Echuca's riverfront project progressing

26 July 2018 - Media release

Stage one of Echuca’s riverfront kiosk redevelopment is progressing with works to start once final approvals are received.

General Manager Economic & Community Development, Mr Keith Oberin said this is an exciting project, with a planning application for stage one involving the redevelopment of the kiosk approved by council this Tuesday (24 July).

“We are pleased that this next stage of the port’s evolution is progressing which is also supported by the vision in the Port Precinct Plan - ‘a place to take your time, relax and enjoy yourself’.”

Stage two of the project involves improving accessibility and the visual appearance of the riverfront at Echuca’s most visited riverside park, Riverboat Dock.

“The area will be a great place to enjoy the natural surroundings of the river, while supporting access to houseboats and paddlesteamers and providing pedestrians universal access across the riverfront and precinct,” Mr Oberin said.

Council resolved to lay the consideration of the planning permit for stage two of the overall project on the table at this week’s meeting.

Main elements of the project include:

Restoration and improvement of the kiosk and canoe storage building Construction of sealed roadways into the riverfront from Watson Street for short term drop off, pick-up and boat servicing parking Construction of a network of compliant footpaths throughout the site, linking to Watson Street Construction of a footpath connection to Murray Esplanade and the port precinct Establishment of soft landscaping, including grass areas, mulch under trees, gravel plaza area, and plant trees for shade Rearrangement of car and bus parking along the Watson Street frontage

The entire project is supported by state government funding through Regional Development Victoria of $3.9 million which was announced in September 2014.

“Since this time council has been actively working with key stakeholders including boat operators and Watson Street residents, as well as finalising the funding agreement, completing the detailed designs, preparing the specifications and awarding the contract to the preferred tenderer for stage one kiosk works,” Mr Oberin said.

“There are a number of competing interests in the area and it was important to understand and balance their needs.”

The project will enable continued access to Riverboat Dock for servicing of commercial houseboats and paddlesteamers. It will also improve the existing natural environment by protecting existing red gums from damage by vehicles.

Both stages of works, restoration and improvement of the kiosk building and riverfront development, will start once planning approvals are received which are complex as a narrow area of river frontage is within New South Wales. Discussion has also been undertaken with Murray River Council planning staff regarding the project and application process.

A project bulletin, providing full details of the project and plan, is now available on council’s website. Further bulletins will be issued throughout the project.