Sam Birrell (Nicholls, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

On the weekend of 10 and 11 February, in my electorate and the electorate of the member for Farrer, one of the most iconic events in the world of waterskiing—the Southern 80—will be held. It's an 80-kilometre waterskiing race along the Murray River near Echuca. Boats consisting of a driver, an observer and two skiers race along the course at breathtaking speeds in a competition of engineering, mechanics, courage, stamina and skill. The event brings huge numbers of tourists to the banks of the river, and the Echuca and Moama townships, communities that have felt an economic downturn as a result of the October 22 floods of the Murray and Campaspe rivers, will be very keen to see these people come and spend in their local businesses.

As part of the publicity for the Southern 80, I agreed to sit in the observer's chair of a speedboat named Migraine. I had one of the more frightening experiences of my life as we reached speeds of 160 kilometres an hour along the river, only slightly slowing down for the corners. It's scary enough being in the observer's seat. I can only imagine what it's like at the end of a rope and on one ski! Good luck to all the competitors in the 2024 Southern 80. I'll be there; I wouldn't miss it for the world, and I wish you a safe and successful event.