Coorong District Council, South Australia, launched its newest recreational boating facility at Dickson Reserve, Tailem Bend, early this month.
Mayor Paul Simmons, said, “These new additions to Dickson Reserve will activate the public waterfront reserve in Tailem Bend, and provide a multi-purpose recreation area that can be enjoyed by both the community and visitors to the town.
“We are starting to realise our vision for Dickson Reserve, with this project opening up the waterfront to further opportunities for improvement and activation.
“The Murray River is a fantastic natural asset and is right on our doorstep – we want to share it and make it accessible to locals and visitors alike.
“Our local businesses will also benefit from the tourism boost, which has come at a time when our tourism and hospitality industry is still feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition to the fixed floating pontoon which will enable vessels up to 22.5m in length (and 110 tonne in weight) to dock at Tailem Bend, further upgrade works have included the removal of willow trees along the riverbank. The installation of eight houseboat mooring piles will enable houseboat users to moor on public land for the first time, and access and explore Tailem Bend via the Murray River.
“I’m delighted to hear that the Wooden Boat Association of South Australia has already made use of the new pontoon, and that we’ll now be able to bring other tourism opportunities like Captain Proud paddleboat cruises to our district.”
The Dickson Reserve Fixed Floating Pontoon project was achieved with support from the State Government’s SA Boating Facilities Fund, which, in partnership with councils, sets out to build, improve and maintain boating infrastructure across South Australia’s waterways.
