Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 10:39 am Post subject: Warneet - Time for media action
As many of you know my involvement with Warneet over the past few years. As some are aware I have also moved on and Warneet Tackle has a new owner who is facing some of the issues I dealt with every day..........
Inaction from Government departments
Inaction from Committees
Anger from boaters (and rightfully so)
But more importantly, Warneet has become a serious safety issue for boaters and visitors. It has drawn the attention of so many, and, is used by some 35-40000 people annualy including pier fishermen, tourists and boaters. It has in excess of 10,000 boat launches per season and has become probably the second major boating access to WP (and was nominated to be made regional by BIA, until a certain Councilor wanted to pump up property value in his home town of Tooradin and try to turn it regional with all of the funding benifits that come with it - Tooradin has approximately less than 1/3rd of the launches Warneet has, WHY? because it has a 12 kilometer + channel to navigate just to get to open water, and, its tidal issues are worse than warneets)... Anyway back to Warneet.
In Novemeber 2006 (yes 2006) I notified the then land owner DSE of a safety concern and damage to the $245,000 pontoon that had been installed in 2004 (which Parks Victoria kindly took half of and put at the end of the pier )
Since Nov 2006 I have sent dozens of requests to DSE, Parks, Committees, local Mp's and state Mp's asking for action, But, alas we are left with what you will see below (I will try and upload the pictures in a small format so you may have to bear with me)
My point is this, SAFETY has been ignored for nearly 2 years, boaters funds have been ignored for longer, Comments from certain committee members that "We are covered by insurance incase someone hurts themselves" are just NOT good enough. Councils refusal to grade this car park and its excuse is Rubbish as they grade Tooradins car park (Oh yes, remember that the local councilor lives there)
Any way here are some photos for you to chew on and understand my anger, frustration and disgust that I have experienced for years now, and now it is time for more abrupt action to get things moving. i have drafted a letter now to major newspapers and current affairs programs in the hope they rip the responsible parties a new one.
The original damge Months after first reported. It was first reported when it was but a crack in the concrete.
This is when the right hand side cracked away from the main land landing and it really became a safety issue. this was even inspected by Local and state MP's but yet nothing done. You can see that the platform is raied in a way that there is a 3 inch lift and a clear tripping platform for some unsuspecting boater, or boater/tourist using the pontoon at night (OH YEH, not even a damn light for boaters)
So, what happens now. Does the committee and authorities wait until a member of the public, a boater, a tourist or a child is seriously injured before acting (Lets not forget they have stated THEY ARE INSURED).
The new owner of warneet Bait & Tackle (Dom) is busting a gut to get action, myself and others are doing the same (I no longer have to fear Lease issues so i can speak my mind - not that it ever stopped me)
The new committee has applied to MSV for a grant to fix it (But that could take weeks to months to here back, and then we are well and truly into snapper season) could be too late for some poor person who trips or is crippled from this NEGLIGENCE (wonder how the insurance company will view the word NEGLIGENCE)
I must say though that this new committee was hand balled a shizen bomb when it took over from DSE, BUT, they have been in place from approximately february 2008.
This committee is made up of a small team, several of whom have stated openely they dont want boaters in the area (Now that is not slanderous because it has been stated), It is alleged they have approximately $80,000 of funds available to them presently.
So, by days end the article and facts I have spent days putting on paper should be lodged with the major papers and TV programs. I will be sending a copy of this same letter to EVERY department that I have spoken and written too over the past two years (Just to let them know they are named in the impending story) AND lets see how fast they jump to get Warneet safe for boaters and users.
Barney...which insurance company underwrites the council?!
I'd expect that two phone calls......insurer, and the solicitors for the affected business in the event of closure...would rattle the council a little into some kind of action.
At present, typiclaly reactive councils have no incentive to do anything
Liability pressure from their insurer might see them seek to close the ramp facilities to remove the risk...but bring on legal action from affected business owners which will cost more than fixing it!
they might see the light. _________________ How's the serenity....
Posted: Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:39 pm Post subject: Ramp
Hi Barney. If we refuse to pay our ramp fees does that effect Doms income, if it doesnt why dont we refuse to pay, till they fix it. Cheers Rob _________________
Hi Barney. If we refuse to pay our ramp fees does that effect Doms income, if it doesnt why dont we refuse to pay, till they fix it. Cheers Rob
Gday mate, In short it will effect Doms income, and, I rest assured the DSE and Committee probably wouldn't give two squirts because revenue from fines would more than make up for it
Dougs idea of contacting the underwriting Insurers is a good idea, but we need to first establish who they are "I will try and find out " the committee is having a meeting tonight so i will go along.
How is it that a ramp that is so popular and needed is so neglected
More to come on this one, rest assured.
I wish you luck Barney. I like Warneet and used to launch there quite a bit, but since I have upgraded to a bigger glass boat, I go elsewhere as the ramp is simply not good enough. You are absolutely right to state that it is far preferable to Tooradin for upgrade works.
The govt pays lip service to fishos, but seldom comes through with worthwhile programs. They are, however, always ready to levy a fine or two for the slightest misdemeanour. The various departments and councils take a lead from the govt example and thumb their noses at us. They know they have a captive audience - not many of us can afford either the time or money to take our fishing business elsewhere on a regular basis.
Wouldn't it be nice if we could organise everyone to go interstate for a month or two. No launch fees and no licence fees for a period would make them sit up and take notice. Wishful thinking though I'm afraid.
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