A new all-abilities fishing platform and kayak launch has been constructed along the Campaspe River, near Rochester – to provide safer access to the river as part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to boost recreational activities along waterways.

Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the facility is the first of its kind to be constructed along the Campaspe River and will provide huge benefits to the local community and visitors to the area for years to come. 

Located near the popular Rochester Riverside Holiday Park, the 6-metre x 3-metre floating platform allows people to safely launch their kayaks into the river while also providing a peaceful spot for anglers to throw in a line and catch a fish.

The $260,000 project took just over 18 months to complete and includes a wheelchair accessible footpath and carparking, so everyone can enjoy what the beautiful Campaspe River has to offer. 

The project builds on other works recently completed by Campaspe Shire Council as part of the Rochester Holiday Park redevelopment. 

The site will be managed by the Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management. 

Equipment Solutions Plus from Swan Hill were contracted to complete the works on behalf of the North Central CMA in collaboration with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Campaspe Shire Council, Murray Darling Basin Authority, and the Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management. 

This project was funded through the Victorian Government’s $3.2M Boosting Recreational Water initiative that commenced in 2018 to support the implementation of Water for Victoria. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Northern Victoria, Mark Gepp

“The Campaspe River is highly valued by both the local community and visitors and this project demonstrates the Victorian Government’s commitment to boost recreational activities along waterways.”

“Now more than ever we realise the value of being out in nature, and this new platform provides locals and visitors with even more opportunities to do just that, while also boosting the local economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Water, the Hon. Lisa Neville

“Building new infrastructure along Victorian waterways brings tourism to our regions and provides economic benefits to surrounding communities.”