This is a guide only,please write your own version of the facts stated here in Matt & Becks submission,It will have far more effect than a copy of this one.
There is also a rally / BBQ planned for Saturday July 21. Stay tuned to www.traqua.com for the exact time and place.
.....................................................................
Submission on Kitesurfing in Noosa
26 June 2007
Mathew & Rebecca Colefax and Family
PO Box 1115, Noosaville DC, QLD 4566
T: 07 5455 6633 E:
[email protected]To the Noosa River Planning committee, and relevant state bodies:
Peter Milne Noosa Council,
[email protected] cc:
[email protected] To Whom It May Concern:
In regards to the most recent version of the Noosa River Plan we are proponents of kitesurfing and the protection of Noosas natural assets. We want the plan changed to better align with these activities.
Who is making this submission:
A description of your background and why you love kitesurfing at the rivermouth or alternatively delete this section
Kitesurfing facts
The Noosa River mouth is a very special location for kitesurfing, it cannot be replaced by any other location in the Noosa river or ocean because of the unique and desirable conditions it offers of flat tidal flow water and funnelling steady wind blowing undisturbed from the ocean. Kitesurfing is environmentally sound, There is no pollution or noise emitted and virtually no wake. Visually we get only positive feedback from bystanders about the colourful gliding kites.
The Noosa River mouth only attracts kite surfers when the wind blows from the N to NE against an outgoing tide, generally this occurs on some spring and summer afternoons when the sun casts shadows towards the carpark. Kitesurfing is therefore naturally constrained by the weather unlike other activities. In general kitesurfing numbers are also constrained by parking at the spit in summertime. There are probably several hundred kite surfers who live near enough to regularly patronise Noosa Rivermouth, ranging in age from under 10 to over 50. Because of the ideal conditions we see many tourists from Interstate and Overseas visiting Noosa to kitesurf. They bring their credit cards, their families and tell their friends.
The kitesurfing demographic includes doctors, lawyers, executives, builders, commercial pilots, etc. There are at least 3 local businesses that depend upon kitesurfing, plus many more that benefit indirectly from kitesurfing in Noosa. There has been no accidents reported involving kitesurfing in Noosa, so kitesurfing has proved a low risk activity and it also shows that the self regulation by local kite surfers has been very effective.
Why its important
· A growing number of Noosa locals are participating in kitesurfing at the Noosa Rivermouth. And it has gathered fame with kite surfers around the world. Noosa kite surfers since 2002 have joined together in successful self management. As intended Noosa continues to benefit from kitesurfing in the following ways
· Tourism – An ever increasing number of domestic and international tourists visit Noosa to kitesurf, with the Rivermouth being a prime reason. They often bring their families and always tell their friends.
· Publicity – Many TV programs including Getaway have featured footage of kitesurfing at Noosa Rivermouth, and in 2006 Nissan filmed a National TV advertisement of kitesurfing at Noosa Rivermouth ! There have been countless media articles promoting Noosa with mention of kitesurfing for example Virgins in flight magazine, Sir Richard Branson himself is a kitesurf enthusiast. It is even mentioned to sell property ! We have heard of many comments from people who come every year to watch and enjoy the kitesurfing at the rivermouth.
· Training future champions – Rebecca Colefax honed her World Championship title winning skills at the Noosa Rivermouth, and now a new breed of young ambassadors such as Keahi DeAboitz and Lewis Back use the rivermouth to train. This is something for Noosa to be proud of, recognise and support.
· Industry – At least 3 local businesses main trade is dependent on kitesurfing. And there are many more Noosa businesses who benefit either directly or indirectly.
· Community health – Kitesurfing is a healthy outdoors activity enjoyed by participants and spectators of all ages and backgrounds. Kids through to grandparents all kitesurf at the rivermouth and whole families who come just to watch. What better way to stay fit and enjoy nature. It is a perfect activity to suit the objectives of the Noosa River plan.
Concerns
· We are very concerned by your current proposal to ban kitesurfing at the rivermouth, with no substantiated evidence that this proposal is either warranted or workable. Best management practice is of course engaging kite surfers and partnering to develop sustainable solutions.
· The latest River plan proposal raised the concerns of boats crossing the Noosa Bar. We agree with the suggestion that informing other user groups about kitesurfing and at the same time informing and educating kite surfers about other user groups expectations and interests is the best way to avoid conflict.
· Another serious concern is the birds roosting in the Frying Pan area. The kitesurf community cannot be singled out while other user groups are free to roam through / past the birds. Because kitesurfing usually occurs after midday any shadows from the kites fall towards the carpark so we do not believe they disturb roosting birds. And we note the comment “kites probably instigate a predator response” is speculation without evidence.
· Collisions between kites or with other users, kitesurfers self imposed code of practice has been effective at preventing collisions.
· Concerns have also been raised by many other Noosa citizens that large powerful thrill riding boats are not consistent with the broader vision of Noosa. Surely anyone who has peacefully paddled, sailed or walked to a place in the National Park where nature can be observed free of noise and pollution knows how wrong it is for these machines to terrorise dolphins, turtles, whales, mantas and swimmers.
Opportunities
· To capitalise on this future smart activity and promote kitesurfing to maximise benefits to Noosa, We are confident that kitesurfing is exactly the sort of sustainable activity that most people want and will appreciate.
· To review kite surfers requests, particularly for recognition of Noosa rivermouth as a prime kitesurfing area and to erect appropriate signage.
· To further develop our self management with councils input to achieve a higher standard. A typical suggestion was to provide information kits and uniforms (T-shirt and hat) for volunteers who can then inform kite surfers and non kite surfers alike about kitesurfing. Self regulation and involving kite surfers in management decisions is very important for a workable solution.
· To encourage participation for community health and diversity and develop appreciation of nature.
Summary
Kitesurfing has proven to be a low risk, high benefit activity and it can develop in harmony with the intent of the Noosa River Plan. This environmentally safe sport is enjoyed by participants and spectators of diverse ages and backgrounds. It is exactly the sort of activity Noosa wants to encourage. Noosa Rivermouth is a unique kitesurfing icon and host to Australia’s 1st kite surfers. It is the home ground of Australia’s only kitesurfing world champion and a beautiful backdrop for sport and recreation. This great community asset can be enhanced by a constructive plan to manage kitesurfing, the AKSA supports this idea.
Your signature
