Long Island Speed Restrictions

The Hon. J.M. RANKINE (Wright) (14:24): My question is to the Minister for Transport and Infrastructure. Can the minister update the house on speed restrictions at Long Island, Murray Bridge?

The Hon. S.C. MULLIGHAN (Lee—Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, Minister for Housing and Urban Development) (14:24): I thank the member for her question. The South Australian government is committed to continually improving the safety of our marine environment facilities and infrastructure across our state, both in regional and metropolitan areas.

In response to representations from the member for Hammond, Mr George Bolton from the Boating Industry Association (South Australian branch) and Mr Adam Bruce, Chairman of the River Murray Boating and Recreational Advisory Group (RMBRAG), the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure has been consulting with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources about the removal of the four-knot speed restriction near Long Island at Murray Bridge, put in place since February 2009.

This restriction was imposed as a result of a portion of the River Murray riverbank in the vicinity of Long Island collapsing into the river. This was due to extremely low water levels, following the record drought that we had in that time in the preceding years and the continued wash coming from, particularly, motorised vessels passing in the vicinity. Following the collapse, the then minister for transport exercised his emergency powers to stop navigation to that section of the river to marine vessels, instead diverting traffic through another channel.

The four-knot speed limit was then put in place to reduce the risk of further deterioration and landslides of the steep, and at some points quite high, remnant bank at this location. Low speeds on the water would restrict the wash from vessels against the bank and reduce the opportunities for further damage. The landslides that occurred also created underwater hazards, including sunken tree branches protruding from the water and other debris.

I am pleased to report to the house that it is now considered that, due to ongoing stable water levels over the last few years and from recent investigations by both departments, lifting the speed restriction that is currently in place is unlikely to cause further erosion or collapse of the riverbank in this area. I am pleased to advise the house that the Boating Industry Association and the RMBRAG, which I mentioned earlier, the rural city of Murray Bridge and DEWNR (the department) have all endorsed the removal of the speed restriction.

I would like to assure the house that both the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure and the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources will continue to monitor the riverbank and water levels across the River Murray, but particularly in this location, and also liaise with local organisations and the local community to ensure that we have the appropriate safety measures in place, as both government and the community deem necessary.

This is just another way we can assist those using the river to enjoy it but, importantly, do so without damaging the surrounding environment. This state government is committed to continuing to monitor and improve marine safety, as well as provide as many opportunities as possible for people to enjoy the marine environment. I am glad to say that this follows close on the heels of another initiative I have previously informed the house of which was working in partnership with the member for Hammond to assist that users group, RMBRAG, to conduct an education campaign for River Murray users along their local stretches of the Murray.