Koondrook Wharf officially opened

Published on 17 November 2016

 A community celebration to mark the official opening of the Koondrook Wharf occurred this week.

The Wharf precinct area was buzzing all weekend and into Monday when formalities occurred to thank the many contributors to this exciting project.

Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Gibson said the day was a true indication of the results of partnering together.

"It’s hard to believe that 12 months ago the Koondrook Wharf structure wasn’t there. It’s taken a number of years to get to this point, and it could not have happened without the partnerships in place with the Federal and State Governments and the local community," he said.

Construction on the $2.4 million project commenced in February 2016 and will complement other investments promoted under the ‘Ports of the Murray’ initiative.

"This is all about enhancing the visitor experience by making the most of everything that the iconic Murray River has to offer. It’s a win for locals and tourists alike," Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Danielle Green said.

The Koondrook Wharf project received $1.5million in funding from the Federal and State governments through the jointly funded Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Programme. Council funded the remaining $900,000. The project includes a moored pontoon (with the capacity for paddle steamers to moor), a 28m gangway and a series of viewing platforms within the tree canopy with interpretation features.

Council’s Manager Economic Development Roger Griffiths explains that the Wharf will open up many tourism opportunities.

"Council are currently working with a range of business people considering developments in Koondrook. Hospitality is a high priority along with accommodation. The reality is that tourism won’t work unless we have products that give people a reason to visit. Kayak tours, indigenous tours, cruise boats, arts facilities and events will all play a major role in product development and are also attracting private sector investment."

"It has been a strategic business decision to develop the tourism potential of Koondrook. It makes sense to invest tourism funds into locations that give us the highest return and the Murray River is part of a major tourism push to increase visitation across the region. Strategic regional projects like Ports of the Murray River and the Murray River Adventure Trail have been identified as areas for further tourism investment all aimed at creating more products to attract visitation," Mr Griffiths explained.

For more information please visit our website www.gannawarra.vic.gov.au or contact Council on (03) 5450 9333.

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