Wellington East Reserve is getting a facelift thanks to a $448,857 grant from the Australian Government through round two of the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program.

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

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

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

“The Federal Government, via the Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program, is pleased to be able to partner with the Coorong District Council to deliver the Wellington East Reserve upgrade via a grant of $448,857,” says Federal Member for Baker, Tony Pasin MP.

“I am pleased that Federal Government funding can support worthwhile projects like the Wellington East Reserve upgrade. It’s projects like these that transform communities and help ensure our productive and vibrant rural communities remain great places to live, work and raise a family,” says Mr Pasin.

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

Further activation of the reserve will include new public toilets in the existing car park, installation of barbecue facilities and shelters, and fresh landscaping elements including an asphalt pathway, planter boxes, bike storage, bench seating, plantings and irrigated lawn areas, plus tidying of the beach area next to the boat ramp and pontoon.

Contractors have begun ground works for the new pathway which will form the heart of the upgraded recreational area. Works are expected to take three months, and be completed by June 2022.

The Murray-Darling Basin Economic Development Program supports eligible communities affected by water recovery actions under the Basin Plan to diversify and strengthen local economies, enhance resilience to manage future economic challenges and increase opportunities for employment.

The transformation of the Wellington East Reserve aims to encourage new visitors to the region, promoting the district’s waterways and attractions as a premier destination to in which to work, move and play.

Development of the reserve has evolved over time, taking into account feedback received from community members and residents during earlier community engagement and further amendments to ensure the project is delivered within the adopted budget.

There is opportunity for further transformation of the reserve in future, including expansion of the pathway to wind its way further into the reserve, a nature play space, relaxed seating and further landscaping that compliments the marina’s water views. These elements will be considered as funding opportunities present.

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