Alexandrina Council has resolved to fund its largest ever asset restoration project, with the Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project given the financial green light at the Council’s January meeting.
“After careful consideration it was resolved to proceed with the priority essential asset renewal works which will include the wharf decking re-construction, Wharf Shed remediation and Signal Point building roof remediation,” Council said in a statement.
It is estimated that over 80% of the funding for the project will be spent on much needed restoration of existing assets.
“With the sheer scale of the precincts asset deterioration now known along with ever
increasing construction and material costs and external assistance with $5.0 million in grant funding available for limited time, Council determined the time for action was now and funded the project.”
Chief Executive Officer, Nigel Morris has signed off on the purchase of 9,030 linear meters of timber which will be used to replace the Goolwa Wharf decking as part of the Council commitment to the $14.55 million investment in the project.
“That’s enough wood lined up end to end to get from Goolwa to Middleton and halfway back
again,” said Mr Morris.
Council says the historic Wharf Shed will be reconstructed and improved with internal lining, glazing. It has also committed to the Oscar W tenancy fit-out. The public toilets will be removed from the proposed Wharf Shed design to create more space for both the Oscar W facility and the commercial tenant with the toilet facility to be relocated as a stand-alone building within the Precinct.
Additional elements included in the plan to revitalise the area include additional car parking, improvements to the Signal Point Building including external protective painting, new rail pedestrian crossings and fencing for pedestrian safety, and upgraded pathways to improve pedestrian and cycle linkages.
“Adjustments to the plan and a rigorous value management process has occurred since the
project’s lead contractor has undertaken an in-depth investigation into the Wharf Precinct
including soil analyses, diving inspection under the wharf, inspections under the cladding and footings of the Wharf Shed and Signal Point buildings highlighted that the deterioration of the Wharf Precinct is greater than initially expected,” Council said.
Federal and State Government funding combined with Council’s funding commitment will
provide $14.55 million investment towards the master plan. External grant funding of $5
million has been awarded to the project with $3.75 million coming from the Australian
Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and $1.25 million coming from the State
Government, which will see works commence as early as February.
Council has also secured $980,000 in funds from the Murray Darling Basin Economic Development Grant Program to develop an immersive story telling initiative in the
Signal Point building.
“This initiative will bring to life the rich history of the area by telling old stories in new ways to be what will be known as the Signal Point Experience Centre (SPEC).”
Council will be considering the public toilet location and space allocation of the Wharf Shed
tenancies at the February Council Meeting.
Mayor, Keith Parkes, said it is an exciting milestone for the project as Council progress towards on-ground construction, precinct enhancements and important asset restoration works.
“Council is committed to delivering this important project for the benefit of our local
community, and we will continue to give careful consideration to key stakeholders needs
throughout construction and will be working closely with State Heritage throughout the
process,” the Mayor said.
“As an important project for the Alexandrina region I look forward to realising the Precinct’s potential and revitalisation.”
On ground works will commence in the coming months.
