Help save the Geelong Water Ski Club.

The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) plan to introduce new river rules this year that will destroy the Geelong Water Ski Club.

 

The new rules proposed by the CCMA will include the following:

A ban on water skiing on the Barwon River before 10am every day of the year.

A significant reduction in the length of river available to the club.

Who benefits from these rule changes?

These proposed rules don’t benefit anyone.

None of the members of the Barwon River Users Group want these changes.

They appear to be a baffling attempt at solving problems that don’t exist.

The club gets used throughout the day by various sections of our membership but much of the club’s activity takes place before 10am because that's when the wind and water conditions are the best.  The area where the club is situated is typically quite windy but in the early mornings, before the wind picks up, the water conditions in the slalom and jump courses are world class.

Those members who are after the best conditions get to the club early and the more recreational members whose activities don’t rely as heavily on flat water typically arrive later in the morning.

62 years of history

The Geelong Water Ski Club was formed in 1961 and owns land which includes approximately 500 metres of river frontage on the Barwon River.

The land was purchased by dedicated and passionate members.

The GWSC has always been a self-funded club and unlike many sporting clubs, doesn’t rely on Council or Government funding.

These founding members, and all the members that followed, have developed purpose built infrastructure which can only be found in three other locations in the entire state of Victoria.  The club has been serving water-sport enthusiasts of all abilities, from Geelong and the broader Victorian community for more than 60 years.

International success

During those 60+ years, young Geelong residents have had an environment where they could exercise their passion and achieve great things.  The club has produced dozens of Australian champions and several world champions. These members have risen to be the best in the world in 3 event tournament skiing, barefoot skiing and disabled water skiing.

Accredited World Record capable ski site

Not only has the club developed a unique, and accredited, world record capable tournament ski site, it has done so with the utmost respect for the local environment and our neighbours.

Environmentally considerate and respectful

The club doesn’t allow boats which make large wakes and all boats must be fitted with effective silencers to keep noise levels to a minimum.  The club has long standing rules in place about when we use some of the areas within the designated water skiing zone.  These rules were put in place out of respect for our neighbours.

Safe and Family Friendly.

The club scrutineers all boats at the start of each season to make sure they are safe to use on the river.

These important safety checks, in conjunction with well established club rules about how and where boats are operated, allows the club to provide a safe and family friendly environment for everyone to enjoy.

Allowing un-managed access by other vessels will significantly decrease the safety of all river users.

Inclusive

Not only has the club always been considerate and respectful of the local environment, they have also been very inclusive.  The club has the best boat ramp and amenities on the Lower Barwon River and for many years we have made those facilities available to fisherman for less than 10% of the cost of a Family Water Skiing Membership. The fee is less than $1 per week and the majority of that fee is forwarded directly to the CCMA for a River Permit.

Summary

In summary, the Geelong Water Ski Club is a self funded, not for profit, community club that actively promotes healthy recreational water sports in a safe, responsible and family focused environment.

It has operated in a harmonious and respectful manner for 62 years.

The CCMA has asked for our feedback but have failed to answer any questions contained within that feedback.

They have failed to explain how they plan to manage or police who uses the river and they have failed to explain how they intend to keep our members and our infrastructure safe.

If this was happening to a local football club there would be community outrage.

The river rule changes being proposed by the CCMA will destroy this club.

We must not let the CCMA cripple such a unique and valuable community organisation.

Time is running out so if you agree, please show your support by signing this petition.

Yours Sincerely

Geelong Water Ski Club