Hugh Schuitemaker, Murray Pioneer

collaboration between Renmark Paringa Council, the State Government and a local rowing club is set to support a $1.7m infrastructure upgrade.

Renmark Paringa councillors at last month’s general meeting passed a motion to adopt the construction of the upgraded Renmark Rowing Wharf as a council project in its 2024/25 Annual Business Plan and Budget.

The project is set to be fully funded through a $1.7m Department of Environment and Water (DEW) Constraints Measures Program grant.

Renmark Rowing Club president Tony Townsend said the current wharf structure was becoming unsuitable for use.

“It’s been a long time coming and the current ramp is a bit over 30 years old now and it’s served its purpose,” Mr Townsend said.

“It’s becoming well worn, and unsafe at times when water levels increase, which is likely to occur more often in the future, due to environmental flows and other reasons.

“To have a floating structure to the calibre of what’s been designed for the community and with rowing in mind is fantastic.

“That will allow us to row in higher flows, and we won’t be putting members at risk.”

Renmark Paringa acting director infrastructure and environmental services, Tim Tol, said collaboration with the rowing club had been key to the project.

“The asset has been designed in conjunction with the Renmark Rowing Club to make sure it’s fit for purpose and supports events like the Riverland Rowing Regatta and similar events into the future,” Mr Tol said.

“Once we pair this asset upgrade with the significant Renmark Riverfront Wharf Upgrade, our stretch of riverfront will be even greater for the community.

“The entire process so far has been a positive collaboration with the Renmark Rowing Club and council looks forward to seeing this improved asset help their club go from strength to strength.

“The project will result in a 70m long wharf with 6m ramps down on either side to allow the Renmark Rowing Club to host large meets and become a premier destination for rowers statewide.”

Berri-based Tonkin Engineering were appointed as designers for the upgrade. Mr Tol said the partnership with DEW would benefit both council and the surrounding community.

“Remark Paringa Council’s involvement is essentially in kind support and we’ll have some external management resources to help manage this project, which has been factored into the costings,” he said.

“Council has received 100 per cent funding from the DEW Constraints Team so that is essentially enabling us to take this on.

“It’s a collaborative approach between two levels of government and a very active community group, and it facilitates a sport that utilises our most prized asset being the River Murray.

“It also is a great cost outcome for Renmark Paringa Council in that we can deliver an increased community asset which aligns with multiple outcomes within our Community Plan with having an active population, and an active community through various methods of recreation and sport.”

Mr Townsend said the upgraded wharf would help the Rowing Club expand its membership.

“It’s all part of the big picture,” Mr Townsend said.

“If you’ve got good infrastructure, that makes it easier for people who want to inquire and come along.

“You’ve got to do whatever you can to keep attracting new members, and new pieces of infrastructure to utilise … is a great outcome for our club and the community in general.”

Mr Townsend said the rowing club was “extremely appreciative of the work done by the DEW Constraints Team and Renmark Paringa Council”.

This article appeared in the Murray Pioneer, 10 July 2024.