General News
13 July, 2023
Facility upgrade a big boost for Cairn Curran
Ramping up to improved facilties, Cairn Curran Reservoir is set to get necessary upgrades after receiving more than $150,000 in grants from the State Government in a move that has been applauded by local fishing groups. A popular recreational and...
Ramping up to improved facilties, Cairn Curran Reservoir is set to get necessary upgrades after receiving more than $150,000 in grants from the State Government in a move that has been applauded by local fishing groups.
A popular recreational and angling spot, the reservoir’s Picnic Point located about 35 kilometres from Maryborough, will sport new infrastructure changes after Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards this week announced funding to revamp the space.
Through a grant of $112,715 from the Recreational Boating Grants Program, rural water provider Goulburn Murray Water (GMW) will repair the Point’s boat ramp — with a focus on it’s concrete surface, reducing erosion alongside the ramp, resurfacing the car park and replacing signage.
GMW will also utilise another grant of $50,000 from the Recreational Fishing Grants Program to install an all-abilities amenity facility near the boat ramp — which will feature three unisex cubicles, including one big enough to accommodate a wheelchair.
Former Maryborough local, Ms Edwards said the funding provided a great opportunity for more people to utilise the famous location.
“I think it’s a really exciting announcement and I look forward to coming out back when it’s completed and seeing the works that have been done,” she said.
“[There will also be] disability access in the facility, which will make a huge difference to people with disability who might want to come out and [take up] either the boating or the fishing opportunities on offer.
“Being a Maryborough girl, it’s like Cairn Curran is your second home in the summer — I can’t wait.”
Reiterating the positive impact of the announcement, Ms Haylett noted that improving facilities was an important step in ensuring a good experience for everyone.
“The boat ramp has got a bunch of deep holes in it right now so this is very much needed,” she said.
“Currently without the amenities block here, girls and women really struggle in the summertime so that will be fantastic to have and if you’re in a wheelchair, you need accessible toilets so that’s also going to be a big win.
“It’s just so good to see the progress.”
The move is expected to benefit many residents and community groups including the Maryborough Angling Club who have been pushing for repairs.
“We’ve been so excited since we heard the news,” club president Kevin Wild said.
“The ramp is still usable but it’s getting worse and worse as the years go on.
“If this didn’t get done now, in the next couple of years it would probably close down.”
Mr Wild said that the reservoir would now become more attractive to people across the state.
“Once the toilets are here and the ramp is upgraded we’ll have to get here early in the morning to go fishing because there won’t be any places left to park your car — a lot more people will come in,” he said.
“Picnic Point is a bit more central than the other ramps and seems to be a bit more popular so it’s going to be really good.”