‘Thank God’: Boaties grateful as Murray Bridge, Wellington boat ramps re-open
Boaties and river lovers have gathered at Long Island Reserve to enjoy river activities after the reopening of boat ramps at three popular local reserves.
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In a timely move before the long weekend, the Murray Bridge council has reopened Long Island and Baker Reserves, along with launching facilities at Sturt Reserve, Long Island Reserve and Barker Reserve.
Council CEO Michael Sedgman invited residents and tourists alike to enjoy using the re-opened boat ramps and reserves over the long weekend.
“People have been eager to get back on the river, and council has been diligently working to repair the ramps and restore access, in line with expert advice, as quickly and safely as possible,” he said.
Karson Allen was at Long Island Reserve on Friday afternoon to celebrate the re-opened boat ramp with his daughter Grace.
“Thank God,” he said.
“It’s been such a miserable few years with COVID and the floods on top of that – it’s made summer unbearable.
“We living on the river because we want to enjoy it; I hope people appreciate what we’ve got.”
Mr Allen was happy to be planning his weekend activities on the water once again.
“I’ll go out for a jet-ski and on my brother’s boat and go on the middle,” he said.
Mr Sedgman warned boating enthusiasts to be vigilant about ongoing dangers on the River Murray post-flood.
“Although water levels are now at pool level, the water remains fast flowing, and many hidden dangers washed downstream still lurk below the surface of the water, changing the traditional landscape of the river,” he said.
“It’s important to be aware of these dangers and exercise caution on the water at all times.”
Boatie Reece Thompson agreed about taking precautions on the water.
“You always have to be looking around anyway, but if you’re not silly on the water, it’s very safe,” he said.
- More information: Visit www.murraybridge.sa.gov.au, search for “Rural City of Murray Bridge” on Facebook, call the River Murray Flood Info Line on 1800 362 361 or visit www.ses.gov.au.
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