WORK on the Murray River wharf project at Koondrook has taken another major step with steel pylons and concrete steps being installed.
The $2 million project is expected to transform and bolster the region’s maritime tourism.
The main section of the wharf will be constructed using red gum timber from local sawmill, Arbuthnot Sawmills.
The red gum, which needed to be dried for at least six months before being used in construction, has been sourced from local red gum State forests.
The series of concrete platform steps, to the side of the wharf, will provide access to the water for fishing and launching canoes and kayaks.
The wharf includes a moored pontoon, with the capacity for paddle steamers, a 28-metre gangway and a series of viewing platform within the tree canopy with interpretation features.
The project will also include raised wooden decking and a resurfaced turntable which will provide a space for events such as weddings and performances.
The project is funded by the Federal and State Governments through the Murray Darling Basin Regional Economic Diversification Program, with council contributing $500,000.
Funding was announced in October 2014 and the project is expected to be completed by September this year.
Cr Oscar Aertssen said that the wharf would be an economic driver for river tourism, spanning Mildura to Yarrawonga.
“Ten years ago this park was nothing, but through the efforts of council and the development committee this has progressed to be one of the icon sites, I think, along the Murray,” he said.
