| Marine Queensland also voices concern over Bligh's sell off |
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| Saturday, 04 July 2009 11:17 | |||
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Marine Queensland and John Crawford Marine today voiced serious concerns with the Queensland Government’s decision to sell the Port of Brisbane and associated boat harbours if the sale is not structured correctly. Boat harbours are important community assets and are a critical part of the recreational and light commercial marine industry in this State. They are home to many community boating clubs, marine tourism operators and boat building and maintenance facilities. Marine Queensland General Manager, Don Jones, said the sale of boat harbours has significant implications for the marine industry in this State and called on the State Government to urgently consult with the marine industry. “The possibility that boat clubs and existing leaseholders could lose their often long held tenancies would be a disastrous result for local communities and the marine industry,” said Jones. There is a real concern that if the boat harbours were to be controlled by large national or international corporations existing leases may be subject to significant cost increases in the name of fast profits. Activities such as boating and fishing have become popular and affordable holiday and recreation alternatives. However, the government’s decision to sell local boat harbours may add significant costs to family recreation activities. “This decision will not only affect recreational boat owners, but will have a significant impact on Queensland’s marine industry as a whole.” stated Jones.“There are sensible solutions to this issue that will not disadvantage local communities or the marine industry,” said Jones. “We call on the Treasurer and Transport minister to urgently consult with the industry on their plans.”
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