Murray River reopens to paddle steamers

Boats will be allowed back on the Murray River after major flooding. Find out whether you’re one of the water users included.

Parts of the Murray River will be reopened this afternoon, in a clear sign that Christmas has come early for the Echuca tourism industry.

The bloated river was expected to be closed until the end of January, but a decision by the NSW Transport department and SES will see it reopened to paddle steamers and recreational vessels from as early as 4pm today.

The NSW authorities had closed the river and it was predicted to wipe out the summer season for houseboats and other commercial skippers and recreational users.

The river had remained very high after the floods passed and will remain off limits to swimmers and water skiers.

Paddle steamer Emmylou on the Murray

SES NSW officer Lachlan Gilchrist said recreational and commercial vessels would be permitted on the water, with a top speed limit of 15 knots per hour, between Hume Dam and Perricoota Station.

“We are thrilled those tourism operators will be able to get back to business for their peak season,” he said.

“We do urge caution. The levee system is still fairly saturated and we are aware that any wash could compromise the integrity of the levee. That’s why the maximum is 15 knots.”

Mr Gilchrist said the water levels had gone down in recent days but urged water users to remember it was still held submerged debris including farm equipment, fences and waste from compromised sewer systems.

“It is dangerous. Swimming is definitely out,” he said.

Chief executive officer of the Campaspe Port Enterprise Mark Francis said the reopening had been the result of a lot of behind the scenes negotiations.

“We have all worked very hard on this, it has not happened by accident,” he said.

“We’ve been in conversations with NSW authorities daily and we had put forward an eight-point plan to get this section of the river open and we are very happy with the result.”

Fears the river would remain closed until the end of January were threatening to have a cascading effect on the accommodation and restaurant sectors as well, with many operators bracing themselves for the third interrupted summer season in a row.

David Grubb owner of Luxury on the Murray houseboats

The town is still grappling with flood damage and faces a prolonged recovery in some areas.

Owner of Murray Luxury Houseboats David Grubb was facing business losses of $400,000 if the river did not reopen before the end of January, which had been widely predicted.

He was elated by the news of a reprieve on Friday afternoon.