By BRAD PERRY

THE rejuvenation of the Murray River Queen has given the Riverland town of Waikerie a tourism boost this summer.

With the new owners projecting a positive future, the Murray River Queen is once again a regional drawcard.

Owners Tracey and David Mahoney have already made several changes to the historic vessel and with many ideas on the drawing board, hope to bring the paddlesteamer up to a five star rating by next year.

A rejuvenated cafe area has already attracted hundreds of people and Mrs Mahoney is certain it will continue to bring people to Waikerie.

“Within the first two months we’ve done really well (in the cafe),” she said.

Accessories such as clocks, radios, DVD players, Austar and flat screen televisions are set to feature in the rooms by next month and Mrs Mahoney believes it is the little luxuries that will help the floating hotel register a high class star rating (it currently does not have a star rating).

“It is looking pretty bright,” she said.

The Riverland has rallied behind the pair, who saved the River Queen from leaving the area by purchasing it in November.

“We feel very privileged to have it,” Mrs Mahoney said.

“We have had huge support from the locals in the area.”

Mrs Mahoney said upgrading the paddlesteamer will make it an even bigger tourist attraction for both Waikerie and the

Riverland.

“We were determined to make it not only a successful business but a successful people puller for the region,” she said.

“We want them to go back and say Waikerie was a great place to visit.

“Already we have had words from local businesses saying thank you because November to December were the busiest months they have had in years.” Internet access has been incorporated within the cafe, which has a new bar and revamped menu using local produce, which has already proven to be a hit.

A few touches of blue paint have brightened the River Queen, while plans are in place to construct shade sails on the top deck to create a barbecue area.

“Just because we are putting in new stuff doesn’t mean it will be expensive,” Mrs Mahoney said.

“We will have facilities people will respect and want to use.”

Mrs Mahoney said the word has spread that the River Queen is alive and well, bringing new people into the area, including tourists from Roxby Downs and Port Augusta.

The overwhelming support behind the River Queen was no more evident than in a competition to name the decks, with Mr and Mrs Mahoney receiving more than 500 entries.

“It was great because people had so many wide and different ideas,” she said. The decks will be named next month.