New Boating Zones for Lake Hume
Boating zones at Lake Hume have been changed to improve access to the lake at low water levels and enhance public safety, while greatly simplifying the boating rules.
Goulburn-Murray Water advises that new boating zones came in to force this week for the Victorian waters of Lake Hume, which includes all waters south of Bethanga Bridge.
Land and Water Management Officer for Goulburn-Murray Water Shane Papworth said that after extensive consultation Goulburn-Murray Water and Marine Safety Victoria have modified the Lake Hume Boating rules to enhance boating safety on the lake at low water levels.
"The key change has been the modification of the former speed restrictions that applied when the lake drops below 10%" he said. "From now on restrictions will now only apply to a much smaller, well defined area of particularly hazardous submerged tree stumps near Bethanga Bridge. Other areas including a large body of water further to the south will only be subject to the normal boating regulations."
"The rules governing boating speeds within 50m of the shore have also been changed. Previously there were over 20 different speed restricted zones at various locations around the lake which were very difficult to define and were confusing for all lake users. These have mostly been eliminated, and replaced with a simple 5 knot zone within 50m of shore, which applies to all areas regardless of water level. There is also a new boating Access Lane established south of Bethanga Bridge." he said.
"The changes will also have the added advantage of making the rules consistent with most other inland storages within Victoria, and much more consistent with the rules for the NSW waters of Lake Hume to the north of Bethanga Bridge".
Discussions were held over a 12 month period with Marine Safety Victoria, Victorian Water Police representatives, NSW Maritime, the Lake Hume Recreational Coordinating Committee, the Lake Hume Volunteer Coast Guard, local government, representatives of tourism and boating businesses and clubs, and numerous interest groups and individuals.
"We are very happy with this outcome, which is consistent with the objectives and actions of the Lake Hume Land and On-water Management Plan (2007)" said Mr Papworth.
"Goulburn-Murray Water is pleased that with the advice and support of lake users we have been able to make significant improvements, which will assist local businesses and tourism operators to plan with more confidence into the future, but also protect and improve public safety."
New signs to be erected at the major boat ramps in coming days will explain the changes. More detailed information can be obtained from an information sheet which will be widely distributed and can also be downloaded directly from the Goulburn-Murray Water website at http://www.xxxxxxx.com.au/.
The complete Vessel Operating and Zoning Rules for Victorian Waters of Lake Hume can also be downloaded from the Marine Safety Victoria's website at http://www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au/.
- ENDS -
Media Contact: Shane Papworth
Position: Land and Water Management Officer
Telephone: 02 6049 8234 or 0427 320 536