No higher than five on Barwon estuary

THE Port of Barwon Heads are working with other groups and agencies to create awareness of the five knot speed limit applying to the Barwon estuary and open coastline.

Barwon Coast’s Maddie Glynn said estuary use is about to increase as the weather improves, providing great opportunities for different uses of the river.

The five-knot speed limit is to ensure protection of other water users and assists in minimising boat wash to protect the fragile ecosystems within the estuary.

“Faster speed leads to stronger wash from the vessels, leading to loss of river banks and degradation to the important fish nursery grounds within the system,” Ms Glynn said.

“A five-knot speed limit sticker has been produced and made free to estuary users by Barwon Coast. This project was an initiative by John O’Reilly, who was a passionate environmentalist and keen recreation user of our coastline.

“John thought outside the box in how we may collectively educate users without installing additional signage about the applied speed limit. We hope this passive messaging will lead to greater respect for the estuary and other beach users, whilst engaging more people using the estuary in a responsible manner.”

The marine grade five-knot sticker is free for anyone wishing to place the sticker onto their paddle or watercraft by contacting Barwon Coast or by emailing Ralph at Bellarine Paddlers at [email protected].

Persons found not complying with the five-knot speed limit are likely to face penalties.