Preservation of water skiing on Maroochy River

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Ian Grant
PO Box 129
BLI BLI QLD 4560
Total Signatures - 685
Sponsoring Member: Steve Dickson MP
Posting Date: 17/6/2009
Closing Date: 3/8/2009
Tabled Date: 4/8/2009
Responded By: Hon Rachel Nolan MP on 8/10/2009
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland
Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House that we object to the proposed changes as released by Maritime Safety Queensland in a discussion paper titled 'Ship operations and activities on the Maroochy River'. Amongst the proposed changes are recommendations to close and reduce existing waterskiing permitted zones. Amongst these recommendations is the closure of the Eudlo Creek area which has been used by skiers for more than 50 years. We the undersigned are opposed to some of the proposed changes concerning water skiing restrictions. The proposed changes will compromise safety on our waterways, by forcing more boat operators into smaller areas and is in direct contradiction to the Federal Government's commitment to 'A Healthy and Active Australia'. Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to ensure that Queensland Transport and Maritime Safety Queensland preserve current skiing areas and hold inclusive and unbiased open discussions with all stakeholders before outcomes are decided and that the conclusions be based on factual evidence.