Recreational boating permitted on River Murray under strict circumstances

The state government has cleared up the details of a confusing declaration banning non-essential water activities on the River Murray, except for a ‘very small cohort’.

A snap ban on non-essential aquatic activity on the River Murray threw tourism operators into chaos for 24 hours - but the government says the rules won’t apply to everyone.

On Tuesday, the state government announced a ban on non-essential boating, swimming, fishing and other recreational aquatic activities between the South Australian border and Wellington.

Premier Peter Malinauskas said the restrictions would help to keep people and properties safe and limit the need for more homes and businesses to have their power disconnected.

For 24 hours, the new rules and the accompanying exemption policies were shrouded in confusion.
On Wednesday afternoon, Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs provided some clarity.

“The very small cohort that will continue to operate within safety guidelines are those tourism operators that may be running guided tours and motorised tours, but that tour operator must be in control of that vessel,” he said.

Canoe and paddlewheeler on the River Murray. Picture: Supplied

Vessels hired from a company for private use are not permitted.

When asked why the details were not previously made clear, Mr Szakacs said the declaration hadn’t changed and the government would continue to provide further explanation as required.

“I don’t think there was a miscommunication, if there is anything to learn that it is we are in an extraordinarily difficult time for the community … while we’ve known for many months now that was going to happen, you can’t underestimate the profound impact this is having on people’s lives,” he said.

“I‘ve been speaking to emergency services and authorities overnight who are absolutely committed to continuing to work with tour operators around understanding the exemptions but also in being committed to not having these prohibitions.”

Emergency Services Minister Joe Szakacs says exemptions are in place as part of the ban on non-essential activities on the River Murray. Picture: Emma Brasier

But co-owner of Renmark River Cruises Matt Voigt would argue there was a miscommunication after the initial announcement prompted him to shut up shop.

He said Wednesday’s update was a relief.

“It seemed pretty clear cut to me yesterday that only essential activities could continue and we’re certainly not essential

“I’ve had to ring back around to all our bookings to let them know we can still go ahead.”

Mr Voigt said there should be some notice given to tourism operators before decisions are made public.

“If we were consulted with and it was all made clear, we wouldn’t have ended up in this position,” he said.

Despite the noise, Mr Voigt said people should not be fearful of visiting the river.

“From my personal perspective, the river is still safe. I’ve been on the Amazon River and that is crazy with rapids and if you capsize you get eaten by piranhas,” he said.

“I’ve seen the odd thing floating down the river... but it’s no different to driving at dusk on a country road and having to look out for kangaroos.”

Riverland Canoe Adventures operator Kym Werner shut down his business a day before the announcement, but was still a bit perplexed by the government’s decision.

“It’s a real pity for keen and experienced paddlers because it’s a unique situation on the River Murray at the moment and an amazing time to experience it,” he said.

Kayak guided tours for the general public can be undertaken with a registered experienced guide can be permitted under certain circumstances.

Mr Werner said he would explore whether that exemption applied to him.

Barker MP Tony Pasin says Riverland businesses must be given an urgent lifeline to survive during what should be their busiest time of the year,

The Liberal MP accepted the ban on swimming, fishing, boating and other activities “during this difficult period”, but urged the state government to boost support for businesses in a scheme similar to JobKeeper that was launched during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“There is no doubt that these restrictions will have a dampening effect on people’s willingness to visit river communities,” Mr Pasin said.

“In light of this difficult decision, I am calling on the South Australian and federal governments to provide additional support to those businesses who will now struggle during that is their traditionally busy period.”