Paul MacLeay was visiting Albury and Mulwala for the first time since becoming Minister for Ports and Waterways in December.

He is seeking reasons why there had been six boating-related fatalities on the Murray in the past two years and 27 “serious incidents’’, double the 10-year average.

Mr MacLeay discussed safety issues with NSW Maritime regional manager Scott Kidd and other officers before meeting boat users and groups, commercial operators and member for Albury Greg Aplin.

“We have to ask the locals what they want,’’ he said.

“If there’s something that needs to be done, I want to hear about it.”

While increasing awareness of safety issues was the first step, he wanted to know if locals felt the number of maritime boats and officers was sufficient, recognising the high visitor presence at Lake Mulwala.

Asked about Border anomalies, Mr MacLeay said NSW worked well with Victoria on behavioural issues but he conceded there were differences in safety rules between the states, such as for lifejackets.

“NSW has liberal laws (on lifejackets), and the feedback from this area is that people want consistency,’’ he said.

“I have done a review and will be developing my response.’’

Mr MacLeay regretted there had been three boat-related fatalities on the Murray this summer.

On Christmas Eve, a Canberra swimmer, 45, was killed in a propeller strike incident when he was hit by a powerboat at Casey’s Bend, near Echuca.

On Christmas Day Clayton Reeves, 34, of Lavington, died after the punt he was on capsized on Lake Hume.

On January 24 a Diamond Creek water skier, 26, died after hitting a log at Moama.

Other recent incidents involved a man receiving a severe laceration and broken leg after being hit by a boat propeller, a jet-ski crash, and a skiing accident where the skier fell and was knocked unconscious.

Editorial — page 14