20 July 2004
Mr R.A. McClean,
General Manager,
Kingborough Council,
15 Channel Highway,
Kingston, Tas. 7050
Dear Rick,
Kingborough Council Marine Structures Policy
We have reviewed the draft Council Policy on Marine Structures and wish to provide the following comments on behalf of the Tasmanian commercial fishing and aquaculture industry.
We acknowledge that the intent of the draft policy is to establish guidelines for the use of around 25 jetties, boat ramps, pontoons and other marine structures that are owned and maintained by Council.
Our concern however is that the Principles for Use clearly discriminate against our commercial fishermen and aquaculture members and specifically in Clauses 2.1, 2.9 and 2.10.
The Council marine structures are used by abalone, rock lobster and scalefish fishermen and marine farmers to launch and retrieve their small vessels and in terms of size commercial vessels are generally no different from those used by recreational fishermen. Sometimes commercial seafood and marine farming products are landed with the vessel, and boat ramps for instance may be used on a regular basis by these operators most of whom would be residents and rate payers in your municipality.
We clearly do not agree with your very unfair draft policy to exclude or restrict the use by commercial fishermen and marine farmers who provide very considerable social and economic benefits to your area.
We therefore strongly suggest the following changes to your draft –
2.1 should read "Recreational and commercial users of a marine structure must act responsibly and in the best interest of all users".
2.9 should read "Commercial fishing and aquaculture operations involving the launching of vessels and the loading and unloading of equipment and seafood are permitted and those operators should ensure that they minimise any adverse impact on the amenity of the structure".
2.10 Delete as unnecessary both paragraphs.
We have no concerns with Clauses 2.2 to 2.8 inclusive.
We therefore urge you to rethink this draft to ensure the fair treatment of all users and particularly all the business people and residents who live within your municipality.
Yours sincerely,
R.K. LISTER
Chief Executive