New pontoon

Rower and community access to the Wimmera River at Dimboola will become easier and safer with work set to start on a project to replace a fixed ramp with a new floating pontoon.

The new pontoon is designed to provide better river access for boat users, including Dimboola Rowing Club, regardless of water level and to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, through the State Government’s Boosting Recreation Water Use program, the rowing club and Hindmarsh Shire Council, have provided money for the project.

The new pontoon will also represent a welcome upgrade for Wimmera and visiting rowers who take part in the Dimboola Rowing Regatta in November each year.

The new pontoon measures almost 40 metres in length and sits 100 millimetres above the water line. People will gain access by two, five-metre gangways, with rowers able to safely carry their racing shells to the water on non-slip decking panels.

Rowing club spokesman Mick Salter said the club was extremely grateful for the support from Wimmera CMA and the council.

“Our new user-friendly and much safer pontoon will be a reality within a few months,” he said.