Waterway closure details

This page features details regarding waterway closures within the Gannawarra Shire.

Ski Racing Victoria 2026/27 Point Score races

Lake Charm - closed to the public

Notice is hereby given that Lake Charm will be closed to the public from 6.00am to 6.00pm on the following dates:

Saturday 17 & Sunday 18 October 2026

Saturday 5 & Sunday 6 December 2026

Saturday 6 & Sunday 7 February 2027

The purpose of the lake closure is for the Ski Racing Victoria Point Score Series 2026/2027 events.

Information about the exemptions made under section 203 of the Marine Safety Act 2010 is available below.

Any enquiries may be directed to Council’s Kerang Office on telephone (03) 5450 9333.

 

PUBLIC NOTICE

DECLARATION OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXEMPTION

 

Gannawarra Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Lake Charm, makes the following declaration under section 203(3) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic).

For the purposes of boating activity conducted by Ski Racing Victoria, persons and vessels involved in the Ski Racing Victoria Point Score Series 2026 – 2027 are exempt from the following requirements:

State Rules made under the Marine Act 1988

  1. Clause 2(a) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of a person in the water
  2. Clause 2(c) – must not exceed 5 knots within 50 metres of another vessel
  3. Clause 3(b) - must not exceed 5 knots within 50m of a fixed or floating structure

Waterway Rules made under the Marine Safety Act 2010 / Marine Act 1988

  1. Clauses 139.9(a) and (b) of Schedule 139 – areas prohibited to vessels on Lake Charm

Marine Safety Regulations 2023

  1. Regulation 61(5) - Master requirement to carry listed safety equipment on vessel on inland waters (bucket with lanyard)

Modification    

  1. A lifejacket of a type described in Part 4 & 7 of “Schedule 1 - Types of Lifejackets”, of the Marine Safety Regulations 2023 (MSRs) is modified to include a lifejacket is deemed a Level 50S lifejacket or a Type 3 lifejacket if it complies with the current Ski Racing Australia (SRA) rules - Rule 10.6 and Rule 10.14

Subject to the conditions detailed below:

  • Masters of vessels providing rescue services must ensure they comply with the gazetted waterway rules and Marine Safety Act 2010 in respect to minimum speed and distance requirements, unless otherwise undertaking a rescue operation to retrieve persons in distress, provide for their initial medical or other needs and deliver them to a place of safety on shore
  • Masters of rescue and course vessels are exempt item 4 for the duration of the events
  • Masters of competing vessels are only exempt from Items 1 to 5 while participating in the event, and Items 1 to 3 apply only during active racing, subject to a maximum permitted speed of 60 knots (70mph) at all times
  • Occupants of competing vessels (Driver and Observer) must wear a lifejacket at all times that complies with item 6 Modification or Rule 10.6 of the current SRA Rules
  • Competing water-skiers must wear an approved buoyancy vest or buoyant wetsuit that complies with Item 6 Modification or 10.14 of the current SRA Rules and provides flotation performance at least equivalent to a Level 50S lifejacket
  • Occupants of rescue and course vessels associated with the event must wear a lifejacket at all times, and vessels must have all of the prescribed safety equipment
  • The exemptions apply for dates and times as listed in Table 1, for the entire waters of Lake Charm
  • The exemptions apply provided the stated safety controls and undertakings detailed in the application form and associated documentation are adhered to

 

Table 1: Ski Racing Victoria 2026-2027 Lake Charm events

Event

Days

Dates

Times

Point Score 1

Saturday & Sunday

17 & 18 October 2026

6:00am – 6:00pm

Point Score 3

Saturday & Sunday

5 & 6 December 2026

6:00am – 6:00pm

Point Score 4

Saturday & Sunday

6 & 7 February 2027

6:00am – 6:00pm

 

BY ORDER OF GANNAWARRA SHIRE COUNCIL

 

Marine Safety Act 2010

Section 208(2)

NOTICE OF BOATING ACTIVITY EXCLUSION ZONE

Gannawarra Shire Council as the declared waterway manager for Lake Charm hereby gives notice under section 208(2) of the Marine Safety Act 2010 (Vic) that all persons and vessels not registered to take part in the Ski Racing Victoria Point Score Series 2026/2027 are prohibited from entering and remaining in the following waters.

Waters of Lake Charm – Entire Lake

The exclusion zone will be in effect for the dates, times and events listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Ski Racing Victoria 2026-2027 Lake Charm events

Event

Days

Dates

Times

Point Score 1

Saturday & Sunday

17 & 18 October 2026

6:00am – 6:00pm

Point Score 3

Saturday & Sunday

5 & 6 December 2026

6:00am – 6:00pm

Point Score 4

Saturday & Sunday

6 & 7 February 2027

6:00am – 6:00pm

By Order of Gannawarra Shire Council

 

 

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