Quambatook Sustainable Recreational Water project celebrated

Published on 15 June 2026

Quambatook and district residents are celebrating after the $2.4 million Sustainable Recreational Water for Quambatook project was officially opened.

Celebrations were held at the Quambatook Weir Pool on Friday, 12 June to mark the completion of the project, made possible thanks to a $2.050 million contribution from the State Government’s Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund.

Mayor Garner Smith officially opened the project, which has transformed the Quambatook Weir Pool precinct and improved connections between the popular recreational area and the Quambatook township.

“It was fantastic to see so many people from Quambatook and the wider area attend and celebrate the community’s role in seeing the project delivered,” Mayor Smith said.

“The opening marked the end of an 11-year journey that began thanks to the insight of Quambatook’s residents who saw how improvements to the Quambatook Weir Pool would enhance the town’s liveability and attract visitors to the area.

“Thanks to many years of advocacy, Council saw the benefits of this vision and looked at ways to make this project a reality.”

Completed in late 2025, the project involved the construction of launching facilities for boats, kayaks and canoes at the Quambatook Weir Pool, and the installation of picnic facilities and a fire pit.

Work also occurred to link the weir pool site to the Quambatook township via new tracks and trails, providing easy access between the aquatic precinct, traders, and the local caravan parks and sports precinct. This included connecting the eastern and western banks of the Avoca River via a new bridge near River Street, Quambatook.

Water management infrastructure has also been installed on the Avoca River upstream of Quambatook to support flows to the weir. Council has secured a water allocation for the site, enabling targeted top‑ups when conditions and network demand allow, which will benefit residents and visitors throughout the year.

ABOVE: Quambatook and district residents joined Gannawarra Shire Councillors and staff in celebrating the opening of the Sustainable Recreational Water for Quambatook project.

“Through the creation of the weir pool and walking trails, the project enhances liveability, supports tourism and provides a lasting place for residents and visitors to enjoy for generations to come,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“This project reflects the vision, commitment and collaboration of the Quambatook community and project partners to create a welcoming recreational space that celebrates the Avoca River and strengthens the future of Quambatook.”

The official opening coincided with numerous events held throughout Quambatook, including a Connect With Council session and inspections of the Council-owned units at 9-11 Guthrie Street as part of Council’s efforts in seeking expressions of interest regarding the site’s future.

“Council thanks the State Government for providing funding for this significant project, all tradespeople and Council staff who played a role in these works, and those who attended the opening of this important project,” Mayor Smith said.

TOP: Mayor Garner Smith and Quambatook Weir Pool Committee member, Chelle Espagne officially opened the completed Sustainable Recreational Water for Quambatook project on 12 June 2026.