Goulburn River Boating Guide

Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority has prepared the “ Boating Guide” to help boaters safely enjoy this recreation venue. Funding to assist with the production of this guide has been made available by the State Government through a grant from the Boating Safety and Facilities Program administered by Marine Safety . The Waterway Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority is the waterway manager appointed under the Marine Act 1988 for the Goulburn River between the Lake Eildon Pondage and Hughes Creek, excluding creeks and streams flowing into the river and storages. This represents a distance of approximately 165 km, much of it isolated. The Boating Guide Boat operators should recognise that water flow and depths vary during the year, often at very short notice. They should exercise care to ensure that they are operating in a safe fashion appropriate to their location and not adversely impacting on other water users and the environment. The guide is intended to provide information to raise the level of boating safety awareness before people venture onto the river to enjoy the boating experience. The Goulburn River offers a diverse boating and recreational activity environment that attracts people to enjoy fishing, canoeing/kayaking and rafting. The major source of water is Lake Eildon and these waters are used for irrigation in northern Victoria, with the balance flowing into the . The varying demand for irrigation is one of the reasons for periodic changes to the river that may impact on boating.

The Statewide operating rules made under the provisions of the Marine Act 1988 apply to the whole of the Goulburn River between the Eildon Pondage and Hughes Creek (downstream from Seymour). All operators of powered and un-powered boats must understand the commonsense boating safety rules before venturing onto the Goulburn River and in particular be aware of the specific boating conditions along the river.

2 Safe Boating The Goulburn River waterway environment offers a range of boating opportunities. However, it is important that boat operators recognise some of the operational limitations that may influence boating safety, including: Water flow and depth could change unexpectedly. Overhanging trees often can limit navigation – particularly willow trees Shallow water and sub-surface obstructions are common along the whole water course so a good lookout must be kept Other boats could be encountered when turning bends in the river – particularly canoeing and rafting groups. Much of the river is isolated and away from towns and roads so boaters should always tell someone where they intend to go boating and when they expect to return.

Speed Limits There is a 5 knot speed limit on all the waters of the Goulburn River between Lake Eildon Pondage and Hughes Creek Boat operators should not operate on these waters unless they are totally familiar with the waterway and the likely operating conditions to be encountered. First time visitors should ensure that they are accompanied by boaters who know the waterway.

Safety Equipment This table outlines the recommended safety equipment to be carried or worn in boats likely to use these waters:

unpowered Power boats boats Power (inc rowing boats, 4.8m and boats Safety Equipment canoes & kayaks) under over 4.8m PWC Personal Flotation Device (PFD) Type 1, 2 or 3 for each Wear when Wear when Wear when Wear when person on board or being towed underway underway underway underway Two paddles or two oars fitted with rowlocks [ [ 7 7 Bucket with lanyard 7 [ [ 7 Bailer, pump or other efficient bilge pumping arrangement [ [ [ 7 Approved fire extinguisher where any fuel is carried 7 [ [ 7 Waterproof and buoyant torch 7 [ [ [

Refer to page 4 for Notes on Personal flotation devices (pfds) 3 Safety Equipment Continued Notes on Personal flotation devices (pfds) All pfds must be approved in accordance with the Marine Act 1988. All persons in a boat 4.8m or under are required to wear a PFD whenever the boat is underway - “Underway” means not at anchor, made fast to the shore, or aground. If drifting you are under way. Vessels travelling at any speed are at risk of being involved in an incident where the occupants suddenly and unexpectedly enter the water. Marine Safety Victoria data shows that nationally, 17% of fatalities occurred whilst the vessel was drifting or at slow speed. All persons operating a boat alone must wear a pfd. All children under the age of 10 years must wear a PFD at all times. Also carry >> EPIRB - while not required on these waters, consideration should be given to carrying an emergency beacon. >> Emergency sheet – to make you more visible. >> First aid kit - to treat minor injuries. 0.05 alcohol limits All boat operators must observe the 0.05 blood alcohol limits and operators under 21 years of age must observe a zero blood alcohol limit. Severe penalties apply for exceeding the limit. Hypothermia The waters of the Goulburn River can be very cold and the possibility of hypothermia should be considered by everyone. The consumption of alcohol, attempting to swim or movement in the water will cause the body to expend heat very rapidly, which will hasten the onset of hypothermia. The ‘H.E.L.P’ (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) position pictured combats hypothermia and can be a lifesaver to people in cold water. Key Points for treatment 1. . . . Remove the casualty from the water/cold immediately. 2. . . . Protect casualty from further cold, especially wind. Carefully get the casualty into warm dry clothing, blanket/sleeping bag. 3. . . . Gradually warm the areas of high heat loss, that is, head and neck, sides of chest, armpits and groin using heat packs or warm water bottles. Do not rub, or massage, or warm limbs. 4. . . . Observe the casualty closely for deterioration in condition. 5. . . . Manage unconscious victim by placing in the lateral position, making sure airway is clear and performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation if necessary. Continue warming procedures. 6. . . . If casualty is conscious and able to swallow, warm sweet drinks may be given. Do not give alcohol or cold liquids. 7. . . . Keep the casualty at complete rest. 8. . . . Seek urgent medical aid. 4 (Drawn from Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook published by Marine Safety Victoria) A B C D E F G H

