Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ was last updated on 2/05/2012.

Below are lists of common questions we recieve. To view an answer, please click on the question title. If you have further questions or a general enquiry please don't hesitate to contact the sales office.

An overview of the Mannum Waters Development - The latest in Waterfront, Residential and Marina Living

• Why build a Residential Marina at Mannum?

  Mannum Waters, declared a major project by the State Government in 2005, is an environmental benchmark that will revolutionise the way marinas are built in South Australia.

  Mannum, with its strong boating association, is the preferred location for a major increase in mooring numbers. The additional moorings located off-river will contribute to a cleaner river and a more environmentally sustainable outcome for the houseboat industry. Many houseboat hire operators already function out of Mannum.

  The project is seen as a major boost to Regional Development, at a location which is close and readily accessible from Adelaide.

• What will be the benefits to the town of Mannum?

  The establishment of Mannum Waters has potential for significant economic benefits to the township of Mannum and the state of South Australia, in terms of increased employment, tourism and investment associated with the construction and operation of the proposed development.

  It is expected that Mannum's population will increase by around 900 and there will be a boost to tourism and the local economy.

• How will the marina affect house boating at Mannum?

  Off-river mooring sites will encourage more people to stay at Mannum, using local shops and facilities. Overall Mannum Waters will provide a much needed stimulus and facility within the Mid Murray Council area.

• How do you intend to fill the marina?

  Water to fill the marina and waterways has been and will continue to be supplied from the river through permanent water licences purchased by Mannum Waters on the open market under normal trading practices.

  Filling the marina and waterways is a once off event for each component. Components may be filled at different stages of the development. Once filled, the water will return to the river when levels drop and increase when the river levels increase.

• How will you monitor water quality in the marina?

  Four monitoring stations will be established to provide a continuous record of water quality. Two will be located within the internal waterways. One will be located within the river near the main entrance and a fourth will be located at the outlet from the internal waterways. The results will be accessible remotely and available to the relevant government agencies and Mid Murray council. The system will contain automatic alerts and some automated responses to ensure that the quality of water leaving the marina and waterways is compatible to that within the river at any one moment.

• How many jobs will the marina create?

  During the construction phase we estimate that approximately 200 jobs will be created, and nearly 100 full time positions at the marina and other service enterprises once the development is completed.

• How does having a marina help reduce erosion along the river?

  Currently mooring of houseboats along the river causes damage to the riparian habitats and the discharge of sanitary waters pollutes the river. The latter is considered to be the most significant pollutant risk to the river in the Mannum area. Mannum Waters addresses this issue, by providing moorings off-river which are fully serviced within the Marina.

• What is happening to the existing sewage ponds and sludge drying beds ?

  The sewage treatment plant and existing ponds will be removed from the flood plains – this will reduce water pollution risks in times of severe flooding.

• What are your plans to revegetate the area?

  In addition to the wetlands, an extensive revegetation program will be undertaken, comprising of approximately 600,000 selected native trees and shrubs.

  Our intent is to create an attractive and environmentally friendly riverside environment.

• How much land is being used for the wetlands?

  Over 40 ha of wetlands will be constructed to extend existing habitats, control salinity and improve water quality.

  There will also be an area dedicated to preserving the natural habitat and Aboriginal cultural heritage sites which are currently suffering degradation.

• Will there be any recreational areas?

  Mannum Waters will have over 50% of the overall development for public open space, including boat ramp and waterfront areas.

What services will be available to block and berth owners?

• What Infrastructure will be provided?

  There is a provision for a new Mannum sewage treatment plant to be built at a remote location and for the extension of public utilities such as water, waste water, telecommunications and power

• Who provides power?

  ETSA utilities service mains will be available to all allotments. 3-phase power will be available to the allotments by request when each owner makes an application for power.

• Who provides water?

  SA Water mains / town filtered water will be available to all allotments.

• Who provides sewer?

  A full sewer service will be provided to a new SA Water treatment plant, available to all residential and waterfront allotments.

• What telephone & internet services are available?

  The Mannum exchange has ADSL 1 and 2, and ADSL 2+.  Also Next G wireless is available.
  
  Mannum Waters is also proud to be the first in Mannum to become a part of the new National Broadband Network (NBN Co), work has already commenced within the estate. 

• How is storm water managed?

  Conventional kerbing will be provided in the streets to catch, treat and return water to the waterways. Treatment will involve gross pollutant traps and stormwater detention / biological filters throughout the development.

  All house living areas will be located above 1956 flood level.

• How is reticulated water (for watering of gardens, washing cars, etc) mangaged?

