Rocks Ferry Reserve is one of the many significant sites devastated by the March 2021 flood.
The force of the water reshaped parts of the riverbanks. The boat ramp, pontoon, car park, playground, fish cleaning tables and footpath were damaged or swept away.
In early September, we will begin work on the open space, riverside beach and part of the footpath. The work won't be to a polished, high level, but it will enable people to use the area again until we can co-design the future of the reserve with the community.
Restoring some access at and around the boat ramp is a huge undertaking and we hope this can be achieved by summer, but there are many complexities to consider.
There is significant community concern about the damage and our delay in beginning to rebuild the area. There is strong interest in having a discussion around what could or should be restored.
This week we will be asking the community to bring their ideas to the table to plan the future for Rocks Ferry Reserve. We have opened an online survey and will hold online community workshops for people to share what they believe is important about the site.
"We know how much people love Rocks Ferry," said Acting Group Manager Recreation Property and Buildings, Lucilla Marshall.
"We can't restore the whole reserve the same as it was, quickly, because of the severity of the damage.
"It scoured-out areas leaving some unstable ground and sink holes. There is a lot to be done and we need to keep in mind that floods aren't uncommon to Rocks Ferry Reserve.
"We want to make sure the work we do is not only what the community wants, but is a sensible approach considering future floods, and is good value for ratepayers."
The online survey is open now, and closes 30 August.
Community members can register to be part of the online community workshop which will be held on 19 August at 6pm. There will also be a follow up community information session on September 16 at 6pm.
