Hilarious response to Mosman boat parking debate

A controversially parked boat trailer has continued to ruffle feathers in Sydney’s affluent harbourside suburb of Mosman.

A neighbourhood stoush involving a contentiously – but legally – parked boat has sparked a new round of debate.

Earlier this week, a resident of Sydney’s notoriously up-market suburb of Mosman took to the local Facebook group with a photo of a boat trailer that was tightly parked on a kerb between two homes.

Laureen Ong, who originally shared the now-deleted post, said that while her husband had initially allowed the owner – former REX pilot Palle Lunoe – to park outside their home, the boat had been there for the past five days.

She said the boat was also impacting the construction workers coming in and out of their property, as well as their ability to safely exit their driveway.

Want to stream your news? Flash lets you stream 25+ news channels in 1 place. New to Flash? Try 1 month free. Offer ends 31 October, 2022 >

Stuck between two homes and a hard place. Picture: Facebook.

In the days since, the boat’s owner, Mr Lunoe, identified himself and said the response showed that certain harbourside locals had “a little too much spare time”.

“I don’t think a boat is anything unusual, particularly living around Sydney Harbour – it’s very much a part of our life around here,” he told the ABC.

While the boat was towed away as of 5.30pm on Wednesday, the neighbourhood’s maritime drama remains.

Like Ms Ong, several people lashed out at Mr Lunoe for the inconsiderate act.

“Bad manners to park it jammed up between two driveways, zero visibility for the people trying to get our of their homes,” wrote one person in the comments of a previous news.com.au story.

“Surely they can afford to store it in one of the those storage places where people keep caravans, boats etc? It would be safer too with regards to theft,” shared another.

Laureen Ong made the original Facebook post, calling out the tight parking spot. Picture: Facebook.

Former pilot, Palle Lunoe attracted the ire of residents and readers over the act. Picture: Facebook.

Other people sided with the pilot. They argued that as per council rules, the registered boat trailer is allowed to park on the street for up to 28 days.

“Reverse your car into [the] driveway then you won’t have a problem. Read the road rules. You will find she is driving illegally by reversing out of the driveway in an unsafe manner,” wrote one person in the comments of a previous news.com.au story.

“The first world problem of (people) with too many boats and major renovations, but without perspective or communication skills. Poor struggling wee darlings,” shared another.

Sydney’s lower north shore suburb of Mosman is known for being one of the city’s richest areas.

Passionate, strongly-held watercraft parking opinions aside, the furore allowed others to see the funny side of the situation.

One group member took the moment to upgrade their summer plans. La Nina withstanding of course.

“While y’all are having this boat war can someone please invite me on their boat?” they shared.

This guy gets it.

Another woman flexed her entrepreneurial skills with a custom #operation.legal.boat.patrol T-shirt design.

While punters in the comments requested additions with “polo collars”, it was otherwise a hit.

“Italian linen, fair trade, organic, low carb, raw, gluten free cotton T-shirts. Super overpriced too. PM to inquire … but also please don’t,” she wrote.

The perfect gift for your maritime friends. Picture: Facebook.

Jumping on the bandwagon, another poster disguised behind a cavoodle sailing a ritzy yacht tried their luck with a similar tongue-in-cheek query.

“Hey Guys! I’m new to Mosman just wanted to get everyone’s opinions on where is the best place to run leash free at Balmoral and if anyone had any sneaky tips on where I can park my boat in the area?” they asked.

“So excited to be living in the same neighbourhood as Qantas’ Alan Joyce! Big Licks, Captain Scruffles.”

Woof. Picture: Facebook.

Previously, the Mosman Municipal Council said it aimed to “direct boat trailers to areas where they have less impact,” while also catering to the parking needs for trailer owners.

“At the 6 September council meeting, council decided to make some minor changes in one specific location, converting nine unrestricted parking spaces occupied by boat trailers in Mosman Bay to 4P (8.30am-6pm),” a Mosman Council spokesperson said.

“Mosman Council will review boat trailer management in light of any of legislative changes when a further report is submitted to council in six months’ time (from the September meeting).”

Originally published as Hilarious response to Mosman boat parking debate