I got a letter from Greg Turner saying the jet ski will be moved.
Hi Paul
Thanks for the advice regarding the jet ski track interacting with the windsurfer area at Southport. We have had a look at the area of concern and did not fully appreciate the impact on windsurfer/kiteboard activity in the narrow section used for gybing.
I take this opportunity to point out that all waterway users have the same rights when using the State's waterways, every operator whether sail or powered have the same safety obligations imposed on them under the provisions of the Act. The commercial fraternity is as entitled to use of a public waterway as passive craft uses and our job as safety regulators is to see that everybody can coexist safely. To say it is "unfair use of public water" is far from accurate. The same exclusivity you seek for your windsurfing activity is the same exclusivity you want denied for the jet ski operators. Only difference is that the windsurfers are only there when the wind blows and not usually in great numbers during working hours. Weekends is the only real concern and I must agree that numbers of craft can pose a threat to safety during this time.
Everybody using the waterway has their own interests and wants to protect their patch. We do our best to try and see that everybody does it safely. As I said in my opening sentence, we have identified that the new area allocated to the hire of jet skis may have a negative impact on windsurfing and we will relocate the commercial jet ski area elsewhere in the immediate future to ensure all stakeholders are happy and can operate safely.
Thanks for your advice in relation to this matter and I trust that a sensible resolution to the problem will be found shortly.
Good work Sonic, Nick and other Windsurfists . This is a very positive outcome for us. Our sport is difficult to understand but through the right communication channels we can get what we need.