Resounding Public Support Received for the Murray River Queen’s Operation in Loxton
At its meeting held Wednesday 20 November, Council’s elected members delegated the authority to the CEO to finalise and sign the sublicence agreement between Council and Queenie Enterprises for the mooring of the MRQ, and approve the Community Land Management Plan, contingent upon the successful public consultation.
The consultation, which concluded at 5pm on Wednesday 27 November 2024, requested community feedback on the Draft Community Land Management Plan and Draft Sublicence Agreement. A total of 161 contributions were received, with 153 indicating full support for the proposal. Many respondents expressed enthusiasm for the arrival of a new tourism attraction in Loxton, with one community member commenting, "The relocation of the MRQ can do nothing but good for Loxton”.
The MRQ was previously moored in Waikerie and relocated to Renmark in 2012. Now under new ownership by Donna Neale, the final approval to move the vessel to Loxton to operate as a café, restaurant, and accommodation was made by Council in September 2023. Having previously expressed support for the move, Council agreed to fund the mooring poles and landing facilities adjacent to Lion’s Park, and provide project management. Queenie Enterprises will repay the investment over 15 years through an annual sublicence, with the infrastructure able to be repurposed for houseboat moorings if the MRQ leaves the site in the future.
Since its acquisition, the MRQ has undergone extensive renovations to enhance its accommodation offerings, update the café, and improve facilities. The vessel officially arrived in Loxton on Sunday 24 November, and its presence on-site is now supporting the completion of the final infrastructure works necessary for the mooring and boat access.
Council anticipates that the remaining infrastructure will be completed shortly, with power connection and final works to fit the gangway in progress. Once the site is ready, the MRQ will take a staged approach to reopening, with hopes to have accommodation available prior to Christmas. The community can look forward to enjoying the café onboard in the new year, with the restaurant’s opening to follow.
Council looks forward to the Murray River Queen becoming a key part of the local tourism landscape, enhancing the appeal of Loxton and the wider region.
Comments attributable to Donna Neale, Murray River Queen:
“More than anything, the support from the Loxton community has been so overwhelming and amazing, it is more than I could have hoped for. To get here is a bit surreal, but the Loxton community has just been so amazing through the whole process, and our arrival on Sunday absolutely topped it. I can’t wait to be able to have people come and enjoy ‘the Queen’ as much as I do.”
Comments attributable to Trevor Norton, Mayor:
“The Murray River Queen is more than just a tourist attraction – it’s become a central part of the Riverland experience and an iconic symbol of our region’s connection to the Murray River. We’re thrilled with the feedback from residents and visitors alike, and we look forward to seeing the Murray River Queen operate for years to come.”
Comments attributable to David Beaton, Chief Executive Officer:
“The successful outcome of this consultation is a testament to the community’s vision for the future of Loxton and the value they place on the Murray River Queen. The vessel provides an excellent opportunity to enhance local tourism and business opportunities.
Several practical reasons contributed to the selection of Lion’s Park as the mooring site over the wharf area at the end of East Terrace, which has been queried by several community members. The wharf at the end of the main street is fixed and is scheduled for an upgrade in the coming years to allow it to move up and down with river level changes, which would have meant the MRQ would have had to be moved.
The Aquatics club skis along that area and speed restrictions near the MRQ would have occurred.
Significant costs with providing reliable power and water infrastructure at the main street location would have been an unreasonable expense. The Council also wanted to reserve the end of the main street for visiting houseboats, which are an important part of the area's tourism activity.
The Lion's Park site offers greater availability of parking, which is crucial for accommodating both local and visiting traffic. These factors made the Lion's Park location a more feasible and strategic choice for development, with signage on the Karoonda Highway being able to direct traffic down Sophie Edington Drive.”