Alexandrina Council has opted for a version of the Goolwa Wharf Redevelopment plan that will leave the markets at their current site but relocate the Paddle Steamer Oscar W and its volunteers to the southern end of the wharf.

However, the plan will only go ahead if at least partial funding can be obtained from the Federal and/or State Governments.

The Friends of the Oscar W and other locals had campaigned strongly against the plan, arguing that that the lower end of the wharf was unsuitable and that the heritage boat should stay with the heritage buildings on the site. 

A new shed will now be built at the southern end of the wharf, to house the volunteers and maintenance of the paddle steamer.

Councillors Bronwyn Lewis, Michael Scott and Karen Bradford voted against adopting this version of the $15.5M plan.

Councillor Lewis said in a Facebook post that while she wanted Goolwa to be enhanced she voted against raising rates for a project she says is not yet fully costed.

“Last year’s budget costs you, the ratepayers, $11K a day for this financial year’s debt only," she said.

“Now we have more debt for a project that blew out by 30% before it has even started and we still don’t have the grants secured nor the costed figures.

“So yes, I did the right thing financially for everyone in Alexandrina and if that upsets one business I’m sorry.”

Councillor Lewis also said she was concerned about council operating at a 91% debt ratio, asking what would happen when interest rates rose?

The owner of the Wharf Barrel Shed Wine Bar, Steve Ramsey, welcomed the decision in a Facebook post, saying it was a “huge win for Goolwa” that would “ensure a $120M economic boost to the town and region over the next decade”.

He also said it would ensure that his “small, family-owned and operated business has a chance to grow, meeting the needs of one of the state’s most heavily visited places over recent months/years."

"We are excited by the opportunity to offer a wider range of products and services to our community and visitors, as well as look into areas such as functions, events, and more live music, with a larger space.

"We are also excited to grow our team and employ more local people, and work collaboratively with new and existing precinct business owners."

Council issued a media release following the meeting, saying “Following extensive community feedback, the supported option includes maintaining Jaralde Park as an existing grass open space for the markets and formalising car parking adjacent the Hectors on the Wharf business and a new building at the southern end of the wharf with further information on this (Element 9 of the Plan) to be presented to a future meeting of Council.

“Council will now work through the details pertaining to a new building at the south end of the wharf for the Friends of the Oscar W or business offering.”

“Further work to progress this will include discussions with stakeholders, constraints and opportunities with the proposed building.

“This next phase will also include engagement with wharf shed stakeholders to further discuss the future use of the wharf shed and their location within the shed.

“The total Goolwa Wharf Revitalisation Project cost of $15.5M is subject to co-contribution funding from the State and Commonwealth Governments to support its delivery.

“The preferred option has responded to feedback received from community and stakeholders by:

• Removing the proposed car parking at Jaralde Park and maintain its current grassed surface finish for the markets to operate in Jaralde Park
• Providing additional parallel parking on the Amelia Park roadway (adjacent Hectors on the Wharf).
• Maintaining Amelia Park roadway in its current position and improving/finalising parking (adjacent Hectors on the Wharf).
• Finalisation of the design is now underway.

“The final details of Element 9 will be brought back to Council prior to construction commencing on this stage of the project.”