After a cordial email from the Noosa Shire.
I'm glad my 1/80th of the submissions seems to have worked.

looks like the Noosa locals have bought some time to sort the issues out.

The email did highlight (to me at least) that the councils do seem to act on what is a very low representation of the community.

So when asked to submit as we did here, don't be apathetic, your vote does count well.

here's the resolution in writing :

Kite surfing and windsurfing
The majority of submissions received (51%) were concerned with the proposed ban on kite surfing at the Noosa River mouth. (This becomes 84% if the petition received on kite surfing is included). Only one submission was received in relation to wind surfing. Seven submissions supported the ban for reasons of safety and potential impacts on shorebirds. There were considerable objections to the ban from the kite surfers themselves, but also from some commercial boat operators and tourism organisations.

Council has resolved not to proceed with this proposal. But instead, kite surfing representatives will be invited to work with Council staff to develop a Code of Practice for kite surfing at the river mouth, along with appropriate signage, brochure material and an education strategy. Furthermore, it is recommended that Council staff, the Australian Kite Surfer Association (AKSA) and local kite surfers work together to undertake a risk assessment of kite surfing at the Noosa River mouth during the 2007-2008 kite surfing season. It is noted that there has been no safety incidents or accidents reported in relation to kite surfing in this location to date. Council is keen to ensure this sport is appropriately managed and giving the kite surfers an opportunity to demonstrate that they can self regulate the sport satisfactorily is considered a reasonable first step.

The issue of disturbance to shorebirds needs further investigation to determine the impacts of kite surfing. While some research into the shorebirds behaviour patterns and species numbers have been completed, this needs to be added to with a specific focus on what measures are available and can be adopted to mitigate kiting impacts on bird populations, particularly during critical roosting and migratory periods.

Great work guys. An excellent result.
NB: All other prohibitions under consideration were adopted.
Hope this points out to everyone the value of getting behind these issues as they come up (ie 80 submissions means a lot of readers here DID NOT respond).
It doesnt take much to throw an email together and, as this shows, it really does make a difference.

Yeah received a letter from Rebecca Britton, possibly because we wrote to her?
Anyway is a big win for kitesurfing in Noosa Shire, and just demonstrates again how willing local auhtorities are to help user groups to establish a self policing future.

This should be a stark lesson to all those people sitting on the fence in their local spots voting to do nothing.

We need to be pro active and do things in all our areas to show we can be responsible and self regulate, in cooperation with local councils.

The Geelong/Pt Henry's and Noose RM wins are proof that we are recognised, and will be tolerated so long as we present a strong self regulating presence.

Definitely pushing onwards with some sort of approach to Councils here in Sydney.

AKSA, and the State Assocs must get behind local groups and support these initiatives (not saying the are not willing).
AKSA and local associations should only listed accredited schools and instructors on their websites, we must present a totally professional and united image.

Lets drop the fear of restrictions (they will happen anyway if we continue to do nothing), and the inertia that creates, drop the politics about IKO or which brand of affiliation a school uses, and focus on presenting a united, positive and pro-active approach.

Its way to hard to undo a ban!!!

Cya and

Goodwinds

Steve

Congratulations to the Noosa crew who banded together to oppose the ban. This is true democracy in action.

It's nice to see that a bunch of people who love the sport can devote their valuable time to keeping the rivermouth open for all.

I hope everybody who kites at Noosa rm and didn't participate in the protest says a hearty thanks to those who kept one of the gem spots open.

Self regulation can work!

Will make this very clear.........It is only a reprieve by Noosa council to see if kiters have what it takes to self regulate and behave in a way that'suits' the people that DONT LIKE kiters having fun for free at the river mth.The enviromental factor still stands with the beurocrats that think that the kites interupt the nesting of a rare bird from Russia(I kid you not)are watching and recording every move the birds and kiters do....PLEASE ALL,give way to all boats,don't launch or land near anybody and stay away from what used to be the'frying pan' side of the mouth,even though it is virtualy non existant after the flood....we have won the fight but have yet to win the battle.....keep it together folks....remember 'the customer is always right!)