Campaspe Shire Council will fund vital structural works to the banks of the Murray River, which were destabilised after the floods and storms of mid-2016.
The $920,000 project will involve the construction of a 65 metre retaining wall, adjacent to the river and the historic Echuca wharf, to ensure the protection of the failing river bank.
Construction will require the demolition of the former Oscar W’s building which closed in 2014.
Campaspe Shire Council sought funding of $1.3 million through the National Disaster Financial Assistance Fund to construct the wall from the river side, however was advised in late November the application was unsuccessful.
The shire’s mayor Adrian Weston said it had changed the construction plans since its federal funding application to reduce the impost on ratepayers.
“Whilst council’s original preference was to construct the retaining wall from the river, an unsuccessful funding application meant all issues and options had to be revisited to ensure the best economic, social and environmental outcomes for the community for now and into future,” he said.
“The option for council to leave the retaining wall in its current condition could put the whole area at risk of damage, collapse or failure, including significant red gum trees, the remaining retaining wall structure, in-ground services and Cadell’s walkway – a walkway that connects the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre to the wharf.”
Councillors made the decision at a meeting on Tuesday evening.