canberrabirds

re water ski trial on Lake Gininderra

To: Robin Hide <>
Subject: re water ski trial on Lake Gininderra
From: martin butterfield <>
Date: Sat, 25 Feb 2012 14:30:48 +1100
Thanks for that Robin.  My guess is that property values in the Belconnen Town Centre area have just dropped by about 50%.

With respect to modern boats being quiet I recall going to a lecture in the basement of the National Library at some point in the last 5 years when these hooligans were allowed on Central Basin of LBG for the weekend.  Despite being indoors and underground the noise of the motors was extremely intrusive.

Martin

On Sat, Feb 25, 2012 at 2:15 PM, Robin Hide <> wrote:
On a radio interview I heard yesterday, it was emphasised (by proponents of the trial, plus the TAMS person, Jane Carder ) that the trial would involve those practicing for water ski events only, and ONLY (much emphasis) a single boat on the water at anyone time, and that modern boats were "quiet"... . No mention of boat wash etc.  It was being proposed that the trial would be for 2 hrs every morning 5 days  a week plus some other "windows" of time, afternoons and weekends..(see details below) -
Robin Hide

More information here:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-02-22/water-ski-proposal-for-lake-ginninderra/3845522?section=act

Water ski proposal for Lake Ginninderra

Updated February 22, 2012 22:37:46

The ACT Government has put forward plans to allow people to water ski and wake board on Lake Ginninderra at Belconnen.

Canberra-based water skiers currently have to travel interstate to train because the only authorised area in city's south is closed.

The Molonglo Reach water ski area, off Morsehead Drive was closed in November because of the safety risks from sandbar movement.

The stretch of river was also closed for an extended period during 2011 after extensive flooding left tree trunks and debris strewn along the river, posing safety problems for skiers.

The Government has begun community consultation on a proposal to trial the sport on Lake Ginninderra between April and Christmas.

Jane Carder from Territory and Municipal Services says the trial is not for social skiing, but to help people who want to train for water skiing competition.

"We're looking at really restricted hours under a very tight permit arrangement," Ms Carder said.

"They would be operating possibly in the early mornings, from 7:00am to 9:00am and maybe a window in the afternoon, maybe from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. But the exact times haven't been pinned down yet, until we've spoken to all other lake user groups.

"At this stage we are looking at the week days, possibly a small window on the weekend."

Only one water ski boat will be allowed on the lake at any one time during the trial.

Ms Carder says people attending a Belconnen Community Council meeting raised concerns about noise from ski boats, increased waves and the impact on wildlife.

"There was lot of questions, a lot of information was shared," she said.

"We'll be putting some signs up around the lake as well to let everyone else know that there is this trial proposed for the lake."

It is estimated there are about 100 competitive water skiers in the ACT.

Ben McCullogh from the ACT Water Ski Association says the members want to have a dedicated site for training.

"We don't have a training facility in the ACT, and in fact we don't have one in near proximity to the ACT," he said.

"So competitive water skiers based in Canberra really have to travel long distances to advance their skills and improve their competitiveness in the sport.

"These people need a permanent site where they can go and train, and they know the infrastructure is going to be there."

Topics: lifestyle-and-leisure, water-management, environment, belconnen-2617, act

First posted February 22, 2012 16:33:40




On 25/02/2012 1:56 PM, Margaret Leggoe wrote:

You are right about the noise, Martin.  I remember trying to study for exams in Brisbane with speedboat races taking place on the Brisbane river outside the window.  It was not so much the boats, as the loud music and loudspeaker announcements that drove one potty.

Margaret Leggoe

 

From: martin butterfield
Sent: Saturday, 25 February 2012 1:03 PM
To: Chris Davey
Cc:
Subject: Re: [canberrabirds] re water ski trial on Lake Gininderra

 

Chris

I must disagree with you that water skiing and water boarding (I assume the "Lakes Officer" knows so little about the activity that they don't know the usual name is wake boarding) are not torture. 

How even TAMS could consider these activities so close to residences is beyond belief.   As it is narrow, the wake etc will have an imapact on birds right across the Lake.

Martin

On Sat, Feb 25, 2012 at 12:20 PM, Chris Davey <> wrote:

Hi,

 

I have received notice from the Lakes Officer (TAMS) that there will be a trial on Lake Ginninderra to look at the feasibility of allowing a water skiing and water boarding area (no not a torture area) on the lake.  The trail will go from April through to sometime in December 2012, after which there will be a period for public comment.

 

The area under consideration is along the western edge of the peninsular between the peninsular point and the boat ramp.

 

For us to have an informed input into the decision making process I believe we need to take the opportunity to gather information on any disturbance caused to the birds in the area.  I have asked that we are told when the events will be conducted so that it will allow us to document any disturbance.  In addition, I would like to survey the birds using the area both along the eastern edge (control) and the western edge of the peninsular.  This will mean walking along the edge or cycle/foot path to determine the number and species of birds using the area.

 

We need to gather as much information as possible so if there is anyone interested to help please contact me and I will provide you with a map and data sheets.

 

Chris

 

Chris Davey (President)       

24 Bardsley Place

Holt

ACT 2615

 

Tel: 02 62546324

MOB: 0418679847

 

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CANBERRA ORNITHOLOGISTS GROUP             

PO Box 301, Civic Square ACT 2608

 

www.canberrabirds.org.au

 

 

 


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