Future and existing plans were revealed at the club’s annual general meeting on Sunday in an impressive presentation by Chief Executive Officer Peter Duncan.
Mr Duncan unveiled preliminary artist impressions of future plans to develop a second level of the club featuring a roof top bar and function area with a relocated administration area facing the car park.
“Our strong financial position has enabled us to forge forward with important improvements to the club while at the same time using and benefiting local trades and businesses.
“We already have initiated a number of projects of which several will be completed by Christmas this year,” Mr Duncan said.
Mr Duncan went into detail about the current $3.5 million of capital works being undertaken, these included an $880,000 extension of the Malibu Deck which will also feature new furniture and fittings and a large screen TV, $294,000 on an all-abilities playground, a new $522,000 laser light show and the first stage construction of the $2.4 million solar covered car park (to be completed in March 2023).
“The light and sound show will showcase the beauty of Lake Mulwala and the Murray River,” Mr Duncan said.
He said there will be three shows per week all year round and the lighting will be choreographed to music, projecting a stunning light extravaganza viewable from the club and foreshore.
“This will be a good addition not only for locals and families but to the many visitors to Yarrawonga Mulwala.”
Mr Duncan said the Malibu Deck will be expanded by 18 x 10 metres enabling use for an additional 90 people and will incorporate an all-abilities access including full wheelchair accessibility, ramps to access the waterfront, wide access areas and a level platform to allow movement and ease of socialisation.
“The deck’s retractable roof and heating and cooling systems allow year-round use, and a glass fence will permit a full view of the lake and light and sound show,” he said.
Mr Duncan said the upgrade of the deck will be the first stage of three to upgrade the lounge areas of the club over the next 12 months.
The second stage will be an upgrade of the main bar. “We want to change the bar from a 1950s look to a more modern look,” he said.
The third stage will be the upgrade of the lounge area closest to the reception area and gaming room.
Mr Duncan also provided detail about the new solar car park at the club and a solar farm next to the Max Kirwan Ski Park.
The 14 hectares solar farm is expected to derive 6.4 megawatts of power per year, enough power to supply 2,500 homes for one year. The farm will provide the club with an important ongoing revenue stream.
Once completed in the first half of 2023 the solar parking is expected to bring power savings of over $200,000 while also providing ideal shade for members’ and guests’ vehicles. The solar car park will also feature six electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, four of which will be fast charging.
Mr Duncan also spoke about the completion of the $2.2 million stage 3 of the holiday park which has delivered more accommodation units, high-rise apartments, a camp kitchen and a new amenities area. He also briefly spoke about the forward plans to now upgrade the southern end of the park.
He also mentioned the $340,000 extension of the gaming room which increased gaming machine numbers outside from 20 to 38.
“This investment has delivered a lot more space, it is nice and comfortable and has provided a return on investment in just 8 months,” Mr Duncan said.
“These are all projects that will improve the facilities for our members, generate revenue and save on expenses,” he said.
Mr Duncan then showed a walk-through video of how a new refurbished lounge area and Malibu Deck will look followed by a sneak preview of the new club layout and roof top bar.
“The idea is to take advantage of the water views from when you first walk in from the reception area,” Mr Duncan said.
Mr Duncan said the roof top facility will be stepped down to enable uninterrupted views of the lake from wherever you are in the area. The rooftop bar features a little stage for a solo artist, bar, lifts and a function room.
“It will have the best seats along the Murray River,” Mr Duncan said.
Mulwala Water Ski Club Board President Matt Holgate also highlighted the club’s local support at the annual general meeting on Sunday.
Last financial year the club spent $1.2 million with local businesses and trades.
Mr Holgate said the club strongly believes in “shopping local”.
“We also strongly encourage our members and visitors to support local business,” he said.
The club spent $340,000 on bingo, raffles and promotions in the local economy and contributed $179,801 to local schools, grass roots sports and community groups.
Despite all the investment in capital improvements and community support the Mulwala Water Ski Club Mulwala reported an audited $2.678 million record profit for the 2021-22 financial year at its annual general meeting on Sunday where directors Kelvin Weston-Green, Gary Wilson and Ben Levesque were re-elected unopposed.
