BOATING enthusiast and former Swan Hill councillor Lindsay Rogers says Swan Hill has a reputation of not promoting or utilising its best asset – the river frontage.
And he said it was costing valuable tourism dollars, due to a lack of boating infrastructure.
“Swan Hill is the heartbeat of the Murray and the river is the jewel in the crown,” Mr Rogers said.
However, he said a lack of accessibility and mooring platforms was turning boaties away from the town.
Mr Rogers said boats were bypassing Swan Hill for alternative towns such as Renmark, Mildura, Koondrook and Tooleybuc, which provided better boating infrastructure and amenities.
“It’s a serious economic loss to our community, hospitality and tourism industry,” Mr Rogers said.
“There’s a lack of foresight and vision when it comes to exploring the potential and the possibilities which exist.”
Mr Rogers said the Murray River was an asset to the town and one that needed to be better promoted.
These sentiments were echoed by well-travelled skipper Paul Best, who recently spent 11 months on the water travelling from Swan Hill to Loxton, South Australia.
He clocked up 2500km on this journey, exploring the Darling, Murrumbidgee, Murray and Wakool rivers, stopping at all towns along the way.
“Unfortunately, Swan Hill has a reputation of being an unfriendly boating town, due to a lack of facilities,” Mr Best said.
“Places like Wentworth and Echuca are very proactive towns, and they realise the economic benefits of having boats in the town. Unfortunately, they are miles ahead of Swan Hill.”
Both men said it wouldn’t take much for Swan Hill to capitalise on the industry.
“Whether they are travelling by houseboat, tinnies, paddleboats or canoe, most people are just looking for a quick stopover and want somewhere to tie up,” Mr Best said, adding accessibility issues, overhanging trees and steep embankments made it difficult for people to stop in Swan Hill.
“There’s no infrastructure in place at the moment, so it’s a clean slate and a huge opportunity for the town.
“People love to see boats and it adds a bit of ambience to the river.”
Mr Rogers said a huge expenditure was not needed.
“People just need somewhere to pull up in the middle of town, it doesn’t have to be flash,” he said.
“They just need to provide bollards and designated boat parking spots, and people will stop and spend their money in the town.”
Mr Rogers said it would attract more boats to the town and create a focal point.
“Boats look great on the river and attract attention,” he said.
“We are not utilising our river frontage.”
Mr Best added: “Swan Hill has a rich boating history and we should be embracing the river history, the Pioneer Settlement and the town’s former boat trade.”
