New Beacon @ Rat Island

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GOOLWA - A new navigation beacon has been placed between Goolwa and Lake Alexandrina off the north-east tip of Rat Island as part of the State Government's strategy to address low water levels.The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure’s (DTEI) Director of Transport Safety Regulation, Brian Hemming says the new beacon, named 70A, marks deeper water in this part of the channel to assist boaters."Beacon 70A is located between beacons 70 and 72 in the main channel," Mr Hemming said."With the lower water levels, boaters heading upstream could have run aground taking a direct course from beacon 70 to 72."With beacon 70A in place, boaters are directed slightly to the north so they stay in the deeper water of the channel."However, boaters still need to be aware the water in that area is quite shallow and they need to make their own assessment about whether they can safely navigate through the channel."DTEI is working to identify and resolve navigation hazards in the Goolwa and Murray Lakes region.The channel between the Goolwa Barrage and Laffin Point is being marked in May and further work will be identified as a hydrographic survey of the area continues.River-goers are reminded that DTEI implemented new interactive hazard web maps last year for boaters to use prior to undertaking river activities.For more details visit www.transport.sa.gov.au/safety/marine/rec_boating/rivermurra y_and_lakes.asp.

This Article Reproduced With Permission From The Times - Victor Harborhttp://victorharbor.yourguide.com.au/news/local/news/general/new-beacon-at-rat-island/786339.aspx