44 | WATERLINE March 2025 FIRST FLOATING PONTOON FOR THE AUSTRALIAN ALPS INDUSTRY NEWS Copley Marine Consulting Group (CMG) were thrilled to see the Falls Creek Alpine Resort floating pontoon open to the public recently. CMG is a town planning and engineering firm specialising in waterfront infrastructure and is used to solving the unique and complex problems that arise when planning for waterfront improvements. However, when approached by the Falls Creek Alpine Resort Management Board to build the first floating pontoon in the Australian Alps, CMG knew the engineering challenges would be different to any other project they’ve managed. The site encompasses a section of the Rocky Valley Lake. Located 1600m above sea level, it is the highest significant body of water in Australia and forms part of the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme which serves as the second largest hydroelectric scheme in Australia. The purpose of the floating pontoon was to enable the resort to enhance their summer recreational water activities and, while the use of the pontoon was not unique, the environment and site conditions were. The first challenge related to the water levels. The Rocky Valley Dam is in an Alpine National Park, and, at its peak, the dam holds 28,000 Mega Litres. However, as this water is used to support the Kiewa Hydroelectric Scheme as well as the snowmaking facilities at the Falls Creek Alpine Resort, the design of the pontoon needed to allow for the times when the designated area was dry. Wanting to maximise the expected 25-year lifespan of the pontoon, the team also had to consider the additional UV strength that comes when building a pontoon at 1600m, so the altitude was another key consideration in the design of the structure. The final significant difference that arose when designing a pontoon for this climate was that the site would be subject to annual snowfall and ice accumulation. The wind and wake loads were limited, however the additional load for the accumulation of snow needed to be taken into account in both the structural design and maintenance program to ensure the pontoons are usable all year round. CMG founder and Managing Director, Alister Copley tells “there was a personal reason I am proud to be involved with the building of the first ever alpine pontoon. My father was part of the team that made the first on snow alpine aeroplane landing in Falls Creek in the early 1970s. As a family business, it’s exciting to think what the next generation will add to the Falls Creek Alpine Resort story.” The Gold Anchor accreditation is your opportunity to stand out by showcasing your marina’s commitment to high standards and customer-focused services. The program helps marinas raise standards, improve performance, and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. Elevate Your Marina with Gold Anchor and Superyacht Ready Accreditation Join the program today to take your marina to the next level. For more information, visit marinas.net.au or contact Chris Stone, Operations Manager, at manager@marinas.net.au. If your marina meets the requirements to accommodate superyachts, you can apply for Superyacht Ready status. Available to Gold Anchor certified marinas, this accreditation highlights facilities with the infrastructure, security, and services needed for superyachts, making it easier for skippers and owners to find suitable marinas for their vessels. The Gold Anchor accreditation is your opportunity to stand out by showcasing your marina’s commitment to high standards and customer-focused services. The program helps marinas raise standards, improve performance, and differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace. Elevate Your Marina with Gold Anchor and Superyacht Ready Accreditation Join the program today to take your marina to the next level. For more information, visit marinas.net.au or contact Chris Stone, Operations Manager, at manager@marinas.net.au. If your marina meets the requirements to accommodate superyachts, you can apply for Superyacht Ready status. Available to Gold Anchor certified marinas, this accreditation highlights facilities with the infrastructure, security, and services needed for superyachts, making it easier for skippers and owners to find suitable marinas for their vessels.
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