Access to the Wimmera River for the community and members of Dimboola Rowing Club is set to become easier and safer with a project to replace the existing fixed ramp with a new floating pontoon to commence shortly.

Funded by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority with funding from the Victorian Governments Boosting Recreation Water Use initiative, the Rowing Club and Hindmarsh Shire Council, the new pontoon will provide easier access to the river regardless of the water level and reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls. It will be a welcome upgrade for local rowers and those visiting for the annual Dimboola Rowing Regatta held in November each year.

The new pontoon measuring almost 40 metres in length and sitting just 100 mm above the water line will be accessed by two 5 metre long gangways, with rowers able to safely carry their racing shells to the water on non-slip decking panels.

Above - crews launching their craft using the old launching ramp at the Dimboola Rowing Club - by the middle of this year crews will by using the new launch pontoon.

Rowing Club spokesperson Mick Salter said that the Club were extremely grateful for the support from both the Wimmera CMA and Hindmarsh Shire Council. “Our old ramp is well past its use by date and a new pontoon from which to launch the racing shells has long been a goal of the Rowing Club – we just haven’t had the funding to do it” explained Mick. “With the Wimmera CMA being able to provide significant funding and additional financial contributions from both the Club and Hindmarsh Shire Council, our new user friendly and much safer pontoon will be a reality within a few months.” Mick also suggested that the benefits of the new pontoon will extend beyond the Rowing Club, with the new structure to provide other sporting organisations and the wider community with better access to the river. “Barefoot skiers will have a safer starting point and I am sure the pontoon will also be popular with people launching kayaks and paddle boards” added Mick.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor Cr Ron Ismay congratulated the Rowing Club for their fundraising efforts and securing additional funds from the CMA and Council adding “we are really pleased that this development will soon provide even greater access to the Wimmera River at Dimboola for rowing and other water sports. Adjacent to the Riverside Holiday Park, the Recreation Reserve really does offer locals and visitors a lot of opportunity to enjoy being on or near the river.”

Construction of the pontoon has been scheduled by specialist manufacturer Ebaz P/L and it is expected that installation will occur in late April, early May.