Police were tasked to several incidents involving vessels in distress, capsized vessels as well as boats and property which had broken loose in the wild weather.

Two people were rescued off the beach at Tangalooma after their vessel overturned near the wrecks when a severe storm cell struck. The man and woman managed a lucky escape to safety on the shore after the boat beached itself before capsizing.

Earlier, police received a call in relation to a vessel in distress off Green Island after a storm caused its’ sails to rip off and it ran aground. Police managed to contact those on board to confirm they were thankfully all safe and well.

Sergeant Daniel Moyle from Brisbane Water Police said with further storms predicted for this evening, boaties should keep an eye on the weather forecasts before heading out.

“I would also urge boat owners to ensure unattended vessels are properly secured at their mooring and that there is no loose property on board,” Sergeant Moyle said.

Other precautions include:

• Plan your trip or return to safe anchorage for the duration of the storms.
• Monitor weather and remain in a safe place until after the storm has passed.
• Have a plan and let someone know where you are. Including who is on the vessel, details of your plan and details of the vessel.
• If required used extra lines and appropriate anchoring equipment for the type of vessel being secured.

If you have information for police, contact Policelink on 131 444 or provide information using the online form 24hrs per day.

You can report information about crime anonymously to Crime Stoppers, a registered charity and community volunteer organisation, by calling 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppersqld.com.au 24hrs per day.

The post Severe Weather Warning for Boaties appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Maritimo 12 crewed by Tom Barry-Cotter and Steve Jellick entered the final round of the Offshore Superboat Championships in Hervey Bay with a sizeable lead in the AUS 1 and Supercat Extreme Championships.

The pair said they entered the weekend with a conservative strategy to preserve that lead of the championship, and not necessarily pushing for race wins.

Maritimo 11, crewed by father and son team Ross and Andrew Willaton in the new Maritimo R36, in only its second event, was out of championship contention and had goals of attaining valuable testing time in the new boat.

“They were plagued with power steering issues in the previous round, which saw modifications in between rounds from the standard Mercury VI Drive power steering system to an upgraded Maritimo Racing system like used in Maritimo 12,” said Barry-Cotter.

He said in the first race of the weekend, Maritimo 12 lead the early laps after a great getaway from the start.

However midway through the race the boat encountered a problem with its trim system, said Barry-Cotter.

“We had to slow to a more cautious pace in the tricky conditions in order not to risk the overall championships,” he said.

“Maritimo 12 finished race one in third, still maintaining a healthy margin in the overall points with one race left on the season.

“In race two we got off to a great start again and lead the early laps, but as the conditions once again became tricky, we made the decision to hold a more cautious pace in order to finish in the points and secure the overall championships.

“This strategy proved successful with us crossing the line in third place, enough to secure the Supercat Extreme and overall AUS1 Overall Championships.

Maritimo 11 was not as fortunate and missed the start in race one after the boat tripped on a wave and sustained damage to its tunnel flap

In race two Maritimo 11 performed well, despite the rough and windy conditions and being the smallest boat in the class, recording a very respectable fourth place and gathering much valuable testing data to take into the off-season development program for 2018.

“The team are extremely excited to have recorded a collective 15th AUS1 Title. Our goal all season was to do just that, and the entire team did a fantastic job in working towards that goal,” said Barry-Cotter.

The post Notching Up Its 15th National Title appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

The story goes that around 15 years ago, a few Hawaiian surfers decided that they wanted to get on the water to stay fit and have some fun when the sea was flat. So they grabbed a few large Malibu style boards, lengthened a paddle, stood up and paddled the ocean. Little did they know the escalation to come in the sport they had just invented.

Possibly the main contributing factor to growth is it’s ‘sociability’ and safety.  Unlike windsurfing or kitesurfing – it is not a ‘billy-no-mates’ sport on the water, it appeals to all ages, and both sexes alike.  It is one of the few watersports where participation between the sexes is equal.  You can chill and take it easy whilst watching the dolphins, or take it to the highest level of World competition and race between the Islands off the Hawaiian coast.

