During the past four years, the Northern Foreshore has seen an explosion in patronage with visitation up by almost 400 per cent. Inverell Shire Council have now secured more than $5 million through the NSW State Government's Regional Growth Environment Tourism Fund to upgrade the area.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall gathered with Inverell Shire mayor Paul Harmon, Copeton Dam Northern Foreshore caretaker Tom Stapleton and representatives from the Inverell RSM Fishing Club yesterday to share the news.

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"There's two great things about this project starting; Firstly, we all know we're in drought, everyone's doing it tough. This money will stay in the Inverell district with council committed to employing local trades to complete the work.

"Secondly, with the dam being at eight per cent there's no better time than now to rip in and upgrade the boat ramps to make sure we give people the opportunity to get their vessels in, regardless of size, safely and easily," he said.

Mayor Harmon said council will also contribute $500,000 towards work, scheduled to begin as soon as possible. Cement boat ramps will be upgraded first, followed by modernising amenities, installing new picnic areas, barbecue facilities, playground, fitness equipment, walking trails, disabled access, a new clubhouse and safer roads.

After consulting with Mr Stapleton, the fishing club and surveying regular users of the Northern Foreshore council put together a concept to encourage tourism growth.

"They've ticked all the boxes to make this attractive to families, address issues with amenities and allow access to the dam safely via the boat ramps. I think this project will bring millions and millions of extra dollars each year into the local economy," Mr Marshall said.

Cr Harmon said the project was a boost for Inverell, not only for what the facility will look like and provide in the long run but also for the stimulus during the construction phase.

"It's crucial now that we really get it done with those two factors in play Adam mentioned with the dam being low and to stimulate funding into the local economy."

The mayor gave full credit to council staff involved in the grant application and survey process, as a key aspect to the success of the grant.

"I think that's where council over the years has improved dramatically in our engagement with the community. We are conscious of what the community needs but we are more in touch and have better connectivity in understanding their vision so that it aligns with council's vision."

The project is estimated to take more than a year to complete.