Paddlesteamers headed for the docks due to COVID-19 restrictions

By Andrew Johnston

Jul 14, 2020

ECHUCA'S historic paddlesteamers are no longer operating following changes to NSW maritime regulations in response to the recent closure of the border with Victoria.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

Despite being told last week paddlesteamers could continue to run as long as passengers boarded and exited in Victoria, that advice has now changed, meaning Murray River Paddlesteamers and Echuca Paddlesteamers will stop daily operations.

But Murray River Paddlesteamers managing director Rohan Burgess said he was remaining positive.

“The announcement was made at the completion of the holidays,” he said.

“We are in the middle of winter, we have JobKeeper for our staff, and we have the Murray River Tourism Board advocating for us. People are looking for ways to make this work and we will continue to do what we can within the rules.”

Mr Burgess said the company was prepared for rules to change.

“We were always in the lap of the gods,” he said.

“We were being pragmatic, and we were happy to go with what advice we were given and adjust if it changed.

“The order came out and changed what we were able to do, and we have acted accordingly now. We are able to run the Emmylou for our overnight cruises from the Moama wharf.

“We will have permits, enter and exit in NSW and have everything comply with the rules.”

Echuca Paddlesteamers will also be forced to shut its doors, according to Campaspe Shire community general manager Keith Oberin.

“Although passengers are controlled by the Paddlesteamer Master and cannot disembark into NSW, with cruises departing and arriving back to Victoria, Echuca Paddlesteamers suspended operations from July 11, following a direction from NSW Roads and Maritime on Friday afternoon,” he said.

“The suspension is disappointing for the business and customers who remain keen to enjoy a cruise along the Murray River, without the need to enter NSW by land.

“We understand that boating on the Murray is just one of several matters that Luke Wilson (Victoria’s Cross Border Commissioner) is pursuing on behalf of river communities.”

Houseboats are also seeing an impact due to the border closure, according to Luxury on the Murray owner David Grubb.

“It's an issue (not being able to take Victorian passengers), as we've had to reschedule bookings who couldn't cross the border,” he said.

“We are very lucky it was at the tail end of the Victorian school holidays; if it had been a week or two beforehand it would have been a disaster. If it doesn't change, it will likely have significant impact.”

Mr Grubb said his position in Moama was an advantage but he felt for those based in Victoria.

“At this stage being in NSW, all I can do is accommodate NSW bookings. Those in Victoria unfortunately can't do anything,” he said.

“People are still liaising and figuring out what will happen from here and what changes will be made."