Residents irate about Waterways Authority plan to turn Gold Coast’s man-made lakes into water skiing precinct
WATER skiers will be allowed to use man-made lakes which are renowned for being a bull shark breeding grounds under a plan being proposed by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.
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WATER skiers may soon be allowed to use man-made lakes, renowned as bull shark breeding grounds, under a plan before by the Gold Coast Waterways Authority.
Mermaid Beach MP Ray Stevens has been alerted by irate Clear Island Waters residents worried that their waterways may be used to provide relief for the city’s congested water ski precincts.
In mapping provided in its latest speed and behaviour management strategy, the authority identifies the man-made lakes as being “potentially suitable for tow-behind activities”.
If it goes ahead it will be the only public inland waterway on the Coast where skiing and other towing activities are allowed. All other ski areas are confined to the main rivers and Broadwater.
Mr Stevens yesterday acknowledged the waterways at Robina were likely breeding grounds for bull sharks.
“To be honest, (bull sharks) could exist in these lakes systems, just like the Nerang River,” Mr Stevens said.
“I’m sure they’re there — I just don’t know how big they are.”
Fishermen and residents on a popular Coast Facebook page said bull sharks existed in the lock systems linked to the salt water canals.
“I’ve lived on this locked-in system for 17 years and they are there,” one resident wrote.
Several fishermen warned against swimming after dusk while others advised swimmers to keep away from the deep holes in the lake system during the day.
A kayaker warned, “Clear Island is full of bull sharks — I personally wouldn’t be swimming in there, I’ve had them following me and swimming around my kayak many times”.
Another resident said “the bull sharks go in as babies and feed up there then can’t get out”.
They had been spotted by tourists flying over in hot air balloons.
Under the authority plan, water skiing would be restricted to daylight hours, similar to the precincts on the Nerang River, with the speed limit increased from six to 25 knots.
Residents are worried about the potential noise from skiers and wakeboarders and danger to local wildlife.
“I can’t believe this is being promulgated by the waterways authority,” Mr Stevens said.
“They could be developing the Broadwater and any other number of places into precincts.
“It’s just madness.”
The Gold Coast Bulletin understands the GCWA believes the lakes at Clear Island Waters are suitable for fast watercraft because of their depth, with 15 metres of water and large expanse reducing the noise impact for waterfront residents.
Since there are no public boat ramps, the authority contends the skiers and wakeboard users would be local residents.
GCWA chief executive officer Hal Morris said the speed and behaviour management strategy was being undertaken after requests from residents.
Mr Morris said public consultation meetings would be held before any decision was made.
“I did speak a couple of times to Mr Stevens,” Mr Morris said.
“Clearly, if there is something the community doesn’t want us to do, it doesn’t go ahead.
“If the community don’t want it, there will be no dramas.”