Goolwa is set to be revitalised as the biggest asset restoration project in the history of the Council as been confirmed going ahead.
The essential asset renewal works will include the wharf decking re-construction, Wharf Shed remediation and Signal Point building roof remediation. It is estimated that over 80% of the funding for the project will be spent on much needed restoration of existing assets.
With the sheer scale of the precincts asset deterioration now known along with ever increasing construction and material costs and external assistance with $5.0 million in grant funding available for limited time, Council determined the time for action was now and funded the project.
“That’s enough wood lined up end to end to get from Goolwa to Middleton and halfway back again”, exclaimed Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Morris as he excitedly put his signature on the purchase of 9,030 linear meters of timber to be used to replace the Goolwa Wharf decking as part of the Council commitment to the $14.55 million investment into Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project.
The historic Wharf Shed will be reconstructed and improved with internal lining, glazing and Council has also committed to the Oscar W tenancy fit-out.
The public toilets will be removed from the proposed Wharf Shed design to create more space for both the Oscar W facility and the commercial tenant with the toilet facility to be relocated as a stand-alone building within the Precinct.
Additional elements included in the plan to revitalise the area include additional car parking, Improvements to the Signal Point Building including external protective painting, new rail pedestrian crossings and fencing for pedestrian safety, and upgraded pathways to improve pedestrian and cycle linkages.
Federal and State Government funding combined with Council’s funding commitment will provide $14.55 million investment towards the master plan. External grant funding of $5 million has been awarded to the project with $3.75 million coming from the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and $1.25 million coming from the State Government, which will see works commence as early as February.
In addition, Council has also secured $980,000 in funds from the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Grant Program to develop an immersive story telling initiative in the Signal Point building. This initiative will bring to life the rich history of the area by telling old stories in new ways to be what will be known as the Signal Point Experience Centre (SPEC).
“The Wharf Precinct Project is about renewing our riverfront assets while activating the space to create a vibrant riverfront, enriched with culture and history” Morris said.
“The allocation of space was one of the final pieces of the puzzle to be locked in, which now allows us to go full steam ahead with the project.”
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