Murray cruising resumes

CRUISES on the Murray River are resuming today, with NSW making an amendment to the COVID-19 border control public health order.

A clause now allows those operating a vessel on the Murray River to do so, provided they do not dock on the northern side of the waterway.

The clause also stipulates cruises may not travel with a person who, in the previous 14 days, has been in an area that is of COVID-19 concern, or has been in a “restricted area”.

Commercial operators on the Murray River have delighted at the amendment, which was communicated in a personal phone call from New South Wales Minister for Health Brad Hazzard to Murray River Paddlesteamers Director Craig Burgess, who thanked the Minister for taking the time to understand the industry’s quandary.

The Murray River Paddlesteamers boss said his cruise line will open in a COVIDsafe manner, with all passengers having to show proof of address to board vessels to ensure they are not from a current hotspot.

“The news comes as a great relief for all commercial operators along the river that can now welcome regional Victorians and all New South Wales residents for the remainder of the school holidays and spring/summer trading period,” Burgess said.

“I want to thank everyone for your support in raising awareness of our situation in order to get this change made.

“We should not underestimate what this change means to our border communities who heavily rely on the tourism economy.”