What’s happening with the old Shell depot on Murray Bridge’s riverfront?
For years it has been a haven for historical relics, and it’s likely to stay that way under a council plan for the area.
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For years, an old Shell depot on Murray Bridge’s riverfront has been a haven for old boats, engines and bits of machinery.
It’s likely to stay that way for a while longer, if that’s alright with you.
Is it, though?
The Murray Bridge council is asking the question this month, seeking public feedback on a land management plan for Wharf Hill and the adjacent area.
Funnily enough, the council has only owned the Wharf Hill gardens and the “riverboat, rail and steam refurbishment site” for about three years – it spent $660,000 acquiring it from the state government in 2021.
Since then, a reasonable amount of junk has been removed from the site down the bottom of the hill.
Items remaining include the old steam engine which was moved to make way for a new shelter in 2022, the milk boat Union, plus assorted other relics from Murray Bridge’s wharf precinct and nearby areas.
The council plans to rebuild and retain the workshop down the bottom so volunteers can “enhance the community’s appreciation and understanding of the historical significance and value of these artefacts”.
Up the top and on the slope, the existing gardens, pathways, waterfall and rotunda would be preserved.
The council has also been looking at options to provide more lighting in the gardens at night.
Unfortunately, the cost of that project means it might have to wait until next financial year.
It would cost $20,000 to install solar-powered bollards like the ones on Adelaide Road, or $50,000 for overhead lighting like that on Swanport Road.
In the meantime, Mayor Wayne Thorley urged anyone with an interest in the area to have their say about the general plan for the land.
“Our community is at the heart of every decision we make,” he said.
“We want to hear your thoughts on how we can best manage and use these important historical and recreational spaces.”
The council indicated that it would offer a new lease to the Riverboat, Rail and Steam Group – the volunteers who have been restoring the items at the site – after the current consultation period ends.
The current consultation does not include Finlayson Reserve, the flat area at the bottom of the hill where Murray Bridge’s war memorial is located.
- Have your say: Take the survey at letstalk.murraybridge.sa.gov.au/draft-community-land-management-plan before 5pm on October 8.
- More information: Contact Sue Reynolds on 8539 1100 or at council@murraybridge.sa.gov.au.
