Here you all go, copy of the press release issued recently with some supporting notes.
Note that the 12-Ton limit has not been chosen as an 'absolute' max weight, the issues are due to the ground clearances and angles created by/at the ferry by heavier or low-slung vehicles. A letter is currently being drafted to send to all of the contractors that operate the ferries regarding this issue.
Media Release
Friday, 16 November 2007
DROPPING RIVER LEVELS THREATEN FERRY SERVICES
The drought’s impact on the River Murray will be further felt with the upstream Mannum Ferry to close as soon as next week - the first of six now under threat from dropping river levels.
DTEI’s Director of Road and Traffic Management, Flett Steele said the situation is now reached a point where this service will have to be suspended soon for the safety of all users.
“The on-going drought conditions have left us with little choice but to prepare everyone in the area that Mannum upstream ferry will have to close,” Mr Steele said.
“Fortunately the downstream service remains viable and by increasing the number of people working on this service during busy periods it is our intention to reduce any delays that may be experienced.”
“However, we must also be prepared for the potential impacts on other ferries downstream of Lock 1.”
Falling river levels are the primary reason services are impacted and a 12 tonne weight restriction is applied – predominantly applying to semi trailers and truck/trailer combinations.
Based on river level modelling ferries at Tailem Bend, Walker Flat, Purnong, Swan Reach will soon be subject to such weight restrictions.
Predicted weight restrictions are likely to be effective from:
December 2007 Tailem Bend (Alternative – Swanport Bridge)
January 2008 Walker Flat, Purnong (Alternative – Blanchetown/Swanport Bridge)
March 2008 Swan Reach (Alternative – Blanchetown Bridge)
Wellington and Narrung ferry services should continue to operate unrestricted for now.
“It is vitally important we give all stakeholders the opportunity to be as prepared as possible because the reality is river levels continue to drop,” Mr Steele said.
“Any vehicles above the 12 tonne weight limit will need to make contingency plans.”
The Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure will work with emergency services, primary producers and school bus operators through this period.
At this stage ferry services above Lock 1 will not be affected.
It is important to note that at this point only the upstream ferry at Mannum will be affected and the other ferry at Mannum will continue to operate without restrictions.
As well, the drought effect predictions are based on the worst case scenario provided by DWLBC and as experience at Mannum has shown, these effects can be delayed if weather conditions are milder than anticipated.
One other influence on these predictions is the additional effect of prevailing winds. North winds can temporarily lower the River level by up to 300mm and conversely winds from the South can temporarily raise the River level by up to 300mm.
PUBLICITY
The Department for Transport Energy and Infrastructure has a communications plan to advise those most likely to be significantly inconvenienced by restrictions to the ferry service.
This plan includes:
Emergency Services (CFS, SES, SAAS, SAPOL)
Local Councils
Department for Education and Children’s Services and the Passenger Transport Board re: school bus access
Local Schools
Local communities
Local transport operators
This communication is provided either directly via email/fax/telephone or indirectly through media releases.
Part of the plan includes the establishment of additional signs temporarily located at strategic points on roads in the affected area giving advice of disruptions and providing alternative River crossing routes. This plan is now in its final stages of introduction.
Information updates on drought effects on the ferry system will be provided as the situation changes.
Finally the Department is in the process of establishing a web site that will provide general information on the ferry system and will include any publicity on drought effects and disruptions.
A FEW FACTS
Normal pool level of the Lower Lakes is 0.75 mm
Murray Darling Basin Commission weekly report advises pool level for week ending 14 November was 0.12 (a drop of 0.63)
On current DWLBC river level predictions the upstream ferry at Mannum is the only one where service will be suspended.
There will be a 12tonne weight restriction applied at Tailem Bend, Purnong, Walker Flat and Swan Reach but these ferries will otherwise remain in operation.
