Mildura riverfront expected to reopen this weekend

Published on 13 December 2016

Mildura Rural City Council expects the majority of areas along the riverfront between the Mildura Wharf and the Mildura boat ramp to reopen as early as this weekend. 

Many areas along the riverfront, such as Nowingi Place, the Water Play Park area, the bridge boat ramp and sections of Hugh King Drive have been inaccessible for several weeks to protect the public and Council infrastructure from the high Murray River levels.

However as water levels have receded, Council staff have been constantly monitoring the area and working to reinstate services as soon possible.

One of the first areas to be reopened was Nowingi Place in time for last weekend’s Carols by Candlelight, however the area will remain fenced off until all restoration works are completed this weekend.

Work has already started to reopen the Water Play Park area, with water reconnected and cleaning undertaken last week.

Council has already ensured water balance and condition is at correct levels and is now awaiting the results of an environmental health test to ensure it is safe for public use. If the facility passes the test, Council expects the Water Play Park to reopen this weekend.

Work also started on Monday this week to remove the levee on Hugh King Drive between the Mildura Wharf and the boat ramp, which is expected to be finished by this weekend.

Council will continue to monitor the Lock 11 car park, which will remain closed until low lying water is drained from the area and the pavement areas are dry and hard enough to allow traffic. This may be as early as this weekend.

“Our recently completed Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment has made the precinct one of the district’s most popular among families and visitors alike, particularly during the summer months,” Mildura Rural City Council General Manager Community Martin Hawson said.

“As a result, we know the community has been eagerly awaiting the reopening of the riverfront area, which was protected from the recent high river levels thanks to the dedicated work of our Council staff.

“We’re now just days away from reopening this popular precinct, just in time for Christmas.”