Renmark Riverfront Wharf Upgrade

Watch the project unfold here

Overview

The Renmark Riverfront Wharf is an essential piece of infrastructure set to revitalise and enhance the amenity and liveability of Renmark Paringa. Tourists, visitor experiences, open space recreation, community events, town walkability, small business activation and riverfront beautification are key areas which will benefit from the project.

Engineering assessments indicated that significant damage has occurred to the wharf by river vessels and as a result it requires repair to ensure ongoing structural integrity.

The project will reinstate ageing infrastructure to compliment Council’s Urban Design Framework whilst meeting the needs of visitors, businesses, and the community.

The infrastructure will be rebuilt to withstand future flooding events to ensure sustainable asset management and contribute to the region’s wealth and economic prosperity.

The new infrastructure will be built with 3 metre wide walkways, accessible ramps and sufficient lighting making it inclusive, user friendly and make the most of Renmark’s prime riverfront.

The significant upgrades will ensure the Renmark Riverfront Wharf will not require any major renewals for 30 to 50 years and will be designed to withstand future flood events.

When will works begin?

Contractors will be on site from Monday 5 February 2024 with the project expected to be completed in October 2024.

During this period, the riverfront between the Renmark Visitor Centre and the Taylor Riverfront Precinct will be closed to river users and pedestrians.

This closure will ensure the safety of the public and contractors can be maintained at all times.

How is it being funded?

Council is sharing the cost of the project with the State and Federal Government.

Council has been successful in securing external funding through the State Government’s Local Government Infrastructure Partnership Program and the Federal Government’s Constraints Measures Program and is exploring further funding opportunities.

The technical details

An engineering assessment completed by Tonkin Consulting determined that the Renmark Riverfront Wharf had suffered significant damage by river vessels and as a result required repair to ensure ongoing structural integrity.

In January 2022, Council partnered with Ecospec Coastal and Marine, who commenced designing the upgraded wharf to develop a long-lasting fit for purpose solution. Through the design phase, Ecospec, Tonkin (project management lead) and Council staff have worked on refining the scope and design with a focus on building an asset that is going to provide longevity and improved accessibility.

The final design is a precast concrete panel wall, anchored with structural screw piles. The precast panel wall system includes both vertically and diagonally driven screw piles which support the precast panels and footpath above.

This solution provides excellent rigidity and durability under the mooring loads expected from houseboats and other large river vessels.

In addition, the screw pile system eliminates the percussive hammering which would have been experienced if sheet piles were used, which will ensure the construction period has a managed effect on the surrounding amenity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the wharf need to be replaced?

Engineering assessments have identified the need to replace the asset after sustained damage from river vessels over a long period of time.

How long will the project take?

Construction is expected to take place from February 2024 until October 2024. Any changes to this timeline will be updated on the project webpage and shared with the community.

How will this project benefit the community?

This project will have major long-term benefits including:

The protection of community assets and infrastructure, such as the Renmark Community Club and open spaces through bank stabilisation.
A flood resilient Riverfront Wharf that is designed to withstand future flooding and high flow events.
Inclusive, all abilities walkway for pedestrians and cyclists.
Continuous walkway that connects Paringa and Renmark townships and associated businesses including restaurants, accommodation venues and recreation areas.
Improved safety for river users and the public through well designed walkways, retaining walls and landings.
Improved facilities for houseboat mooring that meets current standards.
Asset longevity to ensure the Renmark Riverfront Wharf will not require any major renewals for 30-50 years.
Revitalisation of the Renmark Riverfront through complimentary landscape and urban design.
Increased amenity and liveability of Renmark through the beautification of the Riverfront.
Appropriately designed to support high quality visitor experiences such as river based activities, houseboats and water events.

What will happen to the events usually held on the riverfront?

Council’s riverfront events will be held in alternative locations, while Renmark Paringa Council’s Events Team will work with local event organisers to facilitate their events.

Renmark Paringa Council’s Events Team will continue to deliver its calendar of events, with a number of alternative locations being explored.

To keep up to date with local events visit: www.discoverrenmark.com.au/whats-on/upcoming-events-markets

I am thinking about holding an event. Who can I contact about it?

The Renmark Paringa Council Events Team can answer enquiries about event organisation. They can be contacted on 1300 661 704.

Will traffic or parking be impacted on Murray Avenue?

There will be no ongoing impact to traffic and parking, however there will be temporary traffic restrictions when equipment needs to be moved. These restrictions will be timed to lessen the impact on road users.

Will there be an alternative walking trail?

Yes, the footpaths along Murray Avenue will remain open and will offer an alternate walking trail. This alternate walking trail will be marked out clearly and will ensure there is a continuous walkway for pedestrians whilst construction is taking place.

Are there alternative open spaces along the Riverfront available for recreation?

Yes, the Taylor Riverfront Precinct, which includes a water play area and the Jarrett Memorial Gardens which includes a playground are great alternate open spaces which can be utilised for recreation purposes.

Will the new wharf be flood resilient?

Yes, the new Riverfront Wharf will be flood resilient, meaning that once waters recede after a flood or high river event, it will require minimal remediation work before it can be reopened to the public.

Whilst the new Riverfront Wharf will go under and be closed to the public at approximately 80GL in a flood or high river event it will be built to withstand these higher flows.

What will happen to the possums?

Council has sought advice from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. They are confident the possums will have sufficient movement in and around the construction site to seek food. The dedicated community member who currently feeds the possums will be able to provide food on the edge of the construction site.

Will the PS Industry cruises still run?

Yes, the PS Industry cruises will be unaffected. For more information visit here: www.discoverrenmark.com.au/ps-industry

What will happen to the flood marker?

The flood marker will be unaffected. The section it is on will remain the same.

What will happen to Council's other projects?

Council will continue to work on a number of other major projects while the wharf is being worked on, including replacing the Twentyfirst Street Bridge, upgrading 180 Murray Avenue and transforming Paringa's town centre.

Is there mooring access at the project site?

No. During the construction of the Renmark Riverfront Wharf, this area will be unavailable for boat mooring. Boat operators are encouraged to consider alternative mooring locations suitable for the type of vessel being moored. Unfortunately Council does not have alternative designated mooring facilities within the Renmark Riverfront area.

Will any trees need to be removed?

Yes, 16 small coco palms will require removal to enable the safe movement of construction equipment. The trees will be replaced with elected members reviewing a proposed tree planting plan with recommended species and locations in the very near future.

Concept Plans