The North Central Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is working with the Elmore and Rochester communities to build two all-access fishing and canoe platforms on the Campaspe River.

In July 2018, the North Central CMA received $200,000 through the Victorian Government's Boosting Recreational Water Use initiative to build the two platforms.

Despite this being less than half the money required, North Central CMA Project Manager Angela Gladman said the organisation had continued to lobby for the construction of the platforms on the communities’ behalf.

“We were committed to helping Elmore and Rochester communities make this happen so everyone can enjoy what the Campaspe has to offer,” she said.

“We have worked with the Campaspe Shire and Rochester Recreation Reserve Committee of Management to use $60,000 of a $500,000 Australian Government Basin Plan grant to go towards building the platform at the Rochester Riverside Holiday Park. 

“We have also submitted an NDIS grant for the Elmore platform construction costs. We believe this shovel-ready project has a good chance of being funded and we will find out in February next year.”

Ms Gladman said the contract had been awarded for the construction of the Rochester platform, which should be completed by the end of February.

“Challenges with the bank slope at Rochester led to two different site options during the design process,” she said.

“The final design incorporates 83m of wheelchair accessible concrete path and boardwalk leading to a fixed 6m x 3m fishing platform and floating canoe launch.

“At Elmore, after discussions with locals, the Elmore Progress Association and council, the location that offered the best vehicle access with low bank slope close to the town centre in Elmore was identified at the northern end of the River Walk.

“A draft design incorporating an accessible boardwalk, fishing platform and canoe launch was circulated in the Elmore community in February 2019 with positive feedback.

“We look forward to the Elmore grant announcement early next year.”