Southern 80 water ski race

When

6:00am to 7:00pm

• Saturday, 25 March 2023
• Sunday, 26 March 2023

Special event

Vessel operators are advised that a special event pursuant to Section 12(2) of the Marine Safety Act 1998 is to be held on the Murray River between the Torrumbarry Weir and Moama/Echuca, from 6:00am to 7:00pm on Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 March 2023.  

Exclusion zone

Due to the potential to affect the safety of navigation, Transport for NSW has granted an Exclusive Use Aquatic Licence to the Moama Water Sports Club Ltd. to conduct the event and an exclusion zone will be established on the navigable waters of the Murray River between the above times on the above dates as detailed below:

Saturday 25 March 2023

• From the Perricoota Marina, at the 1690km river marker, and upstream to the Victoria Park boat ramp, Echuca, at the 1712km river marker.

Sunday 26 March 2023

• From the Torrumbarry Weir, downstream of the 1630km river marker, and upstream to the Victoria Park boat ramp, Echuca, at the 1712km river marker.

No unauthorised vessels or persons may enter the zone between the specified times.

The following directions apply to the owners, masters and operators of all non-participating vessels positioned within the exclusion zone:

• Any vessels not moored or secured to the riverbank (i.e. merely anchored) are to be secured in accordance with the directions of an authorised officer or event official for the duration of the event.
• Vessels moored or secured to the riverbank within the zone must remain at their position, must be in a safe location well away from river bends and corners and must not be operated during the event.
• Any vessel determined to be moored or secured unsafely must be moved (for the duration) in accordance with any directions of an authorised officer or event official.

Due to the high speeds involved in the event, Transport for NSW urges all spectators to exercise extreme caution when near the area, and to be aware of approaching race vessels and likely exit routes in case of an emergency.  

Do not swim along or across the river, swing or climb from trees along the river’s edge, or use a drone in the vicinity of the river, as it is inherently dangerous and will cause the race to stop.

Occupants of moored vessels are strongly urged to vacate their vessels during the event, and if they wish to view the race, to do so from shore.

Control vessels will be in place at each end of the course to advise vessel operators of the river closure.

A Moama Water Sports Club vessel will be situated at the rear of the competing vessels and will display a green flag bearing the words ‘River Open’ in black letters to mark the completion of the event after which normal navigation can then resume within the Area.

All vessel operators and persons in the vicinity must comply with the above directions, keep a proper lookout, exercise caution and keep well clear of participating race vessels and persons, and any support vessels.

Houseboats are generally required to be orientated parallel to the riverbank and at the direction of an authorised officer or event official.

Failure of vessel operators and persons to comply with the above directions may cause the race to be delayed or stopped.

Directions

Transport for NSW advises that in relation to the exclusion zone:

• Persons within the vicinity of the zone must comply with any directions given by any Boating Safety Officer or Police Officer in relation to the special event or to marine safety. Failure to comply with any such direction is an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.15A - Maximum Penalty $3,300.00).
• No unauthorised vessels or persons are permitted to enter the zone and to do so may be an offence (Marine Safety Act 1998, s.12(5) — Maximum Penalty $1,100.00).

Maps and charts affected

To see the area affected, refer to:

• Transport for NSW Boating Map – 19 (PDF 1.79MB)