The boating fraternity is witnessing a huge take up of SUP and the main reason is the advent of high quality inflatable paddleboards, which are far more friendly on the paintwork and fittings, and of course much easier to transport and store. Inflatable boards have been around for a while, but the early offerings were generally a pretty poor experience; low in performance, and easily punctured. Now however, the inflatables from brands like Red Paddle Co offer such great performance and robustness that (unless you’re looking for top-shelf surfing capabilities), the question has become why wouldn’t you get an inflatable! And for boating, it’s really a no-brainer, as inflatables are just so much more boat-friendly. The well-made ones are way more robust than solid boards too; they can be bounced off rocks and run up the beach with impunity.

If you are looking to start a new adventure on board, and invest in possibly your most used play and fitness accessory, here are a couple of key questions answered:

Why have a paddleboard – I already have a kayak on board!   A paddleboard is simply more versatile. For starters, it’s not compulsory to stand up – you can sit down and paddle it like a kayak, if that’s your thing. But it’s also far lighter, and much easier to get on and off the boat. It’s a lot more stable, too – you can step down from your boat onto the paddleboard and off you go.  You can load a paddleboard up with multiple people and/or cargo. It’s a great boat maintenance platform. Paddleboards give a much better view down into the water, and you don’t get a wet bum and a sore back like you do from kayaking if your technique is anything other than perfect. It’s a fantastic sunbathing platform, perfect escape from the rest of the family on a small boat!  They’re great for fishing from too – you can see the fish rising, stand up to cast, use a full size rod, and have a nice big deck area to sort out your tackle on. And above all, a paddleboard is just a great general purpose toy for youngsters; it’s amazing just how creative they get and how much fun they can have with them. And there’s no risk of ‘collateral damage’ – the kids are out there bouncing off boats, swimmers, rocks etc., and no-one is going to get hurt .

Which board should I choose – so many options? Paddleboards come in a huge variety of shapes and sizes, so to keep it simple, let’s just focus on boards for all-round use, the sort of thing you would choose for your boat. These generally have that ‘mal’ surfboard shape, with rounded nose and tail (although a square tail is fine too).The board’s width is the important number when it comes to determining stability. The wider the board, the more stable it is and the more weight it can carry. The length really just determines where the board is on the spectrum of manoeuvrability (shorter) vs straight-line speed (longer).  Anything in the 9’8-12’6 length bracket is essentially an all-round board, and will be fine for general purpose use on a boat.

Choosing the right width for your requirements basically means ensuring the board has enough width to support the heaviest person that will be using it.Generally, if the heaviest user is sub 80kg a board of around 30” wide will be fine. Up to 100kg, go for something 32” wide, and 100kg+, look for something wider.

If the board is to be used by more than one person (kids and dog on too!), or for loading up with Eskies, shopping, jerry-cans etc., then again, err on the side of extra width for stability.

SUP boards for boats need some specific fittings. Look for a big solid towing point on the nose and tail; ideally a steel D-ring with a plastic or hard rubber mount to the board. (Avoid webbing fittings, they degrade pretty quickly in sun and salt). Other fixing points on the deck are always useful, either for bungees to shove stuff under, or for strapping down cargo.

Removable fins may seem like a good idea, but actually, the glued-on slightly soft fins are most ideal, as they’re pretty indestructible and can be abused on beaches and rocks all day with no ill effects, and there are no hard bits to bang on legs etc.

Why such a variation in price?: Not all inflatables are the same in quality or performance.  Red Paddle co has been making boards for over 10 years.  For more info on build quality and options to demo a board visit: www.redpaddleco.com.

The post SUP On Board appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

I live in the world of slow boats. Now, we’ve all heard about slow food, a social movement not simply aimed at eating healthier meals but, more broadly, a metaphoric line in the sand, drawn in response to the frenetic pace of western rat-race societies like ours. Slow boats can be seen as an extension of this culinary ideal. Slow boats are built and operated with the clear understanding that life is primarily a journey, not simply a destination.

