Good morning Paul
Thank you for your email and comments regarding windsurfers and commercial boat operators all competing for water space on the Broadwater adjacent to the Olympic Pool area at Southport. I had a conversation with the President of the Train Windsurfer Club on Wednesday morning in relation to the jet ski operator and his interpretation of the area used for jet ski hire. The area mentioned is not an exclusive use area for jet skis and his operational procedure requires for the hired craft to slow down if a windsurfer or other craft enters the area.
The buoys marking the northern end of the jet ski circuit were moved 120 metres to the south (by me) of their original positions on Wednesday afternoon to allow the windsurfers the area of water needed when the wind blows from the north east and have an unimpeded run close to the banks and smooth water. I believe this will alleviate the problems encountered with the hire jet skis.
I am interested in your statement - Also this hover craft seems like it cannot turn it "slipped sideways" to avoid a jet ski and went into a windsurfer, no one was looking on the hovercraft is this correct???? When did the hovercraft crash into a windsurfer as you have stated. This is a serious breach of the marine safety legislation and should be investigated. I will have an officer visit you to take a sworn statement for evidence. Please advise when you will be available at your earliest convenience. I don't quite understand your comment about the hovercraft and the quotation "slipped sideways" - who made the quote?
In relation to your comments about windsurfer interaction with other vessels and the manageability of windsurfers amongst the high traffic zones, I take it from this that maybe restricted areas should apply to all craft to avoid the interaction. This has been previously discussed and may well be the time to re-introduce it to the round table for further consider the options.
I appreciate your comments and trust that the re-positioning of the northern buoys will help solve the issues with the hire jet ski fleet.
Regards,
Greg Turner
Area Manager (Gold Coast) | Gold Coast Region
Maritime Safety Queensland | Department of Transport and Main Roads
