Media Releases

A grant to carry out urgent repairs to the Pioneer Settlement wharf was announced today by Member for Swan Hill, Peter Walsh.
The grant of $350,000 was made under the Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund which is designed to restore community facilities damaged during the 2011 floods
“The wharf was damaged during last year’s floods and this has impacted upon the operations of the iconic paddlesteamer, the Pyap,” Mr Walsh said.
“A section of the wharf has been sectioned off and this has had a detrimental impact on the enjoyment that visitors to the Settlement have had since the damaged occurred.
“The wharf and the Pyap are integral components of the Settlement and their attraction to locals and tourists alike is a major draw card to this historic link to our past,” he said.
Mr Walsh made the announcement today whilst visiting the Pioneer Settlement.
“It is expected that these works will be completed by March 2013 and we can all look forward to this important part of the Settlement back in full operation,” Mr Walsh said.
The Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund is administered by Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan.
“The Flood Recovery Community Infrastructure Fund is supporting councils and community groups to restore flood-affected local assets," Mr Ryan said.
“It is helping stimulate local economies and restore important community infrastructure,” he said.
The project will be administered by Swan Hill Rural City Council and overseen by Regional Development Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment.