BOATING ACCESS THROUGH GOOLWA BARRAGE AND MURRAY MOUTH

The Goolwa lock will be reopened from the start of the October long-weekend to allow boat operators to travel from Goolwa through to the Coorong.

Minister for the River Murray, Karlene Maywald said lockages would be available from Saturday, 3 October 2009.

"Pumped lockages may be required initially when the sea water level is higher than the fresh water level to ensure that seawater does not enter the Goolwa Channel," Minister Maywald said

"This lock operation is a joint initiative between the State Government, Alexandrina Council and the Boating Industry Association."

Mrs Maywald congratulated the Alexandrina Council and the Boating Industry Association for their efforts in working with the State Government to make this initiative happen.

Alexandrina Mayor Kym McHugh described it as great news for the local boating industry.

"They haven't been able to access the Coorong from the Goolwa Channel for a long time," Mr McHugh said.

"Opening of the lock in time for the long weekend will ensure all visitors can enjoy the many attractions the region has to offer including the Goolwa Alive Weekend and the Oscar W's 101st birthday weekend."

The lock will operate between 8am -12.45pm and again between 1:30pm - 4.30pm on weekends including the long weekend. Lockage times may be restricted during weekdays to between 10:00am -11:00am and again between 4:00pm - 5:00pm if water levels have not increased sufficiently to enable lockages without pumping. Further updates will be provided as conditions are known.

Boat operators are reminded that conditions in the Goolwa Channel, around the Murray Mouth and in the Coorong may change quickly. There are extensive areas of very shallow water and operators should take extreme care when navigating in these areas and do so at their own risk.

Murray Mouth access

Meanwhile, boating access past the Murray Mouth will also be possible from 8am on Saturday, 3 October 2009 until further notice as dredging in the area continues. A line of yellow buoys will surround the dredging plant and equipment to establish an exclusion zone for boats.

These arrangements mean boat operators will be able to pass freely through the area, provided that they stay out of the exclusion zone.

Murray Mouth 07.10.09 - Department of Water, Land and Biodiversity Conservation