Unfortunately, slow boats are very much a rarity these days. The disappearance of reasonably priced, commercially manufactured, displacement cabin boats is probably the main reason why people like me build (or rebuild) our own.

My previous slow boat was a Hartley TS18 (actually a TS14 extended to 18ft), which I operated as a motor launch. It was light to tow, had a comfortable V-berth (thanks to my removing the keel box), and gave my wife and me about ten years of boating pleasure on Brisbane and Gold Coast waterways.

The Hartley was easy to store under the house, but the galley hand eventually began suggesting we upgrade to something with a little more living area. So I began looking around for the biggest boat I could comfortably fit under my home’s floorboards. This wasn’t easy. It took three years in all after starting my search to find the right vessel, and, while I had bought the Hartley from a neighbour, I had to drive to South Eastern NSW to collect this new one.

The plans were purchased from B & B Yacht Designs, with the boat built originally as a cantilever-masted (hinged tabernacle) ketch. The fellow who built her told me he had been having marital issues and thought the solution would be a common interest in a family-size boat. However, the time he spent building the boat turned out to be the last straw for the relationship, with his wife eventually leaving for greener pastures. As a result, he lost interest in the project, which subsequently spent a few years out in the weather. Still, he’d done a good job of it. The hull was dimensionally and structurally sound, and I was very pleased to take her over. Having been told the break-up story, I took the precaution of immediately renaming the boat after my long suffering better-half.

Unfortunately, both tabernacles needed to be removed to get the boat under the house, so she became a motor launch just like her predecessor. It took me another three years altogether, working in the evenings and on weekends, to re-model and re-finish the boat to my liking. I enjoyed the process, even though I am not one to build anything simply for the pleasure of the exercise. (There are blokes who want to build boats and blokes who want to use them. But sometimes the only way to get what you want is to do it yourself.)

The boat’s top speed is about 8.5 knots, and she does a comfortable 6 knots at 3400 rpm or 7 at 4300 rpm. Last September, we were invited to a function at RQYS Canaipa, and it took us just over three hours to get there from Runaway Bay Shopping Mall, mostly at 3000 rpm, with 4000 rpm for a negative tide running between Jumpinpin and Tipplers. It was a pleasant trip.

My wife seems to love this new boat. It may not be a super yacht, but compared to the Hartley, it’s a mansion. There is even room for doing yoga on the cabin roof!

by Arthur Marcel

The helm is on the left with offset cabin entry. There are three GPS systems (four, if you include a mobile phone), with five independent power supplies (counting their own battery systems). The VHF radio has Direct Selective Calling, displaying positional information (via NMEA interface) as well. When it comes to essential systems, I believe in redundancy, and none of this stuff was expensive.

The cabin has two quickly interchangeable configurations, one for day tripping with side benches, and the other for sleeping. The V-berth slats and self-inflating mattress stow under the helm when not in use.

I removed the centre board but kept the shallow full-length keel, including 180kgs of lead ballast for rough-water stability. I installed a bow roller system for a 15-kilo CQR anchor. (You can be confident you’ve got the right anchor when other people laugh at you for having too big an anchor!) I also built an adjustable aluminium trim tab to keep the nose down under power.

This rather idyllic photo was taken on 16 November 2008. About two hours later, the Brisbane suburb of The Gap was flattened by the mother of all storms, which also caught up with us as we motored back down the river. Virtually in the dark, we looked for shelter in vain, unable to go near the shore because of many huge tree branches crashing down into the water. Not a good experience.

The post MV Marie Laure: My Slow Boat appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Photo by Seatech Marine

What is an anode?

