WITH the summer holidays arriving, Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is reminding people to help ensure Lake Eildon remains a safe and inclusive location for all visitors.
Lake Eildon is a popular destination, having attracted more than 170,000 visitors in the past 12 months.
GMW Water Storage Services manager south Paul Beard said each one of these visitors played a role in keeping Lake Eildon a great place to visit.
“We want everyone who visits Lake Eildon to enjoy their time while also respecting others and the environment,” he said.
“This is particularly important during the busier times such as the summer holidays, where people’s actions are much more likely to affect those around them.”
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Mr Beard said there have been several incidents in recent weeks, in the lead up to the Christmas/New Year break, of people installing temporary structures in advance of their arrival and attempting to reserve inlets or foreshore for exclusive use.
These practices are not allowed and are in breach of regulation 64 of the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023.
Temporary structures such as gazebos, inflatable pontoons, docks and temporary jetties must not be left unattended for any period of time.
“With more than 500 kilometres of shoreline around Lake Eildon, there is plenty of room for everyone,” Mr Beard said.
“We recommend people simply plan ahead to arrive early and have a backup in mind in case their preferred location is not available.”
The sanction for having a temporary structure that does not comply with the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 is up to 10 penalty units.
The value of a penalty unit for 2023/24 is $192.31.
The Water (Recreational Area) Regulations came into operation in August 2023, replacing the GMW By-law No. 1/2012 – Recreational Areas.
The regulations cover boating, camping, campfire management, vandalism, excessive noise and nuisance, and vehicles and animals in recreational areas.
Breaches may result in Penalty Infringement Notices, enabling authorised officers to issue on the spot fines.
“Officers will be present and actively patrolling,” Mr Beard said.
“For those doing the right thing, the new regulations are certainly good news, as it empowers agencies to correct any unsafe or anti-social behaviour and ensure the lake can be enjoyed in a safe and equitable manner.”
Places such as Kennedy's Point on Maintongoon Road will be strictly day visitors only - with a 'no reserve' watch over temporary structures being placed prior to visiting.
Visitors at lakeside day parks are asked to observe the rules and watch for 'green-blue' algae warnings.
People can view the Water (Recreational Area) Regulations 2023 on the GMW website: https://www.g-mwater.com.au/recreation
