Proposed changes to Barwon River usage rules to ‘significantly’ impact local water ski club
A local water ski club could soon be not allowed to use the Barwon River before 10am, if proposed rule changes are imposed.
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A local water ski club will not be allowed to use the Barwon River before 10am, if proposed rule changes are made.
The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) has reviewed the waterway rules for the river from Orana Rd to the lower breakwater and proposed a number of changes that will impact skiing and rowing clubs.
Documents seen by the Geelong Advertiser state the Geelong Water Ski Club (GWSC) will only be allowed to use a specific stretch of the Barwon River, where it has “exclusive access” from 10am to sunset.
The GWSC vice president Brett McLeod said under current boating laws the club can use the river for an hour before sunrise to an hour after sunset.
The club, which as about 400 members and 70 registered boats that use the river, has a large number of professional skiers who train for competitions on the slalom course and jump ramp in the morning to take advantage of the flat water and better conditions.
Mr McLeod said the decreased usage hours would result in the river being busier throughout day for both professional and recreational skiers as well as wakeboarders and kneeboarders.
The CCMA is also proposing to rezone the river, reducing the area the GWSC can use by 17 per cent.
Club members are allowed to ski from the east of Goat Island and down along the river, which is about 3km.
“The CCMA now want to reduce that length by a further 17 per cent where we currently ski,” he said.
The rezoning will effect the northern section of the club’s stretch, which Mr McLeod said is commonly used by those who are new to the sport as it is protected from the wind.
“The majority of our ski course runs north to south ... when it’s windy, it blows straight up the course,” he said.
“We use that area for beginners and learners because it runs west to east... it is much safer.
“17 per cent is a fair bit (to lose).”
Mr McLeod said the changes would have a “significant impact” on the club.
He has raised the concerns with the CCMA, but said he was told it would not be making “any comments” as the proposed changes.
“The CCMA did say we will be able to apply for a permit if we are having a tournament and it could lift the rule on that day but that is not really going to work because we still have to train,” Mr McLeod said.
A CCMA spokeswoman said it is currently consulting with the river’s main user groups to review the Barwon River rules.
“The Geelong Water Ski Club is one of the user groups that the CCMA is consulting with and this consultation is still underway,” the spokeswoman said.
“Once any draft changes to the waterway rules are finalised, the changes will be open for public feedback. This public consultation is planned for later this year.
“The Corangamite CMA is reviewing the waterway rules in preparation for the changed conditions when the four spans of the Ovoid Sewer Aqueduct are removed in Breakwater. This removal opens the opportunity for the public to access the lower part of the river more freely.”
The waterway rules have not been updated since 2010.
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