LEGEND HUGHES C EK 1 R E 1 6.5 km to Mitchelton 24km to Lake Nagambie Concrete ramps

2 Gravel ramps 2 GOULBURN VALLEY HWY GOULBURN N Unformed river bank crossings for small boats

3 Rubber matting for canoes, kayaks, 3 18 rafts and small boats that can be lifted into the water.

18 Rivercourse Distance between 4 bridges, in kilometres 4

HUME FWY 5 5

7 LIONS PARK 6 SEYMOUR 6 2 REEF SEYMOUR SEYMOUR TOOBORAC ANZAC AVE 7 7 RD 2 GOULBURN VALLEY HWY GOULBURN RIVER PARK SEYMOUR

8 8

HUME FWY GOULBURN VALLEY HWY TRAWOOL BRIDGE 9 19 9

U P D G P R R E N E R R E GO LBU N U TRAWOOL S LO TALLAROOK P E

10 S 10

R

D GOULBURN VALLEY HWY HORSESHOE LAGOON HUGHES CREEK

11 16 11

SEYMOUR

PRIVATE TRAWOOL BRIDGE

MOLESWORTH Kerrisdale

ALEXANDRA K 12 C 12 EILDON GARDNERS

N THORNTON L LANE T KERRISDALE O S

ROADSIDE STOP R R

R E A N MAPS NOT TO SCALE. P D G R 5 IN A K G A B C D E F G H 6 I J K L M N O P Q R

9 HUGHES CREEK 9

SEYMOUR N RIDDS ROAD

TRAWOOL MOLESWORTH RECREATION 10 KILLINGWORTH MOLESWORTH RESERVE 10 RIVER RESERVE ALEXANDRA GHIN GHIN RESERVE EILDON THORNTON

MAPS NOT TO SCALE.

Y W H H 11 A M 11 D A N R O O O O R A ND M AH H SW W I Y D TZ R E RL N A Caithkin I N GO H D R RD U D N R L G TO B R I U ULLE D R 12 IN F N 12 H D VA G S LL R EY H MOLESWORTH D OLD BRIDGE WY 31 KILLINGWO RTH 13 RD 6

W 13 KillingworthD 13

HANR

R E

GARWE N LEGEND H R

T D G H R O G IN Concrete ramps W O G U H G N I I L N B L Y L U R I H W D K RN Y VA E Gravel ramps LLE LL Y H VA 14 W N 14 Y R U LB OU Unformed river bank crossings for Whanregarwen YEA G small boats M E L Rubber matting for canoes, kayaks, B A H rafts and small boats that can be W lifted into the water 15 Y 15

WHITTLESEA - YEA RD Lengend continued on page 7 I J K L M N O P Q R R S T U V W X Y Z AA MAROONDAH HWY ALEXANDRA Lengend continued from page 6 18 Rivercourse Distance between bridges, in kilometres 12 Koriella N 12 M AR O O N D A McMARTINS LANE H

H WY 13 Johnson Creek BLUE GUM CARAVAN PARK 13 THORNTON BEACH (Private site within CP) U.T. Creek

ALEXANDRA POINT HILL EILDON PONDAGE WALL A 14 RESERVE 14

GOULBUR

Y N D N V

W L A

R L

H L Y S E

A N Y H I

W A A T H AK R 15 D E A W EILDON 15 N R M

B c Y O

M

O

R A LAKE EILDON PONDAGE M 8 8 BAC PONDAGE WALL 4 K EI ACHERON RD LDON RD BREAKAWAY n 16 CARAVAN PARK Achero THORNTON T 16 (Private site within CP) A G HWY G ALLEY E

T 14

Y HUGHES CREEK

T GOULBURN V H

O

R

N

T SEYMOUR KAYAK RAPIDS O 17 N 17

R TRAWOOL D

MOLESWORTH

ALEXANDRA

EILDON MAPS NOT TO SCALE. EILDON PONDAGE WALL B THORNTON WALNUTS RESERVE 18 7 18 R S T U V W X Y Z AA Waterway Access There are approximately 165 kms of river available for various types of boating activities and there are public access points along the river available for different types of boats.

