Goughs Bay boating club’s $1.5m redevelopment plans
Following a “destructive” Covid lockdown period, a popular boating and tourism site in the state’s north will receive a $1.5m upgrade.
Goulburn Valley
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A popular boating club in the state’s northeast is “thrilled” to have been awarded a grant for a redevelopment that could allow it to operate year-round following a devastating few years for tourism in the region.
The Goughs Bay Sport and Recreation Club has been volunteer-run for roughly 60 years and functions as a community hub.
A $1.5m government grant announced this week will permit it to expand its bistro and entertainment area and upgrade its car park and boat ramp by mid-2024.
Additionally, club president Craig Johnson said in time, the club might be able to open throughout the whole year.
The improvements would provide room for 20 per cent greater patronage, to which Covid lockdowns had been “destructive”, Mr Johnson said.
“We rely not only on local communities to support us, but broadly the tourism sector,” he said.
“During Covid we were shut. We couldn’t function at all because we were locked up: we effectively lost two years of revenue and fortunately we were financial enough to keep ourselves afloat.
“Obviously this $1.5m is going to help modernise our building and make it more community-orientated.”
With the man-made Lake Eildon at more than 98 per cent capacity, Mr Johnson said he was expecting a “very busy summer”.
“The fact that the lake’s got water in it will probably be a major draw,” he said.
“We’re thrilled that a small township like Goughs Bay is becoming more and more popular, because it was a great unknown.
“Now it’ a great holiday destination.”
He hoped more people would come and enjoy the “drop-dead gorgeous view”.
The state government estimated the boat club works to provide up to 30 construction jobs and 13 continuing positions.
In 2019, there were 5.3 million visitors to the High Country, who together spent $1.4bn.
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