After no wind at this years Nationals in Pallarenda we got some more dramas but this time its not wind related.
In a wrap:
Local Dep Mayor recommending to Council to ban kiteboarders because of petition by 27 people that feel at risk with 'kites and wires laying on the beach' and 'kites flying' in Pallarenda.
Basically they want to restrict us to about 120m beach between access 13 and 14. Where we are sharing the beach already with lots of people, the fishing lads, the gays, the dog owners..)
They also want Intheloop kiteboarding to teach in the same area.
More here:
Todays article in Townsville Bulletin:
www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/nocookies?a=A.flavipes
Some Comments below are pretty funny
Townsville Online:townsvillenewsonline.com/kiteboarders-petition-against-council-plan-that-could-see-greater-risk-for-p582-69.htm
Our online petition against this.
teacuppigs.org/laws-to-consider-while-having-a-teacup-pig/
Peace from Pallarenda
Is this an opportunity for AKSA to step in and represent the sport and it's members in an area that is crucial to the exitance of Kiteboarding in Nth QLD?
I spoke with MAST (Marine and Safety Tasmania) regarding similar issues down here in Tassie. Admittedly our beaches will never be as busy as yours, but MAST had real concerns regarding the safety of kiters if local authorities were to restrict access to certain sites.
MAST totally understood (and agreed) that flexibility regarding launch/landing sites was critical in ensuring the safety of kiters.
Might be worthwhile making a phone call to Qld's equivalent of MAST.
