: News Article

Water ski club move under negotiation

26/3/2001

NQ Water Chairman Ian Hamilton said negotiations are proceeding with the Townsville Water Ski Club over provision of a new contract with NQ Water that would have the club using a designated section of Ross River Dam, instead of Ross River.

"It is vital to bring an end to conflict that has arisen between water skiers and jet skiers over use of Ross River and the area around the Black Weir boat ramp.

"The Townsville Water Ski Club already has permission to use Ross River Dam - in the area known as the old quarry one kilometre south of the spillway - for special competitions about 10 times a year, when careful monitoring is maintained to ensure that no pollution occurs.

"Conditions now put forward by NQ Water and agreed to by the water ski club, will mean that later this year all the club's activities will be moved to the old quarry, with as is currently the case, a prohibited zone within 500 metres of the dam's intake.

"It is also hoped that a section of the dam six kilometres west of the spillway will in time be opened for canoeing, fishing and other non-polluting activities in line with the findings of last year's study on the dam's possible future use for recreational purposes.

"The community can be assured that whatever recreational pursuits are permitted on Ross River Dam and Ross River in future, they will only be a allowed under the strictest environmental guidelines and monitoring," Mr Hamilton said.

"Within the next few months - and while preparations are still underway for the move of the water skiers - jet skiers will be allocated use of Ross River upstream of the B1ack Weir boat ramp and water skiers will have to keep to the downstream side of the ramp.

"After the water ski club has vacated Ross River, NQ Water is looking to open that section of the river for general family use and other water based activities," Mr Hamilton said.

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More information:
Ian Hamilton
Mobile: 0418 777 284

NQ Water
Telephone: 4726 0000

Media contact:
Harry Landman
Telephone: 4779 6619
Mobile: 0418 743 376

© 2004 NQ Water