An anode is a sacrificial block made of either zinc or aluminum alloy that is mounted on, or connected to, the underwater metal parts of your boat, such as stern drives, shafts, propellers, rudders, trim tabs and skin fittings. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

What do anodes do?
Anodes are designed to sacrifice themselves by depleting first, rather than the expensive parts of your drive or underwater metal fittings. Stern drives, underwater propulsion gear and hull fittings are made up of two or more types of metal. Galvanic corrosion is an electrochemical reaction between two or more different (or dissimilar) metals submerged in seawater. Anodes connected to these metals are more galvanically active and will corrode before the vital parts of your vessel.

Are your anodes corroding as they should?
Vessel owners need to be aware of the location and condition of sacrificial anodes mounted on their boat. Many owners do not realise the corrosion damage that can occur to stern drives and underwater metal fittings if anodes are not regularly maintained or replaced.

Why is it critical to check and maintain anodes?
Generally, sacrificial anodes need to be replaced when they are 50% consumed. Correct corrosion protection to vital boat parts is not achieved if anodes are left to deplete below 50%. Usually, the size and amount of anodes installed to each moored vessel are designed to last up to 12 months. However, many factors can contribute to anodes depleting at a faster rate, including water temperature, salinity, water current flow, stray electrical current, and vessel or jetty wiring faults. Therefore, checks are often required monthly, quarterly or six-monthly to determine the depletion rates of sacrificial anodes.

Any other advice?
Upon purchasing your vessel, check the condition of anodes and for other signs of corrosion as soon as possible. Obtain maintenance history to determine when the anodes were last replaced. Ensure that your vessel and jetty electrical systems are in good order.
Consult your local vessel and engine/drive package dealer for specific requirements.

By Shane Subichin

Shane is the general manager of The Boat Works. He has over 25 years of technical experience in the marine industry, and is the only Certified Service Managers (CSM) in Australia.

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Note: This is a general guide only. If you would like personalised advice regarding anodes, contact Shane on 07 5500 0000. He will help you and/or direct you to a professional team onsite for further action. It is recommended you contact your local boat or engine service dealer for specific requirements for each vessel and engine/drive package.

The post All About Anodes appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Putting MasterCraft’s XT22 though her paces was a lot more exciting than trundling along in his Castle 650 trailer-sailer at a sedate six knots.

The occasion was a media afternoon organised by boat manufacturer MasterCraft to showcase their 2018 range in conjunction with a dealer conference at Couran Cove.

For those new to powerboating, MasterCraft is the largest producer of inboard ski, wakeboard and luxury performance boats in the world. Wakeboarding and wakesurfing are booming markets, and today, this USA company exports to more than 30 countries.

I was invited to check out the new range. My friend and sailing buddy Richard volunteered to come along and take the photos. He is also considering buying a powerboat, so the outing was timely.

Heading down the jetty at Couran Cove, the six MasterCraft Boats were easy to spot, with a bright assortment of colours, including light-blue and light-green models with a distinctly retro feel colour-wise that made me think of the movie Grease.

The all-new 2018 MasterCraft XStar with a 430hp 6.2-litre 6000 engine has yet to make it to our shores, but there were plenty of other new models to ooh and ah over. These included the 2018-model NXT20, XT21 and XT22, and the 2017-model X26 and NXT Global. The latter was the only outboard-powered model there.

Prices range from around $92,000 for the NXT20 with a trailer up to about $225,000 for the flagship XStar. Here in Australia, the smaller boats tend to sell best.

One of the major cosmetic differences between each size is that some have traditional bows and others have pickle-fork bows, which give you more space on deck and makes it easier to board from the beach. This is an innovation MasterCraft developed, but which has since been copied by other manufacturers.

Several features stood out as we inspected the boats.

State-of-the-art electronics

Check out this for a rear-view camera: young pro wakeboarder Bryce Grey getting back on board.

The Dual-Screen Dash and Gen 2 Surf System make the dashboard look like something you would find in an upmarket car, with all your electronics right there. MasterCraft research showed most boaters had three usage modes – drive, tow and chill- and the new system tunes the boat’s operations into these modes. You can be up and going at the touch of a few buttons. You can also save customised profile options to get that perfect ride every time.

