The Bendigo Rowing Club plans to enhance its facility at Lake Weeroona with the addition of a new pontoon.
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The proposed pontoon upgrade project would improve logistics so the club can keep up with demand during regattas and to support other boating actives through the community.
"Lake Weeroona is one of the most popular rowing venues in Victoria, but the existing jetty struggles to cope during major regattas," BRC president Cathleen Farrelly said.
"For example our regatta in October 2019 attracted over 300 athletes from 22 clubs and was a huge success.
"However, at times we had long queues of crews waiting for their turn to access the water.
"It presented a logistical nightmare for Rowing Victoria to keep the event running to schedule, and highlighted the need for an additional pontoon to ease congestion and improve safety".
It has been estimated the project will cost $51,000 and a proposal has been submitted to the City of Greater Bendigo.
The proposed location is in the north west corner of the lake where the pontoon would come out of the bank and be able to adapt to changing water levels.
The plans include the addition of a disability support winch to enable participation of people with disabilities, such as the Bendigo Sailability Program.
The construction would not require any removal of vegetation or loss of visual amenity.
Meanwhile, BRC has suspended activities in guidance with COVID-19 restrictions, but the committee remains focused for when athletes are able to return to the water.
The club currently plans for a return in early spring, followed closely by hosting the Bendigo Sprint Regatta planned for mid-October.
"A new pontoon at Lake Weeroona would enable Bendigo rowing regattas to continue to grow and draw visitors to Bendigo, many of whom extend their stay to enjoy the city's attractions and contribute to the local economy," Farrelly said.
"It will be a publicly accessible facility for all people to use to pursue healthy and active lifestyles in a hopefully not-too-distant post pandemic period.
"More broadly, the project will further enhance Lake Weeroona as Bendigo's most popular public place and support Council's vision to re-imagine the Bendigo Creek corridor to enhance interaction with water."
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