Concrete ramps

Suitable for all types of trailerable small boats Gravel ramps

Unformed river bank crossings for small boats

Rubber matting for canoes, kayaks, rafts and small boats that can be lifted into the water – these ramps should not be used to launch boats from trailers

Possible Hazards The very nature of the Goulburn River means there are objects, both natural and man-made, that may affect how and where boating can be safely undertaken. The Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority maintains an on-going program to remove unacceptable boating hazards, particularly willow trees over hanging the river on bends. Hazards likely to be encountered include –

Willow trees are very common and often overhang the river, restricting boat movement and could potentially entangle boats or persons.

Fast flowing and turbulent water can be encountered at any time.

8 Possible Hazards CONTINUED

Above water snags creates barriers across all or part of the river.

Man made objects can restrict boat movement, including rocks placed in river for white water activity and fish habitat, pumps, water outfalls, jetties and bridges.

Closure for special events - major canoeing and kayaking events are held on the river adjacent to the Blue Gums Caravan Park. Special rules may be introduced during events if it is necessary to keep other users away. Arrangements will be in place to ensure that other users are given supervised passage through the area. Any temporary changes are advertised and signs erected.

Be prepared - boaters should also be prepared to encounter other boats, particularly large recreation rafting and canoeing groups.

Below water snags such as tree stumps or rocks are common and must be expected.

Sharp river bends restrict sight distance and mean that other boats and people may be encountered unexpectedly. Bends can alter river flow direction and speed.

Shallow water may restrict movement, often requiring boats to be dragged over the river bed – suitable footwear should be carried.

9 Boating Environment & Tourism Respect private property Much of the land adjacent to the waterway is private property or leased Crown Land and the permission of the land owner should be obtained before entering private property. Protect the environment The waters and adjacent land are part of a sensitive environment and boaters should undertake their recreation activity in such a way as to help protect and maintain this resource.

Keep your rubbish on board and dispose of it when you return to shore. Do not pollute the water or the adjacent land – and take special care not to spill any fuel – pollution is not only illegal, it destroys the environment that makes this waterway so popular.

Tourism Boating is a valued recreation activity attracting visitors from within Victoria, interstate and overseas. The river has become recognized for its passive recreation opportunities including fishing, canoeing/kayaking and rafting. There are a growing number of organised groups using the river to explore this riverine environment. Regional tourist information offices can direct people to tour operators, caravan parks and motels.

10 Conrete ramp - Lions Park Gravel ramp - Molesworth Rubber matting - Walnuts Unformed river bank Seymour Reserve Reserve crossing - McMartins Lane

Boat Registration AND Operator Licensing Boat Registration All boats equipped with a motor capable of being used for propulsion are re- quired to be registered with Marine Safety Victoria through its agent VicRoads. Operator Licensing All recreational power boat operators are required to hold an operator’s licence issued by Marine Safety Victoria through its agent VicRoads. Licensing requirements – Under 12 years Not permitted to operate a power boat 12 to less than 16 years Restricted Power Boat Operator Licence - Subject to speed limits, operating hours and supervision requirements 16 years and over General Power Boat Operator Licence

For general waterway enquires contact Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (boating rules & activity) - Yea Office (03) 5736 0100

Related internet sites Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority (GBCMA) www.gbcma.vic.gov.au Marine Safety Victoria www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au Goulburn Murray Water www.g-mwater.com.au VicRoads www.vicroads.vic.gov.au Weather Bureau www.bom.gov.au

11 Important waterway advice Observe the 5 knot speed limit Always wear a PFD Keep a good lookout for hazards and operate cautiously Keep clear of willow trees and other vegetation overhanging the water Be wary of shallow water Cold water could result in hypothermia Properly maintain your boat, engine and safety equipment Don’t overload your boat and take your gear into account Fully charge your batteries Ensure you have sufficient fuel Inform a person of your trip intentions Check the weather report Carry a suitable mobile phone

Emergency Numbers If an incident does occur, boat operators should render all possible assistance and if required contact the relevant emergency service. General (Police / Fire / Ambulance) 000

2008