To complement it, MasterCraft are fitted with a triple plate launch system and single plate launch system to allow the boat to pull out of the water easier, which puts less strain on the motor and makes it more fuel efficient.

Reversing made easier

The new Dockstar optional docking system features two flanking rudders to combat prop kick to starboard in reverse.

Picture credit: MasterCraft

Coming into a jetty is always one of the challenging aspects of boating, made even harder by props that kick to starboard in reverse. MasterCraft has come up with a solution to the problem: twin-flanking rudders that control the flow of water aft under the boat and negate prop kick. While the expert demonstrating it still had issues docking because of a cross breeze, it did look as if the boat was consistent reversing and not favouring starboard.

Sound, glorious sound

The Klipsch Audio system can pump out the sound at concert quality.

Another new MasterCraft optional extra is the Klipsch Audio systems, which creates a heavy-hitting, customisable concert-style entertainment experience. And, yes, we did crank it up, and we really enjoyed the quality of the sound.

Sticky no more

While we were listening to the music, we had time to sit back and put the new Cool Feel vinyl upholstery to the test, which is meant to stay cool even on hot days. Conditions were overcast but still warm and the Cool Feel vinyl did perform as spruiked – yet another tick for MasterCraft’s R&D department.

On the water

The first boat we ventured out in was the spanking-new 2018-model XT22, which is powered by a 5.3L 365hp Ilmor 5500. The yellow-and-black XT22 clocked a top speed of 44mph and was extremely manoeuvrable even doing doughnuts, much to our enjoyment. However, this boat is primarily about wakeboarding and wakesurfing, and we saw it both modes, courtesy of young Gold Coast junior pro athlete Bryce Grey. It was impressive, to say the least, giving Bryce great wave shape and changing trim and ballast at the touch of a button.

“Powerboating has come a long way since I was a child and we used to go out in a tinnie sitting on a milk crate,” MasterCraft Gold Coast dealer principal Luke Webber said, as he steered the XT22. “It’s so much easier now. The electronics means even the driver can relax and enjoy your time on the water with your family without having to constantly worry about adjusting things.”

The second MasterCraft, the X26, was more an all-round luxury family boat rather than a dedicated wakeboarding or wakesurfing boat, although it is known for its displacement and ability to generate a big wake. It can seat up to 18, and even has an enclosed head. Yes, ladies, a proper toilet!

The X26 has a 430hp 6.2L Ilmor engine and clocked a hang-on-tight top speed in the early 40mph.

Heading back up the jetty at the end of the afternoon, Richard said how wonderful it would be to trade in his Castle 650 and buy an X26. We’d have to top up our savings with a Lotto win first. MasterCraft boats are stunning, but they do come with a price tag that reflects their quality.

By Caroline Strainig

Photos by Richard Pyne (unless otherwise stated)

For more information visit MasterCraft Gold Coast, www.mastercraftgoldcoast.com.au

The post Out of Cruise Control appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

“The market is beginning to see the extensive benefits of weight saving and increased performance, with the added bonus of cost savings on fuel and the initial purchase of a smaller engine,” Richard Macalister, director of Southern Pacific Inflatables (SPI) explains.

With an influx of poorly built boats, mostly out of Asia, Richard, together with Dean Barker, both being international yachtsmen, had a vision to bring back locally crafted boats for Australasian waters that are built to last.

SPI integrates the best quality materials to ensure that their boats withstand the harsh marine conditions prevalent in this part of the world. Richard says, “Sourcing the highest quality fabric is paramount for producing inflatables for the Southern Hemisphere. We use the highest quality Valmex PVC and Orca Hyperlon from Europe to ensure that they can withstand the harsh UV levels we experience.”

The tubes are digitally plotted and machine-cut for perfect symmetry and shape, then thermally welded for a super strong bond. Fixing to aluminium means it is not only lighter than other options, but far more robust. The engineered V-structure of the hull provides maximum comfort in rough sea conditions, giving a very smooth ride. The tube design means spray is minimised. These boats are also very stable at rest.

