Mulwala Water Ski Club is proposing a much-needed marina development on Lake Mulwala.
A marina development in Mulwala has been identified as a medium-term priority in the 2023 Murray Region Destination Management Plan developed by the Murray Regional Tourism in conjunction with the Victorian Government.
The club’s first stage proposal includes the delivery of a $2.5 million private mooring facility with 64 berths, boardwalk and associated infrastructure.
The marina will provide facilities that are needed to support the region’s water-based activities for new and existing visitors.
Key features of the proposal include:
- purpose built, secure facilities for boat owners, close to the ski club’s lagoon area
- public moorings for casual users
- moorings designed for various boats including the most popular ski boats and pontoons
- boat maintenance, storage and other opportunities in the boating industry.
- environmentally resilient, on-water infrastructure adapting to fluctuating water levels.
The proposed marina stretches along in front of the holiday park in a designated slow boating zone so it will not impact recreational activities such as skiing.
The overall three-staged 173-berth $5 million marina has progressed well in recent months.
“We are hoping to have the environmental impact statement (EIS) completed before Christmas and plan to have a development application submitted to Federation Council by February 2025,” Mr Duncan said.
Mr Duncan said the development application will likely take up to six months and the club will be looking to obtain a government grant to build the first stage dollar for dollar. The first stage will feature 64 births at a cost of $2.5 million.
The marina will complement existing activities, providing Yarrawonga Mulwala with another valuable asset to attract new and existing visitors, and increase local employment opportunities.
The Ski Club is now preparing the EIS to support a development application that will be submitted to the Federation Council and, in turn, the Western Region Planning Panel as the approval authority.
The aim of an EIS is to enable the approving authority, the public, the local council, government authorities and the proponent to properly consider the potential environmental impacts of a proposal.
A range of studies are currently underway to inform the EIS, including; visual impact, noise, traffic and parking along with hydrological and water quality issues.
When the EIS has been submitted to Council it will be placed on public exhibition. Members of the community will have the opportunity to provide a formal submission to council during exhibition of the EIS.
Following public exhibition, the panel will make a determination on the development application.
Feedback from the community will be considered in the development of the EIS. A report on community feedback and how it has been addressed will be provided to Council as part of the development application.
Have your say!
Engagement with community and local businesses will contribute to the design and delivery of the proposed development. There will be multiple opportunities for members of the community to provide feedback about the proposal.
A community drop-in session will be held this Saturday, November 2 from10am – 12pm at the Mulwala Civic Centre, 71 Melbourne Street.
You can also complete a survey about the proposal at www.mulwalawaterski.com.au/marina/