Heritage riverboats’ future is uncertain

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The Mid Murray Council is reviewing the sustainability of its heritage riverboats, the PS Marion, PW Mayflower and PS Canally.

The first two are based at Mannum, and the Canally at Morgan.

Collectively, they bring in an annual economic benefit to the community of around $1.2 million; however, they require an annual $200,000 investment from the council to operate.

The council said the priority of the review was to keep the boats as an attraction, but find options to keep a lid on future costs.

Three main options are on the table:

• continued council ownership of the vessels, either as they are or as a static display
• leasing or outsourcing operations to a third party
• selling some or all of the boats

A council committee recommended that the Marion and Mayflower be jointly operated by one party, whoever that might be, but not sold.

The Canally might be suitable for sale, the committee suggested.

Public consultation is being sought to determine the best path forward.

How important is this decision?

Murray River, Lakes and Coorong Tourism Alliance chair David Hartley said riverboats such as the Mayflower helped attract people to the region – especially Mannum, the birthplace of the paddle steamer – and created a lot of tourism opportunities.

“It’s good to see the council looking into their options,” he said.

The River Murray was the main attraction, he said, but the riverboats had a historical appeal that drew people in.

“To actually go on a paddle boat is to experience a real part of history,” he said.

From a tourism standpoint, Mr Hartley said, it might be beneficial to outsource operations to a business, group or individual who could completely dedicate themselves to promoting the boats and available tours.

“If their wage depends on it, they’re going to be pushing the boats more,” he said.

Mid Murray Mayor Simone Bailey said the council was committed to protecting the riverboats' future.

She invited individuals, businesses and community organisations to give their thoughts and feedback at engagement.mid-murray.sa.gov.au.

Locals have until 5pm on October 31 to have their say.

“This is a genuine opportunity for our community to help shape the future of our riverboats,” she said.

“We know how much they mean to locals and visitors alike, and we want to make sure they remain a source of pride, connection and tourism well into the future.”

She stressed that volunteers were crucial to the fleet’s operations and that any future plan would focus on preserving long-term volunteer involvement.

In 2024-25, volunteers provided more than 15,000 hours of work on maritime operations.

The review is part of an ongoing efficiency review into the council’s community, tourism, heritage and maritime assets in an effort to secure its financial position.

Ms Bailey said many local councils were financially unstable and under pressure, however the Mid Murray Council was progressing towards long-term financial sustainability.

• Have your say: Visit engagement.mid-murray.sa.gov.au or email postbox@mid-murray.sa.gov.au before 5pm on October 31.

Riverboats have operated in the Murraylands for almost 175 years

Riverboats have significant meaning for the region.

The history of paddleboats along the River Murray dates back to 1853 with the successful launch of the PS Mary Ann near Mannum.

From there, a thriving industry based on river trade was established and this played a crucial role in the early development of the Murraylands.

Today, multiple historic vessels and replicas continue to offer public cruises on our stretch of the river.

A number of other vessels, like the PS Daisy, are in private hands.

For locals, riverboats are an important part of the region’s identity and embody the work that has been put in by individual volunteers and organisations to make the boats what they are today.