Being lightweight makes SPI Inflatables the attractive choice for easy launch and recovery, as well as the added bonus of having high engine power-to-weight ratio. The Cormorant 550, for example, weighs 675kg when fully equipped, over 100kg lighter than some other options the same size.

The buoyancy levels of inflatables have proven a safety advantage over traditional boats. Moreover, you can carry more gear and more people with a smaller boat. From 2-metre tenders to 6-metre chase boats, SPI’s experience and skill enable them to cater to the different customer needs – from rescue craft to super yacht tenders.

From the 14-metre Hypalon tubes for the Coast Guard to the 2-metre soft-bottom dinghies, simple interior design means there are many different seating and console fit-out options from which customers can choose. SPI also has extensive accessory options including: esky seats, anchor lockers, ski archers, Railblaza cleats, or additional seats. Fixed and removable wheel options make the ride up the beach a lot easier.

The benefits of SPI RIBs make an attractive option for diving, fishing, skiing, or simply cruising. SPI can also create your very own reliable, word-class and uncomplicated craft, tailored to your needs.

SPI has been producing durable, seaworthy inflatables for almost 30 years, so you have peace of mind with a product manufactured in a world-class facility just outside Auckland by a quality and reputable company.

There are plenty of reasons why SPI Inflatables are the best option for Australasian conditions. So with summer here, see these reasons for yourself, and come view the range of quality durable inflatables at MeTender Boats at 8 Waterway Drive, Coomera, Queensland.

The post Best for Australasian Waters appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Outboard engine benefits

An outboard engine is a portable complete package of engine, gear case and propeller. For general purpose boating, the outboard engine offers easy handling and economic fuel consumption and ongoing maintenance. When in operation, the special designed skeg and directional thrust of an outboard enables easy maneuvering with lower power. When not in use, the engine can be completely tilted out of the water, avoiding any growth of marine organisms, barnacles and algae.

The outboard is mounted high up on the hull and is easy to access for service requirements. The engine casing creates a fully integrated seal and shields the powerhead that houses the electronic and mechanical parts. Outboard engines are generally very reliable, making them popular with family pleasure boating, fishers and other light commercial inshore usage. Once the boat is parked on a trailer, the entire engine system is within easy reach for maintenance.

Inboard Engines vs Sterndrives

Mounted amidship, the inboard engine drives a propeller shaft that is fixed to the bottom of the hull and is steered by a rudder, whereas an inboard/outboard (also known as a stern drive) is mounted in the stern of the boat that drives a directional outdrive (or drive leg) that is mounted thru the rear of the hull (transom).

An inboard engine provides greater stability for your boat, which is well suited for large commercial vessels, offshore work, and for some types of waterskiing. It is popular with commercial boats as it has a lower centre of gravity creating stability. The midmounted inboard is used for heavier vessels requiring more horsepower, as the size and weight of the engine would not be appropriate for a stern mounting. A boat with an inboard engine will be more difficult to load onto a trailer.

If you plan to use the boat for slalom skiing, then the inboard engine’s propeller with a separate rudder is popular as it produces little or no wake. The midship engine is not an ideal position for a pleasure craft, whereas inboard/outboards engines can be neatly mounted under the rear bench or swim platform.

An inboard/outboard with its shallow draft will be easier to maneuver in shallow waters such as those around the Gold Coast Broadwater and estuaries. The drawback is that inboard/outboards do not steer effectively unless thrust is applied; as a result, docking is more challenging.

Inboard engines are located in the bilge of the boat and sometimes have restricted to access through a hatch in the floor. This area is vulnerable to moisture and water damage. Similarly, the stern-mounted inboard/outboard is located in the bilge under the rear lounge or deck, which may have restricted access. However, some models have sealed engine rooms with space to store tools and equipment.

