A WATERSHED project promising to revitalise Port MacDonnell’s foreshore is under way with hopes it will drive new economic opportunities for the fishing town.
Heavy machinery is in full swing adjacent the refurbished jetty for the $1.2m stage one of The Waterfront.
Works are poised to transform the tired foreshore into a vibrant community piazza and tourist hub.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said the project will transform the precinct and become a drawcard for tourists and residents.
Key components of the blueprint project include a boardwalk, public artworks and outdoor furniture.
“This is the first step in the beautification of the foreshore,” Mr Sage said during a tour of the site this week.
“It is about getting the space a lot more user friendly. Since the refurbishment of the jetty, it has really lifted the profile of the area of the town.
“This project is about bringing all of those things together.”
The mayor said the project was an investment in the local community, providing residents and visitors a place to spend time as a family, enjoy the foreshore and have a new space for activities and events.
Revealing there was a stage two planned for the precinct, he said council would consider this project in “coming budgets”.
“We will seek further funding to assist the stage two project, which would look at a playground and continuing to work on the plan in front of us.”
Describing the project as “exciting”, Mr Sage said he hoped The Waterfront would drive new economic development in the town.
In particular, he hoped the former boatyard – which has laid idle for some years – would be purchased by a developer with a progressive vision.
“We would like developers to view that as a positive project,” Mr Sage said.
The mayor foreshadowed the first stage of the project should be completed before summer this year.
The Waterfront is a jointly funded project with the State Government and council.
People accessing the area should be aware there will be restricted access to the jetty and immediate surrounds during this time.
Council will also undertake maintenance activities on a 300m section of the existing gabion sea wall to streamline project activities and minimise any potential damage to the newly constructed section.
This is a separate project, but will happen concurrently with the start of The Waterfront project.
