An overall 171-berth marina at an estimated cost of $5 million over three stages is being planned by Mulwala Water Ski Club.

“We have a government grant of $52,000 to have a business case done with the first stage of 57 marinas,” club CEO Peter Duncan told the Yarrawonga Chronicle.

“Stage 2 will be for 57 marinas and Stage 3 also for 57 marinas.”

Mulwala Water Ski Club management has undertaken substantial research on the big project – inspecting all the marinas from Sandringham to Brighton and a particularly in-depth look at St George Motor Boat Club in Sydney – and has a letter of support from Murray Regional Tourism.

“We really think there is a need for a marina in the community and at our ski club we’re a boating hub,” Mr Duncan said. “We’re very keen on it. St George has around 300 moorings.”

To be located close to the ski club’s lagoon area, the marina would be gate-secured, designed for various boats including the most popular ski boats and pontoons, with concrete separations/paths.

“Currently, we don’t have the facilities for boating enthusiasts,” the CEO said.

“You hear of boat owners leaving their boats overnight elsewhere on the lake and subject to the weather elements, being overturned, etcetera. We’ll have all the facilities and they will be secure.”

There are many pontoon boats parked at the Yarrawonga Yacht Club needing somewhere to moor. There was the occasion earlier this year when the Paradise Queen washed up onto the foreshore.

Daily, weekly and monthly fees would apply in respect of the moorings. The marina would create boat maintenance, storage and other opportunities in the boating industry.