High intensity rainfall in January 2011 caused major flooding across much of the western and central parts of Victoria. Bridgewater on Loddon was hit by two flood peaks, with floodwaters damaging around 50 houses, as well as the local services and businesses.

On the banks of the Loddon River, the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park was a popular tourist destination in summer to camp, swim, waterski, fish, kayak and canoe. The 2011 floods completely wiped out the caravan park and foreshore reserve, and the lack of tourists over the last few years has had a considerable impact on the local businesses.

Reopening draws summer crowds

Sunday 26 October 2014, marked the official reopening of the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park and foreshore reserve. The foreshore project was funded by a $121,000 grant from The Percy Baxter Charitable Trust, managed by Perpetual, in partnership with FRRR as well as significant contributions from the Loddon Shire Council and the State Government.

The Percy Baxter Charitable Trust grant was used to redevelop the facilities at the Bridgewater Public Caravan Park and the public access areas to the foreshore, boat launching area and parking. This included:

• Toilet facilities
• Street bollards
• Lighting
• Landscaping
• Tables and chairs
• Pathways.

This is a popular destination and locals are expecting holidaymakers will return to Bridgewater in force this summer. In fact, bookings started roiling in for the caravan park as soon as word spread that it had reopened.

Rural infrastructure is important to sustaining small towns

Rural and regional communities find it very difficult to fund mid-sized projects and this type of one-off funding makes an enormous difference to small communities – as shown here in Bridgewater.

Loddon mayor, Cr Gavan Holt, said it will bring huge economic benefits to the people of the region, as well as countless hours of pleasure. Along with visitors, its expected locals will take full advantage of the transformation, with a family-friendly environment and easy access to water activities including swimming, fishing and canoeing.