A PLANNED water-skiing trial on the Wimmera River has been postponed because of community feedback.
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The Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Horsham Rural City Council planned to assess the suitability, effects and sustainability of controlled skiing on the river.
The authority proposed a short trial to assess bank erosion rates along the river on Saturday, but the trial will now be postponed so it can be expanded.
Horsham Rural City technical services director John Martin said the proposed trial attracted considerable community feedback.
"Much of it has been positive, although some concerns have also been raised," he said.
A post about the trial on the Wimmera Mail-Times Facebook page attracted more than 70 comments earlier this week.
While some people were thrilled at the prospect, others voiced concerns such as noise issues, erosion and water quality.
Mr Martin said the catchment management authority and council would expand the trial to include monitoring of noise levels in response to the feedback.
"Additional equipment needs to be organised to enable this monitoring," he said.
"It will take a few weeks to assemble the required equipment and determine the methodology for the trial.
"It is now tentatively planned to re-schedule the trial to mid-November in conjunction with one of the weekends planned for pre-Kannamaroo practice by the Natimuk ski club."
The annual Kannamaroo festival in Horsham is the only time water-skiing is allowed on the river.
"The Natimuk Lake Ski Club is providing support to council and the Wimmera CMA in the conduct of these trials," Mr Martin said.
"An update on this trial will be provided closer to its planned date."