River activation

By Jacklyn Yeong

Parks Victoria (PV) has released two expressions of interest (EOI) opportunities to businesses offering quality Yarra River visitor engagements.

PV says both berthing and activation sites EOIs will stimulate new commercial and community activities along the Lower Yarra River.

Parks is offering a two-stage activation opportunity for stationary floating commercial and recreational concepts such as on-water food and beverage, floating recreation activities, temporary accommodation pop-ups, performance spaces, interpretive services and more for licences up to three years.

The decision came after two successful trials over the summer of 2017/2018 of on-water food and beverage offers, Supafish and Arbory Afloat.

Arbory Afloat reopened in September as a trial extension opportunity from Parks Victoria.

A single-stage berthing opportunity also exists for a 10-year exclusive licence for commercial vessel operators or river touring experiences enhancing visitor experiences to designated berths.

Parks Victoria chief operating officer, Simon Talbot said PV sought to provide new visitor experiences and complement existing river users with its proposal.

“The Yarra River and its surrounds have changed significantly over the past decades, as has the way in which locals and tourists engage with it and the businesses that operate in its vicinity,” Mr Talbot said.

Applications for both EOIs close on February 1, 2019.

parkweb.vic.gov.au/about-us/doing-business-with-us/expressions-of-interest/eoi-201806