Big Plans for Port Broughton

This whole section comes from the:

McKay, Paula. September 03, 2002. Big Plans for Port Broughton. Country Times, Yorke Peninsula - SA.

Funding is being sought to develop a $150,000 working maritime museum, boat building shed and clubrooms for the Port Broughton Sailing and Boat Club. The tourism complex will be located opposite Fishlab Aquaculture Research Centre on Fisherman's Bay Road, with a restaurant overlooking a lake planned for the future. An artist's impression of the Maritime Museum Complex can be seen below:

The District Council of Barunga West has approver the project in principle. The Club's Commodore, Mark Rush, says the development is primarily aimed at generating an income greater than provided by membership fees to continue its popular youth and senior programs, while also benefiting the local tourism industry. He says more than 200 young people have taken up sailing and boating training since funding was secured two years ago.
"By being involved, kids need to be responsible and look after the boats, which builds on their self assurance, leadership and teamwork skills and confidence", he says.
"The proposal came about because the club needs to ensure it can keep its sailing and boating programs going for local youth and seniors", he says.
"The museum will provide an income because with insurance and running costs you need to be innovative, progressive and forward thinking to cover the costs of these projects."
"It will be largely business oriented"
Mr Rush says the museum will house static and working displays, as well as boat restoration workshops.
"A lot of the seniors can't wait for the boat building to begin so they can teach the younger children that come along how to do it", he says.
"People are already offering things they've got for the maritime museum. And we've got 12 old boats in storage for the museum already".
Mr Rush says while the museum and Fishlab will operate as separate entities, he believes together they will attract many busloads of tourists.
Barunga West District Council Chief Executive Officer Nigel Hand welcomed the project saying the town has a significant maritime history.
He says the museum will complement the work of the Port Broughton Historical Society.
He says Council also recognises the Club's hard work and input into the community over the past few years, with its development another opportunity to encourage more people to visit the district.
The Club has applied for Federal and State Government grants, and expects to be notified in October if it has been successful.
Mr Rush says private investment may also be sought.