$5m Goolwa wharf upgrade bid to bring extra tourists and jobs to Fleurieu Peninsula region

A $5 million overhaul of the Goolwa wharf, complete with a new regional wine and culinary centre, would bring extra tourists to the area and generate dozens of new jobs, the community says.

Spirit Australia Cruises director Michael Veenstra is hoping plans for a $5 million upgrade to the Goolwa Wharf precinct go ahead. Picture: Tom Huntley

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A $5 million overhaul of the Goolwa wharf would bring extra tourists to the area and generate dozens of new jobs, the community says.

Alexandrina Council has applied for $3.5 million in government funding to turn the vision into reality.

Alexandrina Council chief executive Glenn Rappensberg said the wharf – among the Fleurieu Peninsula’s “hero destinations” – was steeped in history but had not had a major upgrade in decades.

“It’s breaking down and at risk of collapsing,” Mr Rappensberg said.

“The Goolwa Wharf precinct has the potential to become a significant driver of economic and tourism activity in the Fleurieu region.

“We’d be looking to attract businesses like microbreweries and organisations like the Jam Factory.”

Apart from an overhaul of the wharf structure, the council wants to build a regional wine and culinary centre, upgrade the precinct’s art and event spaces and improve access for tour buses.

Alexandrina’s economic analysis shows the project would create 37 jobs and an annual economic boost of at least $3.3 million.

The council has set aside up to $2.5 million in its long-term financial plan for the work, and has applied for $1.37 million in State Government funding and $2.17 million from the Federal Government.

The remainder of the project’s cost would be covered by commercial operators.

The council would also use the upgrade to celebrate the area’s significance to the Ngarrindjeri community, through activities such as art and craft displays, and indigenous food.

“The area is steeped in indigenous history and that’s something we’re very proud of,” Mr Rappensberg said.

“There are only two places in the world where you can see or experience a steam train and steam boat, and that’s Lucerne, in Switzerland, and Goolwa in South Australia.”

Spirit of Australia runs cruises from the wharf, and director Michael Veenstra said the structure had been degrading for years because of a lack of maintenance and funding.

“Subsequent councils are to blame for that,” Mr Veenstra said.

The area also needed family-friendly attractions to draw more people, such as play equipment and children’s rides, he said.

Food and wine events, similar to those offered in Fremantle, would also be a huge drawcard.

The council expects to hear the outcomes of its funding applications before July.

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