The third and final public forum about a divisive plan to limit some Murray River wake boat activities revealed many people – the authorities included – still could not say precisely what would be banned.
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More than 70 people at last night’s community information session in Corowa heard the draft erosion management plan (Corowa to Ovens junction) had received about 200 submissions so far.
Although less heated than last month’s forum in Bundalong, the event still raised strong opposition to Roads and Maritime Services and Murray Darling Basin Authority’s proposed three-year trial of new wash restriction zones.
Along with concerns about a ban’s economic impact and whether boats or river levels caused more erosion, several people questioned RMS general manager, operational policy and performance, Mike Hammond, about which boats or activities would be affected.
Muttered comments like “sounds confusing” and “clear as mud” could be heard after some answers.
Mr Hammond said the trial sought to restrict activities that produced high wash, not the boats themselves, and compliance officers would make judgements depending on circumstances.
“We work under legislation; some legislation does leave room for interpretation,” he said.
Wangaratta’s Peter Day presented some scenarios to try to pin down what would and wouldn’t be allowed.
“I think the hard thing’s going to be policing something when it’s not set – above this it’s out, below this it’s not out – it’s grey, it’s all over the place,” Mr Day said.
Albury mayor Kevin Mack also doubted such a position could be policed effectively and asked if a simpler ban based on tonnage had been considered.
Mr Hammond said it had, but “we don’t want to reduce the value of people’s boats that they have”.
“We might be asking them to use it upstream rather than downstream, but we don’t want to change the market for boats necessarily,” he said.
“The device itself isn’t how we measure the activity or the outcome.
“What you’re doing and the impact you’re having on others and on the river is what we’re trying to achieve, so that’s what we’re trying to arrive at, a definition or a wording on a sign and in the literature that allows us to reduce those impacts.
“The starting point is in the draft plan.”
The consultation period continues until February 28, with feedback able to be submitted online, emailed to MurrayRiverErosion@rms.nsw.gov.au or posted to Murray River Erosion Project, Roads and Maritime Services, Locked Bag 5100, Camperdown NSW 1450.
