Mildura boaters reminded Murray River will be low until mid August

by Roads and Maritime Services on 30 Jul 2014 Roads and Maritme Services is reminding the Mildura boating community to avoid boating near Lock 11 of the Murray River with the draw down of the waterway now well under way.

Roads and Maritime Services Maritime Acting Principal Manager South Mike Hammond said boating activities, including kayaking and canoeing, were not recommended upstream of Lock 11 where water levels and conditions are not safe due to the draw down by the Murray-Darling Basin Authority for repairs to the weir infrastructure.

'There are four boat ramps in the area which will be off limits for safety reasons until water levels are re-established from mid August,' Mr Hammond said.

'Until that time, boating is not encouraged as the water is muddy and there may be submerged or semi-submerged debris which could prove hazardous.

'Until later in August, anyone keen to go boating should head downstream of the Mildura weir where conditions remain suitable for boating.'

More than 80 house boats have been removed from the water and the remainder have relocated further downstream while the maintenance work is carried out.

Mr Hammond said the Murray-Darling Basin Authority work on the weir involved replacing the removable steel trestles.

For more information on boating safety go to www.rms.nsw.gov.au/maritime