Pursuant to the Local Government Act 1999 s198 and s202(2).

The District Council of Loxton Waikerie is seeking community feedback regarding the proposed Community Land Management Plan and draft sub-licence agreement for a portion of Crown Record Volume 6179 Folio 602, Lot 106 Grant Schubert Drive.

At its meeting held 13 December 2023, Council moved to endorse a 15-year sub-licence agreement with Queenie Enterprises Pty Ltd and approved works required for the operation of the Murray River Queen at the proposed location in Loxton.

Previously moored in Waikerie for several years, the Murray River Queen (MRQ) relocated to Renmark several years ago. Under new ownership, a request to move the MRQ to Loxton and operate it as a cafe, restaurant and accommodation was presented to Council in a confidential Council meeting in September 2023.

Council noted its previous ‘in principle support’ for the relocation of the MRQ to Loxton, and acknowledged that any infrastructure located on the riverfront under licence to support the mooring should be owned and controlled by the Council. As such, Council agreed to fund the provision of mooring poles and landing adjacent to the Lions Park, with Council to manage project delivery. The MRQ agreed to repay Council investment over a 15 year agreement via the annual sublicence, and it was noted that if the MRQ did leave the site in the future, the infrastructure could be used for temporary houseboat moorings.

Since its new ownership, the vessel has undergone a number of renovations to expand the accommodation offering, update the cafe, and more. Owner Ms Donna Neale told the Murray Pioneer recently, “Once we arrive, we will get staffed up and hopefully get the cafe and restaurants working as soon as possible”. The MRQ is currently situated at a dry dock in Renmark, while the necessary infrastructure is constructed in Loxton.

The proposed Community Land Management Plan will allow the intended sublicence-holders to use the premises for business use. Under section 198 of the Local Government Act 1999, Council is required to undertake public consultation prior to adopting an amended Community Land Management Plan.

To view the proposed Community Land Management Plan, click here.

To view the proposed sublicence agreement, click here.

To provide your feedback, please use the feedback form on this webpage, or use any of the methods listed below.

Public Consultation will take place between Wednesday 6 November and Wednesday 27 November 2024.

Submissions from the community are also encouraged

•by email at council@lwdc.gov.au, or

•by post to PO Box 409, Loxton SA 5333, or

•in person, in writing, at the Council’s offices at 35 Bookpurnong Road, Loxton or Strangman Road, Waikerie.

If you wish to present your submission to the Council in person or by advocate, please indicate that in your submission.

Written submissions will be accepted until 5.00 pm on Wednesday 27 November 2024.

For further information please contact Andrew Waters, Director of Commercial and Community Services, on 8584 8000.

David Beaton
Chief Executive Officer