Member says Botany cruise terminal will save Yarra Bay Sailing Club

A CRUISE terminal at Yarra Bay would be a “financial bonanza” which would secure the sailing club’s future. These aren’t the words of a city-based business chief or cruise executive. Instead they are the thoughts of a long-time member of Yarra Bay.

Yarra Bay Sailing celebrates its 90th year this year. Picture: Matthew Vasilescu

• 'Yarra Bay Sailing Club will go if terminal is built'
• Pilots’ fear Botany cruise terminal will lead to turbulence

A CRUISE terminal at Yarra Bay would be a “financial bonanza” which would secure the sailing club’s future.

These aren’t the words of a city-based business chief or cruise executive. Instead they are the thoughts of 73-year-old Noel Christensen who has been a long-time member of Yarra Bay Sailing Club and has been going there since the 1970s.

Members of the Yarra Bay Sailing Club committee told the Courier last week the terminal would spell an end to the club

“I think it (the terminal) is the greatest potential financial bonanza anyone could possibly expect, especially for the club,” he said. “There will be thousands of potential customers and not one bringing a car.” His comments come after the club’s committee told the Southern Courier last week that a cruise berth would spell the end of the 90-year-old club.

But Mr Christensen said everybody would be a winner if the terminal was built in Botany Bay.

Mr Christensen argues that there will be plenty for cruise passengers to see, including Bare Island. Picture: Greg Bond.

“There is so such much to do in the area: scuba diving, snorkelling, Bare Island, the snake show, La Perouse Museum and the many bars and restaurants. Local businesses will benefit, the cruise ships will benefit with the amount on onshore excursions and the local indigenous people will benefit.

The La Perouse snake man could do well out of the cruise passengers, Mr Christensen argues.

They have been selling their artefacts and paintings in the area for years.”

He also responded directly to the article in last week’s Southern Courier in which members of the sailing club said the terminal would spell the end for them.

“I find them emotive and without much substance and clearly slanted to engender on behalf of Michael Daley an audience to hear him voice his opinion this Sunday.

“The club president made the unsupported ridiculous statement it will be the end of the club to be replaced by ‘a hotel and infrastructure.’

The plan for Botany Bay is to have two ships docked at one time. Picture: Vittorio Marchi

“Obviously the cruise ship passengers will not be booking in, so who will occupy this hotel?”

While he faces the wrath of fellow club members, Mr Christensen, of Hillsdale, is challenging them to think differently. “My message to them is ‘why don’t you want it here?’ It’s not going to destroy sailing, it is going to be a boost for the area.”

He also accused the ALP of hijacking the issue to promote state candidates.

IN OTHER NEWS