For a sleek design and sophistication, inboard/outboard engines are a popular choice. When towing with an inboard/outboard, the weight of the engine in the stern will create a wake, which is ideal for wakeboarding. Recreational boat owners may prefer the inboard/outboard engine tucked away which allows for free access of the rear lounge, full-width swim platforms, storage and outdoor showers. The inboard/outboard also allows space under the deck for a cabin with accommodation and amenities popular with cruiser boat builders.

By Andy Kancachian

Disclaimer

Information provided in this article is general in nature and does not constitute professional advice. While all reasonable care has been taken in providing accurate information, it is strongly suggested you consult a professional about the various types of engines before purchasing.

The post Outboard v Sterndrive appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

As the Club continues to grow with family members and youth sailors, the Club’s focus is to provide a facility with the introduction of kids learn to sail and stand up paddle boarding, just to name a few. While these sports are applied, SYC will maintain the involvement of all current activities that are currently hosted on the lake including rowing and outrigging. A newly designed café will also be implemented into the Clubhouse where the community can refresh with a cold beverage or a bite to eat while utilising the facility.

“While our main focus for the new development is to offer affordable on water activities and to increase sailing awareness, we are also highly focused on building a greater community club for all,” said General Manager Brett James.

Area Councillor William Owen-Jones said “we are very excited to have come to an agreement with the Southport Yacht Club regarding this facility. The Yacht Club is an institution on the Gold Coast and with so many young families in the northern growth corridor, the opportunities for young people to engage in water based activities are endless”.

With continual growth, over 10,000 children per year currently participate in sailing activities at the Club’s Sailing Academy, located on the Gold Coast Broadwater at Hollywell.

Being the only yacht club on the Gold Coast, SYC’s vision has always been to focus on the best interests of its members whether it be during on water activities, social gatherings and the utilisation of the Club’s other facilities. While no gaming facilities are present at SYC, the Club remains steady with a positive cash flow.

A launch of the facility will be held in early May, inviting all Club members, guests and member of the Community for a free family fun day, including free discover sailing, stand up paddle boarding, entertainment plus much more.

For further information please contact Southport Yacht Club Marketing Manager, Bronwen Hemmings via Marketing.Manager@southportyachtclub.com.au or 07 5591 3500

The post Watersports Centre in Oxenford to Launch in May 2018 appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Cameron Dick said the master plan will establish a shared vision for the long-term future of The Spit.

“The community will be involved throughout the master planning process, as we work with a highly talented group of planning and design experts to produce an outstanding master plan for The Spit,” Mr Dick said.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to create jobs for the Gold Coast through tourism, entertainment and recreation, while preserving the character of The Spit.

“The master plan will include input from the Gold Coast City Council and the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.

“People can visit https://www.qld.gov.au/southport-spit, to find information about the pop-up sessions and how to subscribe to receive updates about the consultation process.”

Member for Gaven, Meaghan Scanlon said the pop-up sessions offered residents the perfect opportunity to have their views heard on the future of The Spit.

“I would urge everyone who is interested in the future of this iconic part of the Coast to visit one of the pop-up stalls and have their say,” Ms Scanlon said.

Information collected at the pop-up sessions will feed into a major consultation event to be held in late April, which will enable key stakeholders to put forward their vision for the future of The Spit and contribute to setting the direction of the master planning process.

The Coordinator-General has independently assessed the City of Gold Coast’s application for its proposed ocean-side cruise ship terminal to be declared a coordinated project and, in light of the current master planning process, has decided not to declare the project.

The Coordinator-General’s decision does not prevent the council from progressing the proposal, nor does it preclude the council from reapplying to the Coordinator-General following the completion of the master plan.

Mr Dick said the recent release by the government of an Invitation to Offer for master planning services is an important step in the master plan process and encouraged interested consultants to visit the Queensland government’s QTenders website.

Offers must be submitted by 2pm Tuesday 6 February 2018.

RELATED LINKS

https://haveyoursay.dilgp.qld.gov.au/the-spit

https://www.statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/major-projects/community-consultation.html

The post Southport Spit Development: Have your say appeared first on Boat Gold Coast.