CONSTRUCTION work forming part of a multi-million dollar project to revitalise the Renmark river front began last week.
Renmark Paringa Council representatives, plus Member for Barker Tony Pasin, gathered at the Renmark river front last Tuesday to commence construction on stage 1A of council’s Urban Design Framework (UDF).
Renmark Paringa Mayor Neil Martinson said council was eager to see the revamped riverfront – to be renamed as the Taylor Riverfront Precinct – begin to take shape.
“It’s been nearly three years in the making,” Mr Martinson said.
“We’ve gotten some fantastic funding from the Federal Government, and also half a million from the State Government as well.
“Council is very pleased to finally get it up and running.”
More than $3.8 million was allocated to complete stage 1A of the UDF by Renmark Paringa Council in 2018/19, with $1.4 million coming from the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund and $550,000 from the State Government’s Places for People Program.
Mr Martinson said the construction – initially set to take place in 2017/18 – would see $500,000 put toward Riverland subcontractor employment.
“The main contract has gone to LCS from Adelaide, and part of our conditions were that we would have local contractors involved,” he said.
“There’s six local contractors who will be involved in the project, which will have good economic benefits for council.”
Mr Pasin said Renmark’s river-front area was set to become “a captivating centre for recreation, dining and retail”.
“Not only is this a fantastic project to benefit local residents but will reinvigorate the tourism industry bringing new life and activity to the town centre,” Mr Pasin said.
“Construction beginning now is also a welcome boost to the economy at a tough time, by supporting local construction jobs.”
Mr Martinson said benefits from the UDF projects would continue to flow through the local community after construction was completed.
“During the six-month building process, accommodation has to be provided, food and all those ancillary things which will help the local traders as well,” Mr Martinson said.
“Once it’s up and running it will encourage further tourism within the town and that will feed into other businesses as well.”