The Redlands’ reputation as a boaties’ paradise is set to continue with Councillors today supporting a request from Division 5 Councillor Mark Edwards for a report identifying potential boat ramp locations in the Redlands.
Cr Edwards said his Notice of Motion, presented at today’s General Meeting, provided boaties with confidence they were being considered in the city’s future planning.
“The Redlands has one of the highest rates of boat registrations in the state, so it is important they are considered in the growth of the city,” he said.
“This report will identify where boat ramps can be located in the city to accommodate not only our current passionate boaties but also those who are expected to call the Redlands home in the future.
“The aim is for these locations to be dedicated to boaties, with all-tide ramp facilities and room for boat-trailer parking.
“Once we have completed the report we will present it to the State Government, which is ultimately responsible for constructing the boat ramps, and we will look for a commitment from them in terms of planning.
“Council has always strongly lobbied the State Government for improved local boating facilities and this report is another example of our commitment to providing quality facilities now and in the future.”
Cr Edwards said work had already started in identifying potential boat ramp sites in the Southern Redlands which was an ideal location for future boat ramps due to it not being as developed as other areas of the city.
“There is still an opportunity in the southern Redlands to identify areas for recreational boat users that don’t impact on residential or community uses,” he said.
“This would then benefit the entire city with most boaties willing to drive the 15 minutes or so if they know they will be able to launch their boat.
“Boating is more than a hobby in the Redlands, it is a pastime that fits with our coastal location and has been loved by generations of Redlanders and so it makes sense for it to be on our radar.”
Great to see someone in Council appreciates the needs of boaties and the great waterways we have in the Redlands.
As member of Cleveland Yacht Club I have been very upset by Council’s lack of support for sailors. In April I addressed Council on the need for additional parking for cars with boat trailers. Cr Paul Bishop presented a petition at that meeting requesting additional parking at Cleveland Point. After 3.5 months I still have not had a reply.
Cleveland Yacht Club has been established for over 110 years, but this Council seems happy to see dinghy sailing as a sport be forced out of the Redlands.
After the filming of the Chronicles of Narnia, Council redeveloped Cleveland Point. Instead of providing 75 parking spaces (identified by the preferred option selected through a survey of residents) Council’s redevelopment resulted in a loss of about 130 parking spaces at the point.
Cleveland Yacht Club has made several approaches to Council since the redevelopment of the point, with no understanding or acknowledgement of the issues facing the club.
The Redland’s reputation as a boating paradise is fading.