A group trying to stop a proposed Murray River wakeboarding ban believes Thursday’s two-hour meeting on the water has helped convince authorities to alter their plans.
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There's definitely going to be change. They said that they're basically going to take it all in ... and work with us to make it a more friendly activity zone
- Brett Butler
But NSW Roads and Maritime Services, while describing the meeting as positive, did not confirm any changes.
Save Boating on the Murray River committee members Brett Butler and Peter Duncan presented their ideas to Murray Darling Basin Authority and RMS representatives.
The draft erosion management plan now in public consultation, which covers the river section between Corowa and Ovens junction, has divided public opinion in recent months.
Mr Butler said Thursday’s excursion examined the erosion in present no-wash zones as well as exploring areas where a three-year trial ban of wake boat activities had been proposed.
“We went through a few different scenarios on where the best activity zones should be for certain activities like surfing,” he said.
“They were really receptive to what we’re talking about.
“There’s definitely going to be change. They said that they’re basically going to take it all in, digest it, obviously speak to people involved and work with us to make it a more friendly activity zone.”
A RMS spokeswoman said Thursday’s meeting “is a continuation of developing positive working relationships between the organisations”.
“The outcomes that will inform the Murray River erosion management plan (Corowa to Ovens River) will be identified after the public consultation period closes on February 28,” she said.
“All submissions will be reviewed and any changes to the plan as a result of this feedback will be made public.”
Mr Butler said his committee’s proposals focused on Bundalong and did not differ greatly from the draft plan.
“The only difference really is you can still wakeboard from the Bundalong junction all the way through to Brimin,” he said.
“The thing is, they couldn’t distinguish between a wakeboard activity and wake enhancement; we explained to them you can wakeboard behind a tinnie.
“We think it’s great that they came down and spent two hours on the water to see what we’re trying to achieve.”