The Andrews Labor Government is creating more opportunities for Victorians to get out and explore Warrnambool’s Merri River.

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora today opened the new all-abilities access kayak launch and newly constructed walking paths, opening up access to the Merri River in Warrnambool.

The floating pontoon makes recreational activites such as; kayaking, canoeing, fishing accessible for people of limited mobility and in wheelchairs.

Warrnambool City Council  installed the pontoon through the Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority’s Merri Connections Projects, which was funded by the Victorian Government’s Recreational Water Values Program.

The $400,000 in funding also supported enhanced pedestrian access to the Merri River through the construction of all-weather walking paths and seating on the floating pontoon.

Helping people to connect with the Merri River through this project highlights how important waterways are to the wider community – healthy waterways contribute significantly to community wellbeing.

The new kayak launch facility is part of Council’s South of Merri Precinct Plan, which aims to create a more connected neighbourhood where the local environment can be both enjoyed and protected. 

The support for the project came not only through the Victorian Government funding, but also the Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation, which collaborated on the project. 

In addition to the completion of the kayak launch facility, works on connecting footpaths have also been completed and a new fishing pontoon about 150m upstream, will be constructed.  

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water Harriet Shing

“The Merri River Connections and the all-abilities kayak launch allows all community members to get out and enjoy nature easily, while also supporting the long-term health of the river.”

Quote attributable to Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora

“The Merri River provides so many environmental, social, recreational be community and is an important feature of the cultural landscape of the Eastern Maar people.”

“It’s great to see local groups and communities working together delivering better access to recreational opportunities.”

“The Merri River provides so many environmental, social, recreational be community and is an important feature of the cultural landscape of the Eastern Maar people.”

“It’s great to see local groups and communities working together delivering better access to recreational opportunities.”