak said while the heritage walk was not a new idea, it would be easy for council to get up and running should the draft plan be approved. “Camden is a very walkable town so a heritage tour with beautiful signage and [illuminated] plaques is something we can look at.”

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