Ski Racing Australia cancel 2021 mini season

Tourism along the Murray River has been dealt another blow, with this year’s ski race season cancelled.

Competitors hit the water in the 2017 Southern 80 at Echuca-Moama. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Communities along the Murray River will lose major water ski events for the second year in a row due to the latest coronavirus outbreak.

Ski Racing Australia had hoped to hold a “mini season” this year consisting of 10 events, including the Southern 80 in Echuca-Moama and the Mildura 100.

However, those plans have now been shelved.

Ski Racing Australia chief executive Cam McConville said in a statement to members the season had been cancelled due to the outbreak across New South Wales and Victoria.

“Despite COVID numbers continuing to fall, the uncertainty the recent outbreak has caused to our event holders, event sponsors and you the members, it is unrealistic to continue investing time and money into what seems like an unwinnable situation,” Mr McConville said.

A fundraising campaign to help pay insurance costs to get the season going had generated $180,000.

Donors can choose whether to be refunded or have that put towards the 2021-22 season.

The Robinvale 80 and the Australian titles at Mulwala were also on the schedule for the proposed shortened season, which was to run at venues across four states.

Moama Water Sports Club released a statement saying it was now preparing for the 2022 Southern 80, to be held February 11-13 next year.

Mildura Ski Club, which hosts the Mildura 100 on the Easter long weekend, were contacted for comment.

The events generate a boost to economic activity in Murray River communities, which have been hit hard by border closures.

Tourism operators lost bookings and staff have been put out of work in recent days as Victoria shut the border with NSW.