BOATING BONANZA: Hugh Delahunty and Dimboola Boat and Water Ski Club president Russell Hunter at Picnic Bend with, background from left, Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Dean Miller, club treasurer Bruce Miller, Hindmarsh mayor Rob Gersch and club member Luke Schneider. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
ANGLERS and water skiers will have better access to the Wimmera River with Picnic Bend's boat ramp near Dimboola set to be upgraded.
Dimboola Boat and Water Ski Club received $29,186 in State Government funding to replace concrete sandbags that prevent erosion and install a floating walkway.
Club president Russell Hunter said the grant would fund 80 per cent of the project, which he expected to be completed by November.
He said the remaining 20 per cent would be funded through in-kind contributions and club membership and launching fees.
"We are ecstatic that this grant application has been approved because it will make it safer and more accessible for all users fishermen and skiers alike," he said.
"The concrete sandbags were put in place back in the 1960s and they have worked fantastically but some of them are becoming loose and unstable under foot.
"The whole area the boat ramp and car park is going to be illuminated so if fishermen want to leave in the early hours of the morning, there will be security light to deter possible thefts.
"It will improve the accessibility and safety of all patrons."
Hindmarsh Shire mayor Rob Gersch thanked the State Government for its support.
"We see water and lakes as a great benefit for Dimboola and the community," he said.
"I think we appreciate water a lot more now because we had a lot of years when the weir and Lake Hindmarsh and other areas were dry."
The Member for Lowan, Hugh Delahunty said the grant was part of the 2012-13 round of Boating Safety and Facility Program funding.
"Boating is a popular pastime, and we have some magnificent waterways in the Wimmera, which are enjoyed by many locals and attract thousands of tourists each year," he said.
"The State Government believes it is critical to ensure our waterways can be used safely in the Wimmera."