Hi Walt,
I can meet you at about 10.30 and discuss some options before they arrive at 11am.

AUS4 said..
Hi Walt,
I can meet you at about 10.30 and discuss some options before they arrive at 11am.

HI Aus4 OK that would be great see you there appreciate the support.

Hi Remi yep will suggest that option as well. Thanks let see where we end up and what they will agree upon.
Kind regards Walt

Hi Guys.

the meeting took place the scene was set for a show down rain falling lightly sweat on our brows the council brought there hit men, we had our hit men its was a intense stand off.

Only joking it went quiet well the Executive engineer was very open for us to submit our idea and the conversation was very easy with both parties.
My team comprised of Me , Aus4 and Formulanova, thanks guys for coming down and offering you views to Council.

The main reason for this is to eliminate a hazard and potential incidents we do not want to hit anybody while carrying our equipment on a dual user path.

Some of the talk was
Point 1. to have a new path way but it was along shot and council also was saying it would be difficult to implement with out i suppose a environmental survey of opening a new path. It would take time I think this was his point.

Point 2. cut down the poles starting from the first entry from the grass area around to the new existing pathway and along the run down to the beach

Point 3. to alter the new path they made to a smaller width about a 1.000wide or so poles quite low along the run to the beach and the entry point and exit to the path to have the pole about the .900 tall and about .900wide with the existing fencing and once we are in that zone the 1.000 or so path low poles as mentioned unrestrictive to our movement of carrying the sails, with some signage to indicate windsurfers pathway but not exclusive for us but with the narrow entry and narrow width path it would deter the beach goers carrying there eskie and bags through the tight opening along the sand path as an alternative they would still use the concrete ramp style down to the new plastic raised boardwalk style ramp the rest of the way to the sand which is in their plan anyway so that would look nice and accomodating for both parties.

If you noticed the heavy mesh that they have placed along the poles everywhere this is to stop dogs running through the vegetation as they have made this section a dog beach. not to keep us out which is what I though originally but still questioning if it was directed to us a bit.

So our next step is to put the suggestion in writing and send to the Executive Engineer, also i will be asking Mari our fellow windsurfer to fly his drone tomorrow and take some ariel photos so i can sketch over the top of the photos overlay sketches of point 2 and 3. I am not very computer savvy on this part so if there is anyone out there who can do this easily help would be appreciated.

Because there is more planned work to complete by the council as mentioned raised boardwalks our request if passed could be part of this completing works this could happen soon and we would eliminate by 80% crossing paths with beach goes carrying our sails most of the way safe and sound and with signage free us from any possible litigation.

Any thought on the above guys, sorry a bit long but hope it explains the concerns

Kind regards
Walt

Walt, thanks for taking the intitative in negotiating with Bayside Council on improved access esp at this time for your family. As one of the shorter sailors the new access track is a pain, esp if other beach users are hoping to use the track. Will keep an eye on any response to your proposals. Regards Dave

Hi

Well, the proposal was progressed in the queue on Tuesday. Today I received a letter response from the council. They hear our concerns and are willing to alter the beach access, I was hoping for a better outcome, however they are suggesting minor changes to the existing path. I feel it is not a result but a token gesture by the council.
I will contact the infrastructure project coordinator and try to meet them on site again to firstly understand there suggestion and secondly rig a sail and show then the difficulties hoping this may sway them a bit more and receive a greater compromise instead of their token works.
I am grateful they have listened and responded to a lonely voice amongst the crowd, Unfortunately I will have to work with there suggestion but add our twist on it. I will try for that extra 25% which if they compromise a bit it will be a result.

If you guys have any questions I will try to respond if it is within the content of this issue.

Kind regards
Walt

Hey FormulaNova

There suggestion is to keep the new path but make it 4meters wide. I believe this is still to narrow we will be still crossing paths with beach goers and the poles would still be in play.

I have responded to this suggestion, understanding that they are not able to build a new path elsewhere so replied that a 7meter wide path would be better instead of there 4meter basically working with them and what we have there now.
Part of the 7meter say 2meter of that they can still have a raised plank section which is what they where going to do anyway, when i say raised it would be only 200mm above sand level basically sitting on top of the sand in effect, and the remaining of the 7meter to be left as sand.
Therefore it follows in there concern as being a shared path way not exclusive to one community group which I have never suggested to them to build a exclusive pathway just for us.

Which ever-way they choose they are promising to have it completed before Christmas.

Kind Regards
Walt

good work ! any result is better than nothing, 4m wide will make a huge difference. We will call it 'Walt's highway'

AUS4 said..
What about the reduced height?

The council suggested we all take growth hormone pills to increase our height....

Walt,
Just wanted to say I was very pleased to see that the path has now been widened recently to around 4m width. Whilst the Council has not come on board with all your suggestions as yet (i.e eliminating the corner etc) it is a vast improvement. As I have experienced negotiating with Council officers in other sporting groups in the past , dealing with the bureaucracy can be a frustrating and timely process of which I thank you for your efforts here. It certainly helps at least this sailor get his kit down and back easier. Cheers Dave