O’Sullivan Beach Boat Ramp operator Rob Mackay ‘blindsided’ by Onkaparinga Council takeover

The former operator of a southern suburbs boat ramp – who was ousted over “compliance issues” – has spoken out about the local council’s “disgraceful” decision.

Onkaparinga Council has temporarily taken responsibility for the O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp. Picture: Onkaparinga Council

The former operator of a southern suburbs boat ramp – who was ousted over “compliance issues” – has spoken out about the local council’s “disgraceful” decision.

Last week, Onkaparinga Council announced it had temporarily taken responsibility of the O’Sullivan Beach boat ramp but would continue to allow those with permits to use the ramp.

Operator Rob Mackay took to Facebook on Monday to say he had been “blindsided” by the decision.

“On Wednesday, 17th March I arrived at the ramp to open up as usual only to find that the locks had been changed and I was being accused of being in default of the lease agreement,” Mr Mackay’s post read.

“I was blindsided by this as I had no knowledge of any breaches of the lease agreement on my part.”

Mr Mackay said the council had also accused him of collecting cash for daily fees in amounts not prescribed by the council and misusing social media to complain about the council.

“They are stating that I am regularly abusive and aggressive to users of the boat ramp and by my conduct have discredited the council,” he wrote.

When contacted by The Messenger, Mr Mackay said he was distraught by the council’s decision and had decided to walk away from the business ahead of his lease finishing in October.

Waves at the O'Sullivan Beach boat ramp, which has been taken over by the council. Picture: Supplied

“We purchased the business in 2009 and took out a second mortgage on the house to purchase it and I was hoping to onsell the business one day and that’s been stripped from me so I’m down $170,000,” he said.

“We’re trying to stay positive and hoping that I can get another job ... and pay off this huge debt that the council has left me with.

“I thought we had a good relationship with the council ... this petty, unfounded claim of us not paying the council their fair share is completely ridiculous.

“I’ve been working since i was 16 and always wanted to have my own little shop and my own little business and to now be treated this way is disgraceful.”

A council spokesman said the council had made the move after identifying concerns with the current operator’s compliance with operating agreement conditions.

“The council has invited the operators to respond to these concerns,” he said.

“Once the response has been received, council will review it and make a final decision.

“Council is not in a position to provide any further details to the public until the matter has been resolved.”

Ramp users can still access the point with a permit which can be purchased on-site or online.

The spokesman said existing council-branded permits were still valid but any permit previously purchased from the boat ramp or kiosk would not be accepted.

“These permits will no longer be accepted and a replacement permit issued by Council will be required,” he said.

“Credit toward a replacement permit may be provided in place of the time remaining on your current permit.”

The on-site kiosk will be closed until further notice.

Ramp users with concerns about their permits can contact the council on 8384 0666 to organise a replacement.