The safety watchdog said the council failed to consider all community views on the issue which has caused friction between user groups for at least five years.

It has been across the council table at least three times with several adjustments and twice to community consultation.

The council was also criticised for not adequately addressing risks its proposed rule change was intended to minimise and had not considered alternative ways.

“I have decided not to make the waterway rule as requested by Warrnambool City Council for the Hopkins River between the seaward outlet and Tooram Stones,” TSV maritime safety director Peter Corcoran said.

His ruling means status quo for the waterway rules and blocks efforts by water-ski enthusiasts to use the river earlier than 9.30am.

The proposed compromise to ease friction between skiers and rowers/anglers would have allowed powerboats on the water from 8am and a bigger zone. 

It prompted 30 submissions including five petitions containing 165 signatures opposing the changes and nine formal submissions of support.

A third of all submissions suggested alternative days with variable starting times.

Mr Corcoran said the council failed to explain why it had rejected a recommendation by senior officers to scrap the rule changes.

Mayor Michael Neoh denied that community views had not been given due consideration.

“Council can’t take on board 100 per cent of community views,” he said.

“The original decision by council was for a 9.30am start. It went to reference groups, there was a bit of lobbying and council put in a counter proposal.”

Debate started in 2009 when Warrnambool Ski Club applied for an extension of the ski zone during an era when skiers operated from 8am.

It triggered objections from rowers and the river users and an audit by TSV.

Ski club spokesman Peter Molan said he was very disappointed with the outcome.

“This has been going on for five years and has come to nothing,” he told The Standard yesterday.

“We weren’t asking for a lot and as a club made lots of compromises, but the rowers have made none.”

City of Warrnambool Rowing Club spokesman Brendan Finnigan described the ruling as acceptable.

“Better options could have been considered, but the club maintains access to the water for its members.

“We are looking forward to a summer of rowing and success.”