Councillor rejects a petition signed by nearly 800 constituents supporting Labradors “iconic” tinnies
MP Sam O’Connor says he “just can’t believe” a decision by new Division 7 councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden about the future of iconic Labrador tinnies made at a full council meeting this morning.
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DIVISION 7 councillor Ryan Bayldon-Lumsden has voted against receiving a petition signed by nearly 800 of his constituents about the future of “iconic” Labrador tinnies at a full council meeting this morning.
Lead petitioner and Bonney MP Sam O’Connor said he was “shocked” that Cr Bayldon-Lumsden voted against accepting the petition, which was rejected by the majority of councillors.
“I can’t believe it, I’m just shocked that we got over 700 signatures in two days and at the very least he could just accept it just to show he’s listening to what the people are saying,” Mr O’Connor said.
TINNIE OWNER SAYS THE FIGHT IS NOT OVER
After the meeting Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said he presented the petition to council, but only supported one of its demands – “to upgrade the Labrador foreshore area and to include facilities to secure small vessels to, such as bollards, within the area” – so he voted not to receive it.
“The mayor, deputy mayor and Cr Vorster raised some good points and I supported their sentiments,” Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said.
The motion to accept the petition was only supported by five councillors.
The petition asked that the boats be recognised as iconic by “changing the relevant local laws or to give even a temporary exemption under current local laws to keep this part of Labrador’s history and charm”.
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Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said giving an exemption to any local laws “sets a bad precedent” and he did not support this element of the petition.
Mayor Tom Tate voted against the motion and mentioned it was promoting an MP in an election year.
Mr O’Connor refuted any suggestion that his intentions were anything other than listening to the concerns of the community and advocating for them.
“It’s part of my job, and of those elected representatives, to advocate and to go along with what the people want,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The election hasn’t factored into any of this, I raise any issues that people in my area care about.”
“I frankly can’t believe we’re talking about this, these boats have been on the foreshore for as long as I can remember.
“Why not just accept it, who cares who gets the credit for it.”
Cr Bayldon-Lumsden said that his motion tabled through the Lifestyle and Communities Committee to have officers report on “potential options for the future management of watercraft on the Labrador Foreshore” was adopted.
It will now proceed to the officers preparing a report investigating a compliant, safe and environmentally sound way for the boats to return.
Tinnie owners were given removal stickers in May after the council said it received complaints vessels were “being left unlawfully” between Quota Park at Biggera Waters and Len Fox Park, Labrador.
For decades up to 50 boats have lined the foreshore, but last week they were removed by council officers.
Originally published as Councillor rejects a petition signed by nearly 800 constituents supporting Labradors “iconic” tinnies