A proposal to build a world-class water sports park on Murray Bridge's riverfront has been flagged with the city's council.
Two businessmen, who wish to remain anonymous, hope to construct an artificial lake for the purpose, possibly upstream of Long Island Reserve.
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They would then build a machine capable of towing wakeboarders around the lake, over or around jumps, on a system of cables powered by a quiet electric motor.
Similar parks exist at five other locations around Australia: three in Queensland, one in western Sydney and one in Perth.
The concept remains at a very early stage – the proponents have not yet reached out to state government authorities, the Ngarrindjeri, nearby residents or other parties with whom consultation will be required.
They have not yet lodged a development application.
But they believed the zoning of Murray Bridge’s riverfront land – which already allows sport and recreation facilities to be built below the 1956 flood line – would suit the purpose.
"Murray Bridge represents a great location to be South Australia's premier site for a cable water sports park," they said in a submission to the council.
"We believe this development could meet the investment hurdles for a successful project, encourage tourism and recreation and enhance Murray Bridge as a premium water sports holiday destination."
The idea came up during a public consultation about the council's plans for the city's riverfront.
Other ideas floated by members of the public included:
- An artificial river inlet at Hume Reserve, leading to private moorings and tourist accomodation
- A pedestrian bridge or zip line across the river
- A war memorial garden beneath Wharf Hill
- An indoor sport facility
- An arid botanic garden
- Extra houseboat moorings at Avoca Dell, Thiele and Swanport reserves
A number of submissions emphasised the need for the council to work with the Ngarrindjeri Regional Authority and other Aboriginal bodies to protect historically important sites.
The council has allocated $440,000 to minor upgrades along the riverfront, continuation of the Wharf Hill revamp, new boat ramps and land rezoning in its draft 2016-17 budget.
Peri Strathearn
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
Alter ego of uke player Barney Rebel. E-cyclist, Leafs fan, Uniting churchgoer, consumer of baked goods, dad of two girls.
