Lock 11 will remain closed for refurbishment, so this will be the only opportunity for boat operators to shift their vessels up or downstream until the lock reopens in mid-September 2015.
Work to reinstate the weir will start on Wednesday 15 July 2015, and is expected to take up to two weeks as the weir's trestles are positioned and the weir pool is raised. The weir pool is planned to be back to normal full supply level (34.40 metres AHD) by the end of July.
Boat operators who wish to move their vessels upstream or downstream may be able to pass over the sill of the weir in the days prior to the weir being re-instated, in the following period:
- 9.00am Sunday 12 July until 2.00pm Tuesday 14 July 2015
There will be no Goulburn–Murray Water or MDBA staff on hand supervising the passage of vessels.
The MDBA reminds boat operators that they are responsible for the safety of their vessel and the people on board, and should take into account prevailing river conditions and their boat's clearance needs before navigating across the weir.
Flows at Mildura between 12 and 14 July 2015 are currently forecast to be approximately 9000 megalitres per day, which corresponds to a river level of about 31.0 metres AHD. At this river height, there would be approximately 1.5 metres clearance between the water level and the weir's concrete base on the riverbed.
Snags and other hazards may also be present upstream and downstream of the weir and boat operators are advised to take extra caution in these unusual conditions.
Updated forecasts on river flows and salinities, along with additional information will be on the MDBA's website.
ENDS
For more information, contact the MDBA Media office at media@mdba.gov.au or 02 6279 0141 or Goulburn–Murray Water on 1800 013 357.
Follow the MDBA on Twitter: @MD_Basin_Auth
Join the discussion on the MDBA blog: http://freeflow.mdba.gov.au/