NSW Maritime Flood Alert for waterways in the Murray Inland Region

by Samuel McKeith on 18 Jan 2011 Boaters in the Murray Inland Region are warned not to head out in hazardous conditions as a result of fast flowing flood waters, NSW Maritime Chief Executive Steve Dunn said today.

Mr Dunn said conditions are extremely dangerous within the Murray Inland region with most waterways in the area in some stage of flooding.

Boaters needed to be aware of the dangers of heading out on Murray where prolonged rainfall and flooding are impacting in some areas, he said.

'Due to flood waters from the Campaspe River boaters should note that boating conditions on the Murray River around Echuca-Moama are extremely hazardous.

'A large amount of debris has been flushed into the Murray River, with more flood water expected to enter the Murray River from the Goulburn River further upstream of Echuca-Moama,' he said.

'Debris will be a potential hazard in the area for some time and skippers are reminded that they must operate at a safe speed at all times.'

Mr Dunn urged people should keep off these flood affected waterways unless absolutely necessary until conditions return to normal.

'When conditions return to normal boaters should also be aware that navigation aids may be misplaced or missing due to the floods and therefore they should take the necessary precautions when navigating these rivers,' he said.

'Emergency closures to parts of the river are sometimes implemented by the SES, so it’s important to check for conditions and closures before boating.'

For more information on boating safety click here