Campaspe Port Enterprise (CPE) is now on its way to becoming Port of Echuca Limited.
Photo by
Adair Winder
Campaspe Shire has endorsed a proposed transition of Campaspe Port Enterprise (CPE) to Port of Echuca Limited, which will operate as a not-for-profit public company limited by guarantee. The proposed change follows a detailed review of alternative operating structures and extensive work between council and the CPE board.
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Campaspe Shire mayor Daniel Mackrell said the proposed model is designed to provide a clearer and more flexible framework for the port, while maintaining appropriate council oversight and strengthening arrangements around funding, accountability and management of council assets.
He said the proposed organisation would have a clear purpose: to preserve, protect, promote, activate and develop the Port of Echuca Precinct as a nationally significant heritage, tourism, cultural and community asset.
“The Port of Echuca is one of our community's most important heritage and tourism assets,” Cr Mackrell said.
“This proposal is fundamentally about creating the conditions for the port to thrive into the future,” he said.
“The new model would give Port of Echuca Limited greater flexibility to focus on activating the precinct, pursuing opportunities and building partnerships, while also providing clear accountability to council and the community.
“This is not about stepping away from the port, it is about council and the port organisation having clearer roles and working together towards a shared vision for a vibrant, sustainable and successful precinct.”
The capital ships in the Echuca-Moama paddlesteamer fleet celebrate the arrival of PS Melbourne in November last year. The fleet may have the same home, but it is now set to have another new name.
The proposed arrangements include a new constitution and funding and service agreement, together with work to establish clearer responsibilities for assets within the precinct. The funding and service agreement sets out the relationship and obligations of both organisations, including funding, accountability, governance and management of council assets.
“The board sees this proposed transition as an opportunity to build on the work already done at the Port and create a platform for its next chapter,” CPA chair Jacqui Jennings said.
“A structure dedicated to the port's purpose gives the organisation a strong basis to pursue new partnerships, opportunities and experiences while continuing to protect the heritage and character which make the Port of Echuca so special.”
