APPENDIX 8 Key messages - media example

Appendix 8

KEY MESSAGES - MEDIA EXAMPLE

BLUE GREEN ALGAE

• Some parts of the Murray River have been identified as being contaminated with blue-green algae making those areas unsuitable for primary contact with the water by domestic users and livestock.

• Affected areas of the Murray River are (locations affected by algae).

• In affected areas people are still able to enjoy on water activities that do not require primary contact such as paddlesteamers, houseboating and cruises.

• Unaffected areas are safe for recreational use including swimming, water skiing and fishing. They include (locations not affected by algae).

• Murray Regional Tourism (MRT) has ensured tourism managers and operators in affected regions have been made aware of the alert, asking they communicate to locals and visitors that it is unsafe to enter, bathe in or drink the water in certain sections of the Murray River.

• As a precaution, MRT has notified unaffected local councils and tourism managers in the region of the situation to be prepared should the contamination area change.

Unaffected areas • Unaffected areas list

Affected areas • Affected area 1 Safe activities on the river • Swimming • Jetskiing • Paddle boarding • Canoeing & kayaking • Water skiing Things to do • List safe visitor activities for each affected area. I.e. • Sailing • Play golf • Picnics and BBQs • Boat cruising • Camping • Cycling and walking trails • Hiking/bushwalking

• Affected area 2 • Safe local visitor activities list

• MRT advises people on the river to be cautious and report any visible surface scum to the blue-green algae hotline on (insert phone number).