Renmark Paringa Council’s boat ramp upgrade strategy is focused on providing safe, reliable, and accessible access to the Murray River for residents, visitors, and the region’s growing recreational boating community. Well-designed and well-maintained boat ramp infrastructure is essential for improving safety, supporting inclusive access, and enabling people of all abilities to enjoy the river, while also supporting tourism, recreation, emergency response, and the local economy.

Council has recently completed several important boat ramp upgrades, delivering safer and more accessible facilities, with further improvements planned as part of a long-term, strategic approach. These works respond to changing user needs and help ensure Council’s river infrastructure remains fit for purpose into the future.

To deliver these outcomes responsibly, Council actively seeks external funding opportunities and partnerships to support upgrades, maximising investment in river infrastructure while minimising the financial impact on ratepayers.

At Bert Dix Park, the new boat ramp has been designed and tendered, with development approval currently underway.

Subject to approvals, construction is expected to commence within the next few months.

Competitive tender pricing has created opportunities to consider additional improvements, including car parking upgrades, improved accessibility and riverbank stabilisation.

Bert Dix Park is a well-loved and popular destination making this upgrade an incredibility exciting one for our community.

About the project

Renmark Paringa Council has commenced works on the Customs House Boat Ramp Upgrade Project - a key investment in enhancing safe and accessible river infrastructure for the community and visitors alike.

The project will deliver significant improvements to river access and functionality, supporting both recreational boating and the region’s tourism industry.

The River Murray is central to the lifestyle, economy, and identity of the Renmark Paringa community, and Council is committed to delivering high-quality river-based projects that protect and enhance this vital asset for future generations.

The upgrade is fully funded through external grants, with no cost to Council, and is being delivered in partnership with the Department of Environment and Water under the Sustaining Riverlands Environment Program.

The Sustaining Riverland Environments Program is a $37.6 million program funded by the Australian Government through the Murray-Darling Basin Authority and delivered by the Government of South Australia through the Department for Environment and Water.

Council has also worked closely with Customs Houseboats operators to ensure the upgraded facility meets operational and community needs.

Importantly, the project is being undertaken by local contractors, Alvanos Earthmoving, reinforcing Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening the regional economy through local procurement.

Construction is now underway, with the upgraded boat ramp scheduled for completion in 2026. Once complete, the facility will provide improved access to the River Murray, ensuring continued enjoyment and sustainable use of our most valued natural resource.

The upgrade to the Lock 6 Boat Ramp was completed in mid-2024 and is now open to the public.

This important project was jointly funded by Renmark Paringa Council and the South Australian Boating Facilities Advisory Committee (SABFAC), reflecting a shared commitment to enhancing boating infrastructure within the region.

Design and construction support were provided by the local Tonkin office, with works undertaken by local contractors, Stoney Pinch Quarry & Earthmoving. The project included upgrades to the boat ramp and renewal of the surrounding area, which has been formalised to serve as a dedicated car parking area for boat ramp users, improving access, safety and overall functionality.

Since its completion, the upgraded Lock 6 Boat Ramp has provided a valuable and well-utilised facility for recreational boaters. The improvements ensure the site will continue to support the local community and visitors well into the future.