Warning to boaties: Take care on the Pioneer River
Giving the ocean a miss? Mackay’s Harbour Master gives some useful tips for heading upriver
Mackay
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MACKAY'S winter weather is throwing pesky winds at the weekends, drawing boaties to the Pioneer River over heading out to sea.
Mackay Regional Harbour Master, captain Jason Britton, gave some useful tips for heading upriver.
He said anglers launching upstream of the Dumbleton Weir have a choice of barramundi or sooty grunter and may even sight a platypus.
"However, freshwater poses unique hazards which you need to consider," Cpt Britton said.
"Flowing rivers tend to be colder than open ocean water leading to potential hypothermia causing cramping and reducing your ability to stay afloat.
"Freshwater is also less dense, making it slight harder to stay afloat.
"Keep a proper lookout and operate at reduced speed to avoid underwater hazards such as snags or heavy branches washed down during wet season."
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Cpt Britton said life jackets - especially for children - remained essential in enclosed waters, even with banks nearby.
Below the weir, the Pioneer River was subject to large tidal changes, he said.
"Accidental groundings can and do occur … what was deep becomes shallow in moderate tides of three metres," Cpt Britton said.
"Make sure you know your tides and appreciate how much water is needed to ensure your propeller isn't damaged on rocks and you have enough water to stay afloat on return.
"This is especially relevant if you're fishing near Edmund Casey bridge where the river does dry, exposing a sandy bed."
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He said there were also propeller-destroying bars beyond the bridge posing hidden dangers.
"If you do strike a submerged object, make sure you fill in a Marine Incident Report, easily found on the MSQ website," he said.
"As regional harbour master, my advice is to take your captaincy seriously."
Cpt Britton advised pre-planning your trip and checking you have safety and navigation equipment, enough fuel in case of bad weather or emergencies, drinking water, food, "the very necessary fishing tackle", and to advise your local VMR "when you are going, how long you will be out and when you're due back".
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