KOONDROOK’S new $2 million Murray River wharf will provide a passage way to the river even before it is officially opened next week.
The return of locally-build paddle steamer, the PS Alexander Arbuthnot, will be a highlight, but two other major Echuca-based tourist craft will steam downstream for the festivities.
A latter-day paddle steamer, the PS Arthur Reuben, has already docked at the wharf.
The privately-owned craft, built in recent years by Barham resident, Paul Isherwood, pulled alongside the wharf last week.
The PS Alexander Arbuthnot will be joined by the PS Canberra, the PS Etona and a number of other smaller craft and residents and visitors will be able to enjoy river cruise trips next weekend.
The PS Alexander Arbuthnot was build for the Arbuthnot Sawmills, which has operated in the town for 127 years. It is scheduled to arrive at the wharf at 2pm on Friday and will host a private cruise for the sawmills that evening before being available for five public cruises each day during the weekend and another two on Monday following a cruise for special guests after the opening. A ticket box will be operating at Koondrook.
Koondrook Development Committee is also staging a barbecue dinner at Mates’ Hotel on Sunday from 6pm to enable the public to meet visiting paddle steamer captains.
The community is invited to attend the highly anticipated opening of the $2 million wharf on Monday, starting with a community lunch in the adjacent park.
Gannawarra Shire Council’s chief executive officer, Eric Braslis says the opening will be a great way to celebrate the completion of the ambitious project.
“The official opening is an opportunity for council and the community to come together and celebrate this project which is a fantastic asset to the region,” Mr Braslis said.
The wharf project received $1.5 million in funding from the Federal and State governments through the jointly funded Murray-Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program.
The project includes a moored pontoon, a 28-metre gangway and a series of viewing platforms within the tree canopy with interpretation features.
