Goolwa wharf’s upgrade to bring an economic boon for the Fleurieu, as consultation begins

A wine bar, restaurant, cafe and a celebration of heritage are part of a plan to overhaul one of SA’s most popular wharves.

An upgrade of the Goolwa Wharf precinct will bring an annual economic boost of more than $3.9m to the region, the local council says, as consultation on the work kicks off.

Alexandrina Council’s master plan for the area includes upgrades to its historic wharf shed to attract new business ventures, such as a wine bar, restaurant, cafe, providore or local gallery.

The Signal Point building, now used as a gallery, is getting a facelift to attract other uses and showcase the area’s Indigenous and colonial heritage, local produce and arts.

The PS Oscar W boat will be moved to the wharf’s southern end and its volunteers will get a new building.

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

Parking, landscaping and path upgrades are also part of the plan to attract more tourists.

The project’s total cost is not finalised, but the council and state and federal governments have already set aside a combined $8.5m funding towards the upgrade.

Alexandrina Council says “significant stages” of the upgrade must be complete in December 2022 to meet funding requirements, including the wharf replacement, shed upgrade and external work on the Signal Point building.

Goolwa’s wharf precinct will get a $8.5m upgrade. Picture: Supplied

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes said the area’s master plan would create a “fabulous public space”.

“(It) really celebrates the cultural heritage of the precinct, both of traditional owners as a special ‘meeting of the waters’ place for the Ngarrindjeri people, and European steam-powered rail and river activity,” he said.

“The overall master plan is impressive and creates a sense of arrival to this magnificent waterfront precinct.”

The project will create up to 54 extra long-term jobs in the region.

Consultation runs until October 22.

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