MAY MEETING SUMMARY

      Meeting commenced at 7.30pm after the usual wonderful BBQ in the best location on Sydney Harbour . Don’t forget to come along ( BYO everything except the BBQ) to the pre meeting BBQ...We cook outside but eat inside ( it’s still good in winter)
      Ten members attended including Fran Batten from Water Police. Apologies: Roger & Patsy Cameron, Jan Tagg. In the Minutes circulated at the April meeting we provided the details of the passing of Ken O’Toole, which we will repeat here for the other members who could not attend on the night.

VALE KEN O’TOOLE
     It is with deep regret that we advise all members and boat owners of the passing of well respected member Ken O’Toole. Ken & Shirley have been regulars at our meetings and Ken has been heavily involved in numerous aspects of community life, as well as an active member of Marine Watch. Ken was an active boatie who had many friends on the water. He was also a committeeman in the Boat Owner’s Association. Ken is survived by Shirley and his two sons Bruce and David. Ken had been battling cancer for more than 12 months. A sudden deterioration in his health occurred in January and Ken passed away on the 31 st January 06. We hope that the winds are fair and the water clear at your new residence Ken, we will certainly miss your cheeky manner and keen sense of humour.

Water Police Report

• All boat owners were encouraged to action the joint precinct Marine Watch Website and add detail to the information provided. Incidents can be reported directly to the site controller or advised through the meeting Chairman Ray Mathieson, for inclusion on the site. From July we will be forwarding our Minutes for inclusion on the site. Chairman asked that a member volunteer to provide the joint precinct site with regular updates on issues in the Manly area.
• There had been only a few incidents of stealing reported/investigated from boats in this area. $1200 worth of gear was stolen from one boat in Manly Cove. Chairman advised that kids are still swimming to boats from LM Beach and skylarking on the vessels. This will change now that the waters are cooling, but owners with boats close in should ensure that there are no valuables in sight.
• Visitors are not securing their boats ( either anchor or borrowed buoys) and they have been involved in several rescues. Chairman asked whether Water Police were reminding owners of the danger of leaving boats unattended with little knowledge of the mooring security. The Water Police would if they were sure of mooring ownership. Chairman asked whether NSW Maritime were addressing this problem? Non-attendance of NSW Maritime makes it hard to get feedback or raise is sues.
• Water Police have addressed illegal spear fishing in the area and have issued fines and confiscated equipment.
• Marine Watch flags were provided for the attendees. It was noticed that Graham Regoni had (3) his flag up within days. Other members are asked to “fly the flag”
• The Water Police have been provided with new, all weather, all seas vessels for the service. Four 16metre cruisers are now operating
  All owners/skippers were reminded that breath testing was now common and no warnings are being issued.
  
  A Joint Marine Watch meeting is to be held at the Marine Area HQ in Balmain on Saty 8th July. Manly Marine Watch has been allowed to invite up to 8 members. Water Police always make events at their headquarters informative and worthwhile. Members are asked to advise Bob Tagg 99763444 or Ray Mathieson 99775575 if they wish to attend.
  

• Important number for emergency and general response: MARINE AREA COMMAND 93207499

General Business

     E-mail addresses. Don’t forget that we are keen to establish the email contact. We have a number on our list but welcome all owners to be part of our communication, whether they attend meetings or not. Unfortunately the cost of mailing restricts the issue of Minutes and Agenda to only those that show sufficient interest to attend meetings . Email does allow some latitude.

     Although we discussed this issue at previous meetings and we have replacement 4 knot signs in LM Cove and the entrance to Manly Cove, we believe that Spring Cove, to a line from Cannae Point to Manly Point must be completely determined as 4 knot. There is a rapid increase in kayak, ski and canoe activity, as well as swimmers. Open speed areas, with the rapid increase in super size yachts will lead to serious accidents. This area is also the entry point for the Little Penguins. NSW Maritime must reconsider their opposition to 4 knot and/or no wash, for this whole area. There is also a push from some influential environmental (4) groups to have this part of the northern harbour declared a marine sanctuary and a “no take” zone. Irresponsible boat owners could create the incident that jeopardises the majority of boat owner’s pleasure from the free use of this area. Our BSO rep. also believes that the whole of Spring Cove ( Manly Point to Cannae Point) should be 4 knots.

     Luke Tucker has made an impact as our new BSO in the North Harbour area. Luke is not new to the BSO duties, but does seem to have a good grasp on the political and operational issues. We need a strong voice in the organization and, hopefully, Luke is it. It is hoped that NSW Maritime sees the value in attending Marine Watch meetings.

     Henry raised his concern with recreational fishers cleaning and dumping carcasses in the water at Little Manly Beach. Apparently it is not illegal, however, Council Rangers can fine offenders for polluting the area.

     Additional new email addresses : Michael@mickford.com   henry@profitlink.com.au

     Suggested ( by NSW Maritime) 40 knot speed limit throughout the Harbour is accepted, but does not go far enough.

      BOA ( Boat Owner’s Association) is a very worthwhile support group and owners are encouraged to join. Executive of the BOA appear to have improved their relationship with Waterways and this can only assist in determining a sensible approach to water policing and waterways policy.

     The issue of pollution from boats and effluent and waste removal is still a major issue. Boat owners must be able to get to facility to want to use it and it is clear that we are severely restricted for services on Sydney Harbour .

     Sea Grass friendly moorings are still on the agenda. Important ecological areas like North Harbour are likely to be the target for an early introduction of the expensive moorings systems. Owners should be aware of the issue and understand how they work, and if they could work in, say, Manly Cove or Little Manly Cove, because of the heavy swell and high winds.