Rules to improve safety at recreational lake
Updated waterway rules for patrons of Green Lake, near Horsham, will boost safety and access to the popular recreational facility.
Horsham Rural City Council has submitted revised waterway rules for the facility to Transport Safety Victoria for gazetting.
The revision includes introducing an access lane near Horsham Yacht Club for improved access and activation of the area; a ‘deepened non-powered vessel zone’ to enhance swimming and active recreation opportunities, for example stand-up paddle boards and canoes; provision for slalom skiing in the south-east corner of the lake; and clearer terminology and geographical references.
The direction of travel on the lake — that being, clockwise — remains.
Councillor Ian Ross told a council meeting late last year that the new rules would create an ‘orderly’ use of the recreational lake.
“It’s not lucky we are losing crops, but it is lucky we have water for recreation and the wetlands are full,” he said.
“It’s unique that, at Green Lake, we have the rotation of boats the opposite way to everyone else in the state for the safety of the sun setting.”
Cr Les Power said with above-average rainfall and significant water catchment, Green Lake was bound for strong use throughout the warmer months.
“We’re going to have some social adventures out of Green Lake, and also at Dock Lake, this year,” he said.
Consultants RMCG completed the waterway rules review, on behalf of the council, to address Maritime Safety Victoria’s previous safety concerns, and to reflect modern-day use of the lake. The previous rules did not meet Transport Safety Victoria requirements.