Campaspe Shire Council has approved the Terms of Reference for a review of the future management options for Echuca’s Port Precinct to be completed by the Port Precinct Working Group.
Mayor, Cr Adrian Weston said the Terms of Reference clearly outlines what is and isn’t included in the review, as well as the area scope, defining Echuca’s Port Precinct as all of the riverfront area from the bridge to caravan park, High Street between Warren and Heygarth Streets including the land extending to the Campaspe River in the west, and the Aquatic Reserve through to the bridge roundabout.
“Council has clearly stated it will retain ownership and management of the various assets it owns or currently has responsibility for, including freehold property, three paddlesteamers and the heritage artefacts. Council will retain an active role in whatever management option is proposed,” Cr Weston said.
The review will consider the costs, benefits and risks of management options and include:
- An investigation of alternative management and operational structures that support the Port Precinct Plan’s vision, ‘A place to take your time, relax and enjoy yourself’
- A review and consideration of Council policies and previous reports
- An investigation of a status quo option, with Council remaining as manager
- An investigation of alternative ‘arms-length’ management models
- A structured assessment of each alternative management model
- An evaluation of separated components
- An investigation of all aspects of future management and operations, such as policy and planning, communication, leasing, marketing, event planning, community engagement and other factors
- An investigation of the governance structure, management and staffing
- An assessment of costs of each option
- An investigation of future funding sources
The funding for the review is proposed to be shared between Campaspe Shire Council, Murray River Council and the Echuca Moama Alliance.
The Port Precinct Working Group is made up of:
- Campaspe Shire Council – Cr Leanne Pentreath, Cr John Zobec and CEO Declan Moore
- Murray River Council – Mayor Cr Chris Bilkey and General Manager Des Bilske
- Echuca Moama Alliance – Michael Delahunty, Nina O’Brien and Craig Opie.
The Working Group has been requested to complete the review and recommend a preferred management model to Council by 31 January 2020.
“Once the group provides their recommendation to Council we will seek feedback from the wider community,” Cr Weston said.
“We appreciate the high community interest in the operations of the Echuca Port Precinct and its importance to our tourism and business sectors and now look forward to the outcome of this review.”
