A new plan is now being developed for the 2020-21 boating season by government authorities to address issues of erosion and safety along the Murray River between Bundalong and Corowa.
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Authorities put a hold on an initial plan, The Draft Murray River Erosion Management Plan, earlier this year which recommended a trial ban on wake enhancing boats and activities including wakeboarding and wakesurfing on a 49km stretch of the Murray River between Bundalong and Corowa for three years.
Developed by NSW Maritime in conjunction with the Murray River Erosion Management Committee the new plan will be released mid next year in readiness for the 2020-21 boating season.
NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the authority has listened to the community’s feedback regarding the Murray River Erosion Plan.
“NSW Maritime is working with the Murray River Erosion Management committee to address concerns raised during the consultation period,” Mr Hutchings said.
“There will be no boating restrictions in place during the 2019/20 boating season.”
Save Boating on the Murray River group spokesperson Brett Butler was pleased that NSW Maritime has listened to the community feedback and hoped they would adopt suggestions of activity friendly zones suggested by the committee instead of complete bans.
“I honestly think they did not realise the effects to the community if the proposed restrictions were implemented,” Mr Butler said.
“It’s great they are developing a new plan, and we are keen as ever to work with RMS on more suitable safety and education programs and our idea of shared boating activity zonings along the river.
“We have been advocating for an inland river licence which would provide more direct education and specific information on boating and etiquette on the Murray River for all boat users from fishos through to jet skiers.”
Mr Butler said the group have acquired an example from a similar boating group in South Australia who have been proactive with boating education to avoid bans.
“They have developed educational videos and information which we have got hold of.
“We want to be on the front foot with this and start giving out information and put up signage etc as soon as possible. We are keen to work with NSW Maritime on this,” Mr Butler said.
Local former wakeboard professional and now coach Travis Osbourne, who was been elected to represent the Save the Boating Group on the Murray River Erosion Management Committee, told the Yarrawonga Chronicle that talks with authorities have been “really positive”.
“I feel the plan for more user-friendly zones is being received positively by the RMS,” Travis said
“Erosion has been the focus from MDBA but there has been a real focus around safety.
“The Save Boating on the Murray River group’s main aim is to educate users and minimise the impact of boat wash in areas along river and to also improve safety.
“We need a positive way forward to educate groups, not using power turns, wakesurfing and wakeboarding in different areas for example…people need to be smarter where they use their boats and education can do this.”
Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said council looks forward to a new plan being developed.
“It is encouraging that NSW Maritime is developing a new plan to address the issue of erosion between Bundalong and Corowa, and taking into consideration the community feedback,” he said.
“The new plan can reflect satisfactorily all boating enthusiasts and all tourists. The user activity zones suggested can ensure that satisfaction,” Cr Bourke said.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) Executive Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said earlier this year that proposed restrictions will not be implemented until evidence is gathered in key areas to establish if there is a real need for the bans.
“Moving forward any options for change will be informed by community consultation,” Mr Mitchell said.
“It is clear that more work needs to be done and evidence gathered in key areas including vessel operations, incidents and compliance and erosion, to inform the need and merits of any options for change.”
Mulwala Water Ski Club Chief Executive Officer Peter Duncan said he was glad that RMS is looking at a new plan.
“For now, it’s a win-win for boating and tourism,” Mr Duncan said.
“I just hope they adopt the user-friendly activity zones that Save Boating on the Murray group put together. It will virtually achieve the benefits they set out to achieve in the first place.
“It is inevitable there is going to be some regulation on the river, but I am hoping it is done with common sense using the right research, including taking into account the socio-economic effects of any change.”
Mr Duncan said he expected MDBA and RMS to be out again on the water this summer closely monitoring boating to further gather research to back up any future change along the river for boating.
Following community feedback on the Draft River Murray (Corowa to Ovens River) Erosion Management Plan RMS have emphasised a need for further review of the proposed boating management options.
“Boating is a way of life for many people in this area. Roads and Maritime will continue to work with the Murray Darling Basin Authority, local councils, Marine Safety Victoria and other stakeholders to achieve the right balance of social, economic, safety and environmental outcomes,” Mr Mitchell said.
“During this time, a comprehensive education and compliance operational program will be developed in the region with a focus on safe and responsible use of vessels.”
Roads and Maritime Principal Manager Southern Maritime, Michael Hammond, said after the consultation period finished there were a range of topics raised in the submissions received.
“The main topics raised related to business and the local economy, environmental concerns and outcomes and safety and amenity issues,” Mr Hammond said.
“We want to get this right, and consider all the details and feedback provided, so it’s important not to rush this part of the process.”