Draft Boating Infrastructure Plan for Comment

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST), Hydro and IFS have recently conducted an audit and inspection of boating facilities on Tasmania’s lakes and lagoons. From this process a Draft Boating Infrastructure Plan has been developed giving details of each location and recommendations for future maintenance and development. The Plan will guide the three organisations in respect of funding priorities for boating facilities into the future.

The three organisations have worked together successfully on a number of projects to improve vehicle access and boat launching facilities at several important waters over recent years. These include works undertaken in response to low water levels at Arthurs Lake and Great Lake, and at Lakes Catagunyah and Echo which were targeted as part of a strategic focus on improving facilities at waters with reliable water levels.

The draft plan strengthens the partnership developed between the three agencies in response to the challenges of low water levels at many of Tasmania’s popular waters during the drought of 2006-2009, and builds on the strategic focus and successful strategies implemented as a result.

Community consultation is now being sought on the plan, specifically input from recreational boaters using inland waters. The Draft Plan has been placed here and on the other two organisations' websites to encourage public input and comment. Comments should be directed in writing to admin@mast.tas.gov.au by 30 May 2010 or phone (03) 6233 8801 for further information. Anglers are also reminded that applications for MAST’s Recreational Boating Fund should be submitted by 31^st March if they are to be considered for funding in 2010.