With the recent hike in boat ramp fees and the introduction of clumsy Apps needed to operate the ticketing system ‘boaties’ are calling for an end to the nonsense going on at.
There are a lot of players in this game that control part of the decision making but the clear message to the City of Onkaparinga from rate payers and everyone who wants to see tourism expanded in the South is: Make Boat Ramp Fees FREE. And that will also mean the end of the fines and the inevitable harassment by council inspectors who have to enforce the rules.
I support no boat ramp fees. Go to my website https://mark4council.com.au/ and scroll down to item 22.
Anyone who owns a boat already pays registration fees for their boat and their trailer plus a marine infrastructure levy tax on their boat registration so why should they be slugged a third time for using the things they have to use. Should we charge drivers to use traffic lights or roundabouts? No, it’s a foolish question.
It cost the council $140,000 to upgrade the Port Noarlunga Jetty but we don’t charge people to wander the jetty or go fishing? Why? Because it could kill tourism. ‘User Pays’ may be a ‘catch cry’ that works in many situations but definitely not all.
At some point charging for use can undermine the very thing you are trying to promote.
At some point costs will cause consumers to abandon facilities and just be content to watch the footy on TV. Nothing wrong with watching the footy but we have a beautiful coastline that everyone should be encouraged to enjoy.
RecFish SA is the only representative body recognised by the Minister of Recreation, Sport and Racing so it’s worth considering what they advocate. Have a look at their recent Facebook post
There are pensioners now who may well decide to leave their boats in the driveway because they can’t afford to take them onto the ocean and I know some who have given up trying to deal with the app. That should not happen.
O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp is the only boat ramp along Onkaparinga’s coastline. It should be developed and we should seriously consider creating new top quality facilities that will be a draw card.
