Construction on Alexandrina Council’s Goolwa wharf upgrade set to begin next month

Work is set to begin next month on a massive $14m wharf upgrade to one of South Australia’s most iconic waterfront towns. See what’s in store.

Artist's impressions of the revamped Goolwa Wharf Precinct. Picture: Supplied

Construction on a substantial $14m wharf upgrade in one of the state’s most iconic waterfront towns is set to begin as early as next month.

Billed as the biggest asset restoration project in the history of Alexandrina Council, the Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project will see upgrades to the existing buildings in the town’s premier waterfront location.

Jointly funded by the council, state and federal governments, more than 80 per cent of the funding for the project will be spent on the restoration of existing assets, including the wharf decking reconstruction and upgrades to the wharf shed and Signal Point gallery buildings.

A new toilet facility will be built in the precinct, as well as upgraded shared-use paths, pedestrian crossings, lighting and landscaping.

A concept image of the upgraded wharf shed as part of the Goolwa Wharf Precinct Project. Picture: Supplied

Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes said on-ground construction of the project was anticipated to begin as early as next month.

“Council is committed to delivering this important project for the benefit of our local community, and we will continue to give careful consideration to key stakeholders’ needs throughout construction and will be working closely with State Heritage throughout the process,” he said.

“As an important project for the Alexandrina region, I look forward to realising the precinct’s potential and revitalisation”.

An artist's impressions of the revamped Goolwa Wharf. Picture: Supplied

Alexandrina Council chief executive officer Nigel Morris said once completed the precinct had the potential to lure new visitors to the region.

“The Wharf Precinct Project is about renewing our riverfront assets while activating the space to create a vibrant riverfront, enriched with culture and history,” he said.

Mr Morris confirmed council had purchased 9030 linear meters of timber to be used to replace the Goolwa wharf decking as part of the project.

The project hasn’t been without its controversy, with more than 1300 people signing petitions opposing elements of the planned upgrade.

Construction on the project is expected to be completed later this year.