  Each resident is to have their own 10,000L rainwater storage tank. All water usage will need to be used in accordance with State Government restrictions.

  Private storage in the mandatory 10,000L rainwater tanks must be reticulated to toilets and may be used at the discretion of the householder.

• What footpaths are included?

  Footpaths around the land division will be solid. They will be double sided on the main access road and single sided on the inner suburban roads.
  
  Footpaths have already been laid within Stage 1 of the development and will be commenced within Stage 2 shortly.
  
  The material chosen is exposed aggregate concrete.

• What walkways are included in the development?

  Walkways will traverse the area from River Lane in the North and through the wetlands and revegetation areas. Final treatment has not been selected however, it is anticipated that walkways within the wetland areas will be consolidated rubble, whereas all other walkways will be solid. The wetlands will have controlled pedestrian access only.

• Are there any bike pathways?

  Designated bike paths will be solid. The material has not yet been selected. Bikes will share dual routes with walkways and suburban roads to appropriate design standards.

• What parks & greenbelts are planned?

  Extensive tree planting is proposed throughout the development, in particular the wetlands areas. More formal planting will be undertaken with the suburban streets and public areas.

Important buying information

• How do I buy at the Marina?

  Blocks in Stage 1 and Stage 2 have been released and are ready for you to buy. The best way to secure a block is by visiting on-site and contacting our Sales Manager, Deanne Goodwin at sales@mannumwaters.com.au or by phone 0414 782 215. Alternatively you can contact a local Mannum real estate agent to buy within the marina.

  Once you have decided which allotment you would like to buy you will need to sign a contract to purchase the allotment, and pay a 10% deposit.

• When is settlement expected to be?

  Stage 1 group of residential allotments along Spoonbill Court and Rosella Rise have now all settled and homes are currently being built and planned on many of these allotments.
  
  Further settlements for Stage 2 blocks located along Marina Way and Rosella Rise, including the waterfront allotments, are expected to take place mid 2012.

• What is happening at the site now?

  Stage 1 construction, earthworks and services have all been completed. This includes water, sewer and electrical services, along with kerbing, stormwater drains, bitumen roads, footpaths and street lights.
  
  Once Stage 1 was completed the construction team moved on to working on these same services in Stage 2, which is primarily the waterfront and residential allotments located along Marina Way and Rosella Rise.  Stage 2 is almost finished and expected to settle mid / end May 2012.

  Excavation in the houseboat marina has been progressing well, the basin floor is now complete, we are almost up to level with the banks and are on track for completion December 2012 / January 2013.

• Will there be time limits to build?

  No time limits to build will be included in the Marina's documentation for Stages 1 and 2.

• What condition of mooring are at waterfront residential allotments?

  A 15m easement exists on each waterfront allotment where it adjoins the waterway reserve for the purpose of a riparian edge. Approximately 10m of the easement will lie within the waterway and is available for the location of a landing and also the mooring of a small craft. The landing and small craft (while moored) are not permitted to extend into the waterway reserve and must be wholly contained within the easement. Houseboats and large craft are not permitted to access the residential waterways or be moored at the allotments. Separate mooring will be available for houseboats and large craft at the Marina through the purchase of berths within the Community Title.

• What will be available at the Marina berths for houseboats and large craft?

  The berths will be fully serviced with water, sewage vacuum pump-out, power supply (15 amp) and telecommunication.

  A fuel station, gas bottle supply and other boat services will be available at the General Store.

  A secure boat maintenance area will be available near the commercial development. A boat lift is also planned.

• What can I build?

  There will be a set of guidelines and documentation provided to each owner, called a Land Owner's Charter, outlining what is able to be built within Mannum Waters. These guidelines are fairly broad and allow for many different types of homes to be built, their main aim is to ensure quality building.

  It is our vision that each home will be specifically designed for its block to take best advantage of the position, taking into consideration location of living spaces, opportunity to capture breezes for natural cooling during Summer, sunlight, prescribed site coverage and building materials.

• What facilities will be available at Mannum Waters?

  Mannum Waters when completed will provide around 600 allotments, of which 160 will be waterfront. There will be a fantastic mix of residential homes, waterfront living, retail shopping, cafe, restaurant, tourism centre and an environmental interpretation centre.

  There is also a proposal in the future for Mannum Waters to extend Mannum's existing 9 hole golf course to an 18 hole course.

  In addition to the Commercial, Residential and Waterfront development there will be a marina with berths available to accommodate 158 houseboats, and owners can live permanently on their houseboats moored within the marina if they wish.