Speed Limit No Cure for Gold Coast Waterway Ailment
Responding to a proposal by Marine Safety Queensland to reduce speed
limits on the Gold Coast, BIAQ general manager, Barry Hibberd, said
enforcement of existing speed limits was a key issue.
“It is the same on the water as it is on the roads - rules are meaningless unless they are enforced,” said Mr Hibberd.
“The State Government needs to allocate sufficient funding to ensure
its enforcement ability expands with the growth of recreational boating.
“The remedy to cure the problem is about having necessary infrastructure to manage growth.”
Mr Hibberd said speed reduction raised a safety issue for larger boats, which was the growth sector on the Gold Coast.
“If larger vessels are forced to travel at four knots they will lose
power and steerage which would be dangerous in busy waterways,” he said.
“We are all in agreement that safety is the main issue on the water for commercial and recreational boating.
“In the interest of better safety, the industry would support stiffer
penalties for offenders and impoundment of vessels for repeat
offenders.”
Mr Hibberd said there were a number of issues involved in the solution
and dredging to establish deep, defined channels would vastly improve
boating safety on Gold Coast.
He said the chairs of BIAQ Divisions would discuss the State Government
proposal and prepare a submission before the August 17 deadline.
Mr Hibberd said the chairs represented all sectors of the marine
industry, including manufacturers, retailers, marina operators and
brokers, who would reach a consensus on the speed limit issue.
More information contact: BARRY HIBBERD 3899 3333
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Posted on Wednesday, August 29, 2007 (Archive on Wednesday, September 05, 2007)
Posted by host Contributed by host
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