A $3.7 million federal contribution towards upgrading Goolwa's wharf precinct will inject much needed funding into this historic tourism attraction, according to local Member for Mayo Rebekha Sharkie.

"I have been advocating for this $7.5 million project and writing letters of support for Alexandrina Council's grant applications for a number of years now so I am delighted that our community's persistence has finally paid off," Rebekha says.

"The wharf precinct is a historically significant site for South Australia and a popular tourism drawcard and the area has been in urgent need of restoration and upgrading for some time.

"Given that Alexandrina Council has been a Commonwealth drought-declared area and the wider region has been hit hard by the economic impacts of COVID-19 restrictions, investing in this wharf project will bring much-needed economic revitalisation to this regional tourism hub."

The wharf project will be funded under Round 4 of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) after missing out in Round 3.

The Victor Harbor Council was the only other successful Mayo applicant under Round 4, securing $20,000 to fund a Festival and Events Strategy and Action Plan aimed at increasing tourist visitation to the seaside town during the winter months.

The two projects were among 163 local infrastructure and community BBRF applications approved nationwide.

"Unfortunately, a BBRF application for a water security project on Kangaroo Island, which included a desalination plant and pipelines, was not successful this round," Rebekha says.

Liberal Senator for South Australia Andrew McLachlan says the Goolwa Wharf upgrade will include a new café, modernising facilities and extending the car park to improve accessibility.

“I am confident another key outcome of the project will be the creation of additional employment opportunities for the community.

“I congratulate Alexandrina Council on their successful grant application and eagerly look forward to seeing the positive impact the revitalisation project will have on the community.”