Padman - Mates Park

Size: 15 hectares with a 1,500 metre frontage along the Murray River.

Vegetation community:   Riparian bushland

Landform:   Sloping towards water frontage

Classification: Recreation and conservation

Features:   Land was rabbit and weed infested and project has involved extensive weed removal and control, revegetation and habitat restoration.  More than 40 species of birds have been recorded in this park.

Walking trails: Murray River Trail 1.5km - links with Noreuil Park, Murray Vista track (2km loop) and Leany Loop Heritage track (1km loop).

The community planting at padman Park as part of National Tree Day

Achievements to date

This project commenced in 1999. In 2002, a management plan was developed by National Environment Centre (Riverina TAFE) students in consultation with the community, plus assistance from Albury City Council and parklands. There is an established, informal 'Friends of Padman Park' group.

To date over 30,000 seedlings have been planted along with approximately 10 ha of weed removal.

Funding

The Natural Heritage Trust Fund allocated $29,000 for on-ground and project works for 2001-2002. The total cost of the project is $190,000 including $45,000 from the Albury City Council and $100,000 in-kind support.

With $36,000 from the NSW Environmental Trust in 2004, parklands was able to employ casuals over two summers to hand remove woody weeds along the steepest and least accessible areas of the Murray River riparian zone.   As a result of these additional resources to tackle the most difficult sections of the park, there has been a significant increase in park users and the Friends of Padman Park are starting to feel less overwhelmed by what was initially a very daunting project.

A feature of Padman Park is its boundary with the Murray River

The future

parklands and its partners - the residents and friends of Padman Park and the City of Albury - are creating a significant flora and fauna link between Hovell Tree Park, Monument Hill Parklands, Wonga Wetlands, Murray River Corridor and Gateway Island.

Removal of exotic trees will be staggered over 10 years to ensure local provenance vegetation is re-established. Pest harbors such as hawthorn thickets (ouch!) will also be removed.

During 2006, the 'Friends of Parklands' group have been upgrading walking tracks, following up woody weed areas, removing tree guards from lots of successful revegetation sites and will be installing interpretive signage along the Leany Loop Heritage track once these are printed.

With 15ha of park land and a 1,500 metre frontage to the Murray River, why not spend a few hours exploring Padman Park and experience its history and variety. 

Where

Padman Park is situated on Padman Drive in Albury.

What you might see

Stroll along the Murray River on either the sealed Murray River Trail or the recently constructed gravel Leany Loop Heritage Track, or take in the beautiful views of the Albury-Wodonga region by walking along the Murray Vista Track. Once you start walking in Padman Park the tranquillity of the area makes you forget that you are just minutes from the central business district of Albury.

The Project

The project aims to create an area of open space that maximises opportunities for recreation, wildlife, education, interpretation and river access.

Things to do

• Birdwatching
• Picnicking
• Short or Long walks
• Bike riding
• Photography Facilities
• Walking Tracks
• Seating
• Carparking
• Playground 

What You Need to Know while in Parklands »

Further information on parklands tracks and trails in the Albury-Wodonga area can be obtained from parklands on (02) 6023 6714.