But Mrs Pavey denied any permanent ban had already been decided, with the draft erosion management plan for Corowa to Ovens junction due out for public consultation on Friday.

Speaking at Lake Hume, the minister said the issue was a tough one and the government understood a trial could affect communities like Bundalong.

“But we’ve had to act because of advice coming from the Murray Darling Basin Authority as well as our own observation,” she said.

“Everyone knows the more wake you have, the more damage it does to rivers and we are really concerned about that 49 kilometre stretch.

“So after Easter we’re going to have a break.

“You can still take your wake boat in that area; we’re not banning the boats at all from the area, but we’re restricting the type of activity. We are in consultation and we’re going to take an evidence-based approach, we’re going to have a look at the river at the end of the period and see how it’s better.”

The boating industry and Bundalong region business owners have raised concerns in recent weeks about the draft erosion plan.

“We understand a lot of Melbourne people particularly come up with their boats and they love it,” Mrs Pavey said. “We don’t want to limit that economic activity which is why we’re encouraging other sections of the river in the interim while we check on it.

“You can look behind us here, that’s a perfect wakeboarding area and certain parts of Lake Mulwala as well.”