Goulburn-Murray Water has advised boat operators, water skiers and operators of personal watercraft that boating speed restrictions will soon need to be implemented at Lake Hume to protect public safety.
As the boating authority for the Victorian waters of Lake Hume, Goulburn-Murray Water will implement and enforce speed restrictions for Victorian waters in response to the low water levels in the lake.
The restrictions will be introduced in line with the Marine Act 1988 and the Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian Waters, and are identical to the speed restrictions implemented during previous record low lake levels in 2002/03.
Manager Murray and North East Dams Stuart Richardson said boat speeds in Victorian waters, including all waters south of Bethanga Bridge, will be restricted to four knots, commencing as soon as the lake level drops below 10% capacity. The precise commencement date will be advertised through the media, though it is expected to occur sometime in mid-November 2006.
"This restriction is necessary due to the progressive emergence of trees, logs and stumps throughout the bed of the lake, which make conditions hazardous for high speed boating activities," Mr Richardson said.
"We urge all boat operators to be mindful of these hazards now appearing in the lake and to reduce boat speeds accordingly."
Like other storages throughout Victoria and New South Wales, Lake Hume is experiencing unprecedented extreme low inflows of water. The severe drought coupled with the use of water for irrigation, stock and urban supplies will see the lake fall to record low levels.
"Lake Hume is now at 12% capacity and it is expected to continue to fall unless significant rainfall occurs," Mr Richardson said.
"The immediate impact of the boating restrictions is that some of the activities that people are used to undertaking on the lake over the summer holiday period, particularly water skiing and jet skiing, will not be possible.
"However, these proposed restrictions are considered essential to protect public safety."
Mr Richardson stressed that boating would return to normal as soon as the water levels recover and the present hazards to boating disappear.
"Despite the drought and the low water levels, Lake Hume and the Albury-Wodonga area is still a great place to visit," he said.
"It remains a destination where people can relax and socialise in a very peaceful environment."