Have your say on changes to Yarra, Maribyrnong boating rules

Among other things, the proposed rules – first floated in 2019 but interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic and rolling lockdowns – cover a ban on anchoring on both rivers, a higher speed limit for rowers and their support boats when training, shutting off access to the water during flood warnings and making it clear who has the right of way when passing under bridges.

The proposed changes also make it clearer where boaters can berth or moor, with Parks Victoria able to give four weeks’ notice of any changes to restrictions to account for events such as the annual Moomba Masters waterski event or fireworks and even – dare they ever repeat it – floating grand final parades.

“This project seeks to update the current waterway rules (VOZR) to improve and manage safety,” Parks Victoria said in a statement opening up the proposed rule changes for public comment.

“It will also see new educational materials produced with an aim to improve awareness and reinforce safe operation on the rivers.”

This includes a code of conduct for operating on the rivers and in the Port of Melbourne.

“This Code of Conduct will aim to provide further clarity as to how to comply with these rules and operate in a manner which constitutes best practice in terms of safety and outline expectations when interacting with other river users,” it said.

The problem for Parks Victoria is that the waterways are now shared between users including rowing teams training for competition, hire boats operated by people who don’t need a boat licence and may never have operated a boat before, other human-powered vessels such as fishing and touring kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards, floating restaurants, community events, recreational boaters and commercial operators such as water taxis, tourist boats and Parks Victoria workers.

“A recommendation from the Lower Yarra River Activity Review 2023 was to undertake a waterway rule change to address safety concerns in this highly activated area,” Parks Victoria said.

“The introduction of hire and drive boats, an increasing number of rowers and higher density housing has meant the user profile has changed across the Lower Yarra and Maribyrnong rivers to include more inexperienced users on the river. 

“The impact of this change in usage needs to be addressed to improve safety outcomes on the rivers.”

Part of the proposed rule structure is dealing with the impact of climate change and an increasing number of major floods that are likely to hit the waterways.

The changes to the way boaters go under bridges formalises an unwritten rule of the waterway that gave boats heading downstream right of way over boats heading upstream.

“Vessels travelling downstream unofficially have right of way when transiting through bridges, as this is the currently best operating model for safety,” Parks Victoria said.

“But as more and more inexperienced users emerge, formalisation of this rule will allow for education and enforcement, to ensure safe operating by all river users. 

“Overtaking will also not be permitted when transiting bridges unless in an emergency to achieve the same safety goal.”

Rowing shells, meanwhile, will be allowed to hit a top speed of 8.0 knots, up from the current 5.0-knot limit, as part of a 12-month trial. A powerboat carrying the coach will be allowed to keep pace with the rowers.

The planned rule changes will also require the rowing shells to show a 180-degree white light aft and a 180-degree flashing white light forward in reduced visibility.

Anyone who has any feedback on the proposed changes to how both rivers are used will have until February 11. You can send a written response to engage@parks.vic.gov.au or by phoning Parks Victoria on 131 963.