New Dickson Reserve Fixed Floating Pontoon a Drawcard for Recreational Boating
Coorong District Council’s newest recreational boating facility at Dickson Reserve, Tailem Bend, will be launched to the public on Thursday, 6 August 2020.
In announcing the official opening, Coorong District Council Mayor Paul Simmons was pleased to see the fixed floating pontoon and houseboat moorings ready for public use, and encouraged local boat users to test out the new facility.
“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,” says Mayor Simmons.
“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.”
The delivery of the fixed floating pontoon project, funded in part through a $125,000 grant from the State Government’s SA Boating Facilities Fund marks the completion of this stage of the Dickson Reserve upgrade.
In addition to the fixed floating pontoon which will enable vessels up to 22.5 metres 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 of Dickson Reserve, and the installation of eight houseboat mooring piles which will for the first time enable houseboat users to moor on public land, 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,” Mayor Simmons says.
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; this investment helps improve boating safety and access at ramps and wharves across South Australia.
The Tailem Bend Community is invited to attend the official opening of the Dickson Reserve Fixed Floating Pontoon at 10:00am on Thursday, 6 August 2020, Punt Road (next to ferry), Tailem Bend.
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Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au