A $455,000 transformation of the Wellington East Reserve funded by the Australian Government and Coorong District Council will be celebrated at an official opening and Family Fun Day during the upcoming school holidays on Friday, 7 October 2022.

In announcing the official opening, Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons encourages Coorong residents to come and enjoy the newly upgraded facilities at the reserve for themselves.

Popular with residents and visitors – especially during the warmer months, the reserve next to the boat ramp at Wellington East was identified as an ideal candidate for improvement through the Australian Government’s Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

“This project has transformed the reserve into a fresh, exciting recreation and play space for residents and visitors to enjoy,” says Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons.

“Wellington East is fast becoming one of the region’s most desirable locations for living – offering a picturesque, laid-back lifestyle – it is situated perfectly to access more of our district’s attractions such as the Murray Coorong Trail, the Lower Murray Canoe Trail and the Pangarinda Botanic Garden.”

Activation of the reserve has included installation of a floating pontoon next to the boat ramp and new public toilets in the existing car park, barbecue facilities and shelters, and fresh landscaping elements including an asphalt pathway, bench seating, plantings and irrigated lawn areas, plus tidying of the beach area next to the boat ramp and pontoon.

To celebrate the reserve transformation, Member for Barker Tony Pasin has been invited to officially open the newly upgraded reserve alongside Mayor Simmons.

“The Wellington East Reserve upgrade will breathe new life into the heart of the Wellington East township, creating a new, attractive, central hub that will draw visitors to discover more and stay a little longer,” said Mr Pasin.

“I am really looking forward to the official opening and seeing the works completed.”

“I am so pleased that I was able to secure funding from the Coalition Government for the Wellington East Reserve upgrade. It’s projects like this one that help to create vibrant rural communities and ensure they remain great places to live, work and raise a family.”

The community is invited to attend the official opening which commences at 11:00am, followed by an afternoon of family fun activities on Friday, 7 October at George Mason Street, Wellington East.

Guests will enjoy a free community BBQ, participate in Come and Try kayaking sessions with Canoe the Coorong, engage with local Marine Safety Officers, learn about local ecology with the Murraylands & Riverland Landscape Board, plus much more.

For more event information community members can contact the Community Development Team on 1300 785 277.

Wellington East Reserve opening:
11am – 3pm, Friday 7 October 2022
George Mason Street, Wellington East
Free community BBQ and Come and Try Kayaking plus much more

- ENDS -

Contact:

Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au