By way of an update on the StKilda Harbor Concept Plan I have become aware that the AKSA CEO - Mike Walker - is concerned that KBV are not doing enough to support Victorian kiters in what he describes as processes such as "like lobbying Port Phillip Council against the destruction of the states most popular kitesurfing location - StKilda". We are pleased AKSA is following this event but the Port Phillip Council are not the key players. And as a local resident I am keen for StKilda to retain its kiting benefits.

In the meantime let's put this in context. At very short notice KBV were invited by Parks Victoria [a key player] to view the StKilda Harbor Concept plan on Wednesday 6th August 2008. The KBV Secretary and another Member attended Parks Victoria's office to view the Plan but were not allowed a copy as it was not yet released by the Minister Martin Foley. The formal public release occurred on Monday 11th August 2008.

Once the Plan was released KBV Members were alerted both via Seabreeze [as above] and a direct email to all KBV Contacts, to the public release and asked for their comments. Many kiters attened the two open days at the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron to view the Plan as announced on the KBV website.

KBV are presently collating the responses and have also undertaken an audit [paddling via kayak of all pens] of the utilisation of the StKilda Harbor facilities to understand what percentage of pens are used. KBV have also undertaken informal discussions with the Royal Melbourne Yacht Squadron regarding the proposal as it is primarily centred around improving and expanding their facilities.

Quite apart from the StKilda Harbor Concept Plan, many of us residents are concerned about the level of redevelopment in general to the amenity of the area. The "Triangle" is once such issue.

It is expected that KBV's draft response will be ready for Member Comment by 15th September 2008 as the final submissions are due by 26th September 2008. In the meantime I will seek to obtain a copy of Mike Walker's email raising his concerns about KBV activities.

And if you have comments on the Plan, KBV are still taking comments. The Plan may be viewed at - http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/resources/mresources/haveyoursay/StKildaHarbourConceptPlan.pdf

I agree based on the attached document this looks like a major problem, and appears to mean the end of kiting at St Kilda as it currently exists. Is preparing a submission sufficient and are there other avenues? It looks like someone is behind this plan that is going to make a lot of money from the upgraded facilities, while packaging up the plan to appear positive to the public - just like the triangle. Meanwhile kiters, one of the main users of the area, are going to get screwed. Whose commercial interests are behind this proposal and what is the probability of the council approving it?

Photo on page 43 shows a kiter in the inner Harbour.

Kiting will go on, just gustier.

i see no reason that this plan would restrict kiting at st kilda?

its about time that area got a make over, i like what they have done already with the section further up.

even though i dont kite at st kilda, things like showers, toilets, air pump... would be good things to ask for.

also it would be a good idea to see if they could improve water quality? its filthy at st kilda!

Just on the topic of doing things for your sport, what have you done for kiteing richrelative. Just a question

lol, Just fishing richrelative. Looks like i caught me a big one though hey.
How about we all adopt a new, more positive out look on things. I think it would do a
certain little 'someone' a world of good. DON'T YOU

foorked said...

also it would be a good idea to see if they could improve water quality? its filthy at st kilda!

If there puting in a place where boats are going to be worked on than no it will get worse. MMMMM salty bottom paint chips with copper.

every time i have kited at stkillda i have been sick the water is discusting and personaly i dont think it a great spot to kite at.
Much rather the extra 10 min drive to altona