TWO caravan parks on the banks of the mighty River Murray in New South Wales are worried holidaymakers are turning their backs on the area because of algae claims.

According to Goulburn-Murray Water, toxic blue green algae has reached the stretch of the famous Murray River near the parks.

But Kay Bassett, owner of the 100-site, four-star Barham Caravan and Tourist park has poured cold water on the claims.

"I can see the river from my window and it’s white and foamy, as it should be," she told local media. "The reports are ruining it for everybody."

She said there had been algae in the past but it was not affecting the river near her park now.

And she was supported by the owner of the 121-site, three-and-a-half star Barham Lakes Caravan Park, Shane Guerra, who said: "We have no issue with algae."

Both park owners said they had not been notified of any concerns over toxic algae.

Murray Regional Algal Co-ordinating Committee deputy chairwoman Natasha Ryan told media recent samples indicated high levels of algae between the Hume Dam and Barham.

The current amber alert was likely to soon reach red, she added.

BACK TO CARAVANNING NEWS MAIN PAGE