Last week while visiting the grandchildren, we drove to the river where Riverside Peace was created. The first two photos were taken last Wednesday opposite my favourite spot to walk, write, pray and create.

It’s looking somewhat different after all these years and three floods that ripped away the banks on both sides of the river. The local council has done an amazing job to redirect pathways, rebuild river banks and add the wooden jetty on which we stood.

The new bridge was opened in 2020 and the old bridge removed. This bridge was supposed to be built high enough to avoid road closure during flooding. However, before the bridge was even opened the flood waters swamped it. It’s been closed at least once when the water levels reached the road. A few other occasions, water rose about a metre below the bridge. You can imagine how high the flood levels reach on both sides.

Sadly the old bridge, was declared unsafe and irreparable and eventually was removed because of the erosion and damage made by decades of constant flooding.

Stone walls, like the one seen opposite the jetty, have been built at various intervals on both sides of the river to prevent further erosion.

The river scenes have changed since 2013 but it maintains it’s peacefulness and it’s enjoyed by those who appreciate it’s natural beauty.

Archived in: Travel + Retirement