Assets boost for Wimmera River

The potential of the Wimmera River has continued to gather momentum with the State Government providing $200,000 for recreational improvements to the waterway.

The money will go towards projects that enhance recreational facilities on or along the river in Horsham district and Dimboola.

Labor Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said Wimmera Catchment Management Authority would be in charge of the project.

She said the project would enhance access to the river so more families could enjoy the river at key locations including Horsham and Dimboola weir pools and ‘Big Water’, southeast of Horsham.

“There will be significant improve- ments to recreation facilities at Horsham Weir Pool to allow for better use of the waterway. The project will install pontoons, boat and kayak-launching facilities and improved visitor facilities including a shelter, seating and picnic tables,” she said.

“At Big Water and Dimboola Weir Pool new visitor facilities will be built to improve the experience for all users at the site including anglers, rowers, swimmers and passive users.

“This funding will help improve the Wimmera River so it can thrive and be enjoyed as a natural treasure for many years to come.

“It’s about recognising the importance of the Wimmera River to the local community and making sure people can enjoy its natural beauty.”

The Wimmera River was a primary subject of latest research that revealed the social-economic value of recreational and environmental water in the region was as high as $30-million.

Ms Pulford said the project has one of nine priority waterways that would benefit from the government’s $3.2-million Boosting Recreational Water Use program.

Wimmera CMA chief executive David Brennan went further in depth in explaining some of the river projects.

“At Dimboola we’re looking at a collaborative project with Hindmarsh Shire Council and Dimboola Rowing Club that involves putting in a new rowing-access platform. This will be a great boost to the community and really support events such as Dimboola Regatta,” he said.

“At Horsham we will continue to work with Horsham Rural City Council and Apex Club 15 and a range of other stakeholders to continue to promote Horsham Apex Adventure Island. This will include construction of a new shade shelter and an all-abilities canoe launching area.

“At Big Water we will be improving recreation facilities with emphasis on improving a track network and formalising a boat-launching point.

“We hope to start commissioning these works in the next couple of weeks.

“It is a really good outcome and further supports results from the socio-economic study. Our goal is to get more people to engage with the river.”

The announcement follows confirmation that paddle boats will return to the river in Horsham after a project won Pick My Project funding.

Horsham will use $60,000 in funding to buy 10 pedal boats, life-jackets and a trailer. The Victorian Coalition has also already promised $150,000 for Horsham to develop a river precinct plan if it wins government in the November election.

Member for Lowan Kealy won Coalition approval for the pledge after galvanised Horsham community sentiment about the potential for a development project for the river.

Ms Kealy’s personal vision is for a multi-purpose function centre that overlooks the river as part of a major precinct development. But she also welcomed other concepts.

The Wimmera River has played an integral role in Horsham establishing itself as the region’s major centre, providing European pioneers with everything from basic water supply to recreational opportunities.