Campaspe Shire Council has received an independent engineering report detailing works are required on the Moama Slipway before the pride of council's paddlesteamer fleet can undergo repairs.
Council said while the more than 100-year-old Moama slipway can handle the weight of the Pev, she won't be slipped due to safety concerns.
Mayor Adrian Weston said council requested the report following an incident on the privately operated slipway earlier this year.
“The PS Pevensey was on the slip for its scheduled servicing and upon re-launching, one of the four trolleys came off the rails, leaving the 140 tonne paddlesteamer unsupported in its heaviest section,” Cr Weston said.
“The critical incident was subsequently reported to NSW Crown Lands as the landowner.”
The Pev remained on the slip overnight as a cracked wheel on the slip was replaced and she was de-slipped the next day.
She was due to take the PS Adelaide's September 30 slipping for maintenance works identified through a slipping in May this year.
Works were not completed during the six week May slipping as materials were required and the slipway was booked for the next vessel.
Despite the slipway wheel being repaired it is understood the PS Adelaide, which weighs less, is yet to be slipped.
“To ensure the safety of our staff, contractors and paddlesteamer fleet, we are not able slip vessels or complete the maintenance works on the PS Pevensey and get her back into commercial service until slipway maintenance works are done,” Cr Weston said.
The Moama Slipway is the only one suitable for larger vessels within approximately 310 river kilometres.
All commercial paddlesteamers and houseboats are required to have an ‘out of the water’ survey conducted by Roads and Maritime Services twice every five years.
“Echuca’s paddlesteamers are 100-plus years old and their ongoing maintenance and preservation are paramount to the tourism experience for Echuca,” Cr Weston said.
“Paddlesteamers are a major tourism drawcard and it is critical to have them available for the tourism market.
“Discussions are now a priority with the slipway operator and once a way forward has been agreed to, the community will be advised.”
Echuca Paddlesteamers will continue to operate using the PS Alexander Arbuthnot.
The PS Pevensey will remain out of service until her maintenance works can be completed and a Certificate of Operation is issued by Roads and Maritime Services.
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