SIP analysis - interesting stats

[Member]

Ray, I suggested to SEQWater that they follow the lead of Toowoomba and implement a scheme the same as Cressbrook Dam, all visitors pay a $2 fee to enter the area.  They laughed at me, when I suggested they could even link it to the GoVia system for automatic payment.  Where will they draw the line with water toys?  I wonder if my Grand daughters floaties will be OK, but my Grand sons little Kayak will need a permit?  Seems like a pretty ridiculous and unenforcable system to me!  It will reek of discrimination if they go ahead with it.

[Member]

The fairest way is not to charge anyone.
The administration and enforcement costs would outweigh any revenue raised.
Cheers
Ray

[Member]

As I cannot recall who actually made the statement re yaks and canoes to end further speculation on the subject I have just emailed recreation at seq water and will publish their response.
Do not see what Somerset council has anything to do with the subject.
 Cheers
Ray

[Member]

Somerset Council are a very concerned entity in the whole scheme.  Tourism brings $ to the area.  If mum and dad can't bring their kids to Wivenhoe or Somerset without having to pay a $75 annual fee for a blow up kids boat, they'll probably choose to go elsewhere, taking money out of the area.  The Mayor of Somerset Regional Council attended both public meetings for Somerset and Wivenhoe, as did a couple of Councillors.  They take a lot of interest in our Stocking Group, and the Mayor attends most fish releases and many of our meetings.  They have a big interest in the outcome of the current review, and will have some input into it.

[Member]

Here is the response from SEQ water.
Always pays to get it in writing from the horses mouth,then there is no misunderstanding.
" Good afternoon Ray,

 

Thank you for your email.

 

No decision will be make in regards to a Boating Permit Scheme until the recreation review has finished. Once the review for all lakes has been completed, SEQwater will look into the option of introducing a permit scheme that will cover all lakes. No such decision will be made until the review is completed which is scheduled to occur in September 2014. The subsequent details of the scheme if implemented will not be finalised until then, so at this stage I would not be able to give any advice on whether canoes or kayaks would need a permit.

 

Thanks Ray.

 

Kind regards, "

So if they say September it probably will be 2015 judging by their current record.
 Hope that common sense prevails and no fees for any recreational activity imposed.
That way everyone will be happy
 I also asked if an electric powered boat is deemed a motorised watercraft as the survey questions states motorised  craft in the question re the permit but did not get an answer to this question.

[Member]

So, no permit for Kayaks.  Motorised watercraft has always included those with an electric MOTOR so I can't see that changing.