Goolwa Water: Ron views the affect of the new "regulator" at Clayton in the Fleurieu Peninsula region of South Australia
In recent years, the mood of many Goolwa boaties has been as low as the once receding water level. Over a three year period, a lack of water from upstream in the River Murray meant the water deserted much of the town's waterfront and so too did the yachties and wooden boat enthusiasts.
The construction of a regulator at Clayton upstream, water pumped over the dam wall from Lake Alexandrina and runoff from the Finnis River following good winter rains have all combined to radically change the Goolwa waterfront.
The exposed sandbars and mudflats have gone - and the Goolwa Channel is back to pool level and so too are many of the boats. It's been a vexed issue. For some it's a stop-gap measure - with the long term problems of the River Murray yet to be resolved. For others water like this is a godsend breathing new life into the township of Goolwa.
We went out on the water with two wooden boat devotees, Rick Eylward and Allan Hayes - from the historic Armfield Slip and we were on board a tender once used by the aircraft carrier the HMAS Sydney. And for many, the battle lines have been drawn over the use of a regulator to create an environment like this. Telltale signs are proof that not everyone is happy. Especially those with larger boats who might want to head upstream only to be confronted by a major man-made impediment. But for blokes like Rick and Allan - who love to mess about in wooden boats and the craft that Rick organises as part of the local Goolwa sailing regattas, the playground has suddenly gotten a lot bigger.
Rick Eylward: "The crews of those were most enthusiastic because they got a little bit sick of my course being up and down the narrow channel. But now we can bring them out around here through our old stamping ground called Aggies Creek - which is a bit of deep water between the two mud islands which we saw only two months ago."
The change in water level has brought change to many businesses, including Hectors on the Wharf. Running a waterside eatery with little water is no mean feat but for a while, patrons were coming to see the exposed sandbars - now they come for a very different outlook. And that outlook has no doubt brightened for the operators of the Spirit of the Coorong tour - with their boat now having a more visible presence on the historic town wharf. When water levels were low it was forced to head out from the more distant and remote Mundoo Channel.
Bain Pedler, 'Spirit of the Coorong': "It's only a few inches off being pool which is normal level, we've been able to operate from Goolwa. It's been a couple of years since we've been able to do that. The water dropped a metre and a half below sea level here. Pool level means the delights of the Coorong now beckon for many more boaties."
Because the pool level is up it means the lock is well and truly back in business. And that means boaties can move between the Goolwa Channel and the Coorong and back again.
For blokes like the aptly named Peter Shipside the change in water level is a more recent plus in an environmental equation, which still has many minuses.
Peter Shipside: "It's not a long term solution. The Murray has to be looked at in its totality. We don't want that dam wall to stay there any longer than it has to. We want to see water back in the whole of the system."
As we head out from the lock - the old pylons come into view. They were used to moor craft, which brought in the materials needed to build the Goolwa Barrage - one of the great depression era projects. From here, we soon get a taste of the birdlife for which the Coorong is renowned. And soon we see where the mighty River Murray ends its long journey.
Goolwa is located 90 kilometres south of Adelaide. The lock is open daily. For times, check with the lock attendant on 0408 813 729. If you have any further questions please email info@postcards-sa.com.au
Goolwa Waterfront
Goolwa
Lock open daily
Contact 0408 813 729Published 8th November 2009
