GRANT District Mayor Richard Sage has described the seaside town of Port MacDonnell as riding on a “crest of a wave” following the official unveiling of the $1.17m Waterfront project.
The foreshore has been revitalised amid the completion of stage one of the major project, which was co-funded by the State Government and council’s own coffers.
A community plaza now boasts a bespoke bronze statue depicting a rock lobster fisher, refurbished toilets, landscaping, a new boardwalk, picnic areas, extensive paving, contemporary street furniture and an information shelter.
The bronze statue is already drawing the attention of tourists and hundreds of people have flooded social media for a glimpse of the recently erected public artwork.
More than 250 pieces of recycled timber from the old jetty was used for the feature boardwalk, which has now also provided wheelchair access.
Ahead of last night’s official opening, Mr Sage said the project was a milestone for the Port MacDonnell community that would drive tourism and foster community connectivity.
“Our master plan is starting to be rolled out now and council should be really proud of what is about to be achieved,” Mr Sage said at The Waterfront earlier this week.
“We believe the revamped waterfront area will attract more visitors – staff have already said people are stopping here to take photographs with the statue.”
Mr Sage said the bronze statue was “fantastic” and a centrepiece of the precinct.
“The benches were made using recycled timber from the jetty and it is hard to believe it is the same timber – they look really impressive.”
The mayor thanked Mount Gambier Prison operator G4S given prisoners restored the timber, as well as designing and making the tables and benches.
“Council believes public spaces are at the heart of every community and the key ingredient in a project such as this is the residents of Port MacDonnell,” Mr Sage said.
“The community identified a desire to enhance and beautify the foreshore as the start of revitalising the centre of Port MacDonnell.
“It is a great tourism destination. Once stage two is complete, the vision the community has wanted will come to life.”
Elected member Gill Clayfield – who represents the Port MacDonnell ward – said yesterday the project had brought the “foreshore to life”.
“It has made a huge difference to the foreshore, it is the start of something fantastic,” Cr Clayfield said.
“The statue has really set it off and the new street furniture is beautifully made and modern.”
One of the varieties of plants selected for the landscaping was the coast banksia, which will be a stand-out feature in the plaza boxes and raised garden beds.
Council worked alongside the Port MacDonnell Maritime Museum on tourism signage and imaging for the information shelter.
Stage two of The Waterfront revitalisation project proposes the construction of a new nature-based playground.
Council is seeking State Government funding for stage two of the project.
