Murrindindi Shire Council is thrilled to announce the completion of the Lake Eildon 'Floating Cities' Project.
The project has delivered important upgrades to the entrance road to the Lake Eildon Marina, off Sugarloaf Road, which will make access for houseboats much easier. It has also delivered a new, environmentally-friendly wash-bay facility, which will accommodate minor houseboat maintenance, mandatory houseboat inspections and allow easier access for larger houseboats.
Council's Community Assets Portfolio Councillor, Eric Lording, said council was excited to see the positive impact this project had on houseboat manufacturers and their ability to safely and efficiently transport houseboats and more easily launch them from the boat ramp.
"We are seeing a growing demand for houseboats, including larger and more impressive builds. The Floating Cities Project will not only help the industry respond to this growing demand, it will also provide significant economic benefits to the community of Murrindindi Shire, including our tourism sector and a boost for local jobs," he said.
"A huge thanks to Regional Development Victoria, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) and the Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association for their support. This project would not have been possible without the generous funding support from our partners."
Lake Eildon Houseboat Industry Association President Mike Dalmau said he had already received positive feedback from the houseboat industry since the improvements were made to Sugarloaf Road and the entrance to Lake Eildon Marina.
"Our houseboat manufacturers are finding it safer and more efficient to slip houseboats to and from Lake Eildon and they've commented on how the new wash-bay facility will make it easier to carry out routine maintenance and inspections. We are so pleased to have been part of this collaborative project with Regional Development Victoria, GMW and Murrindindi Shire Council," he said.
"The Eildon Floating Cities Project has delivered important infrastructure that will help future-proof the houseboat industry and the important local jobs it provides for many years to come."
GMW Water Storage Services general manager Martina Cusack said the project aligned with GMW's Land and on Water Strategy.
Ms Cusack said the strategy sought to partner with customers and stakeholders to enhance recreational values at its storages, which in turn supported the health and wellbeing and social fabric of regional communities.
"This project provides improved and safe access for the large houseboats to get in and out of the lake" she said.
In peak season, houseboats accommodate about 5000 people, who enjoy what Lake Eildon has to offer and spend money in local businesses.
Ms Cusack said the purpose-built wash-bay facility would also prevent contaminants from entering the water, when houseboat owners undertake maintenance, mandatory inspections and accessing larger houseboats.
"This will assist in maintaining the water quality of Lake Eildon, which will benefit urban water corporations who treat this water for potable use in our regional towns, the local community and the recreation public at Lake Eildon," she said.
