The Ripple Effects Labrador: Coast community group forced to shut down after complaints to council

A Gold Coast couple providing free water fun and kayaking for families have been forced to stop by council after a member of the public complained.

A COUPLE have had to shut down their community water sport initiative, and face fines if they start up again without permission.

Josh Kilburn and Amy Rony have been providing free water fun and kayaking for families at Ian Dipple Lagoon in Labrador for two years.

The Ripple Effects has a community following of 600 people.

Gold Coast couple, Josh Kilburn and Amy Rony, were providing free water fun and kayaking for families at Harley Park Labrador until they were shut down by the council after a member of the public complained about their activities. Picture: Glenn Hampson

About seven weeks ago, the Bulletin reported it was facing a shut-down threat from Gold Coast City Council after complaints from the public.

That became a reality this week.

“They have ceased all activities at the Ian Dipple Lagoon for the time being until we discuss and come to an understanding regarding permits (and) legislation,” Mr Kilburn said.

He said a council staffer told him if they continued to operate, they would receive a warning and then “hefty fines”.

Gold Coast couple, Josh Kilburn and Amy Rony, were providing free water fun and kayaking for families at Harley Park Labrador until they were shut down by the council after a member of the public complained about their activities. Picture: Glenn Hampson

“Council is trying to work with us to find a spot where we can operate our activities,” Mr Kilburn said.

“We have to do up a business plan of what we’re wanting to do and where we would like to operate.

“I’m not happy with stopping activities because it’s coming up to summer now and this is when it gets busy and people want to have fun.

“I feel a little frustrated.”

Mr Kilburn also received a letter from council’s acting coordinator of city laws compliance, Garry Minter, which described the group’s activities as “unlawful”.

“The current operation of Ripple Effects in the Ian Dipple Lagoon is in contravention of several local laws as mentioned in today’s meeting,” the letter stated.

“As advised on a number of occasions and reinforced at today’s meeting, you are required to cease this activity immediately.”

A council spokeswoman said the City allowed a variety of water activities regulated under aquatic permits.

“An aquatic activity permit would not be granted for (Ian Dipple Lagoon), as this would contravene the city’s swimming enclosure guidelines to protect public safety and provide equitable access to the facility,” she said.

“Operators may choose to explore an aquatic activity permit for an alternative location suitable for water-related activities."

FREE FUN GROUP FACING SHUTDOWN THREAT AFTER COUNCIL STEPS IN

October 5, 2021

A GOLD Coast couple providing free water fun and kayaking for families fear they will be shut down by the council after a member of the public complained about their activities.

Josh and Amy Kilburn have been providing the community water sport initiative, called The Ripple Effects, at Ian Dipple Lagoon in Labrador for more than a year.

They have a community following of more than 450 people.

Josh and Amy Kilburn from The Ripple Family.

Mr Kilburn told the Bulletin that despite having built “an awesome community” during this time, there had been “two complaints in regards to fun on the lagoon”.

He said Gold Coast City Council was now investigating and had sent an officer to monitor their activities.

Josh Kilburn.

“Within a week we will find out if we have to cease our activities for good, get our equipment impounded or buy permits,” Mr Kilburn said.

“We give away free snacks to kids, have a donation box to help us buy for fun activities, drinks and (to) fix our equipment.

“And we do gold coin donation for cold drinks. Everything else, all the fun is free.”

Kids enjoying activities on the water provided by The Ripple Family

A Gold Coast City Council spokesperson said the group should “cease operating” while it investigated the complaints.

“Under Local Law 9, it is unlawful to conduct business or provide a service on a park or reserve unless authorised by a permit,” the spokesperson said.

“The City has received two complaints from the public this year in relation to operations at Ian Dipple Lagoon, Labrador.

“In response, the City Laws team has advised operators of ‘The Ripple Effect’ to cease operating whilst it investigates the complaints.”

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