Stefan Bruni, President of the Cobram Barooga Anglers Club, explains that the boat ramp becomes virtually unusable during the dry winter months.
Mr Bruni explained that the reduced flow in the Murray River creates a significant drop-off from the ramp's edge to the water, measuring at least 60cm.
“The biggest problem with the boat ramp currently is when the water drops, our boat ramp drops off to a straight edge,” Mr Bruni said.
Moira Shire Council Chair Administrator Dr Graeme Emonson said council understands the considerable value of the Thompsons Beach boat ramp to the community.
“We will continue to work with Maritime NSW to explore funding opportunities for potential works,” Dr Emonson said.
Mr Bruni said that because the river level was low this past winter, it was difficult for users to access the boat ramp.
“It’s not just for fishermen – it’s ski boats, kayakers, pontoon boats, big boats.
“It generates a lot of people to come down to this waterway because the Murray’s awesome – we’ve got a beautiful patch here.
“There are people who come from Shepparton, Numurkah, Jerilderie, Finlay, Berrigan – they all come to use our water.”
Rob Harris, owner of local business Cobram Outdoors, reinforced these concerns, emphasising the issue's impact on the community.
“Once [the river discharge] gets down to about 6000 litres or fewer, you can’t physically get a boat in any more,” Mr Harris said.
During that time, boaters who wish to access the river must travel to Tocumwal or Yarrawonga to load their boats on the concrete ramps there.
“We get anger from customers because they want to go fishing, and they’ve got to drive half an hour or more to be able to do it.”
“You’re talking about eighty kilometres of river with only one ramp right in the middle.”
Mr Harris suggested that extending the ramp by six to eight metres could potentially resolve the issue, ensuring year-round access for boating enthusiasts.
The boat ramp at Thompsons Beach, Cobram, is popular with anglers and other users of the Murray River.
The calls arrive after the Cullens Boat Ramp in Yarrawonga was reopened to the public in April this year after it was widened and extended an additional six metres to allow for access during dry winter months.
At a budget of $650,000, the ongoing project also involves improving the access road to the boat ramp from Cullens Rd.
Moira Shire Council, which has jurisdiction over the Thompsons Beach boat ramp, has been contacted for comment.
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