Voters give way to boaters
WITH the recent elections run and won, anglers can hopefully look forward to benefiting from some improvements to boat ramps as promised by the winning government.
The Swansea boat ramp is one in particular that needs some attention and while Marine and Safety Tasmania does an excellent job, it can’t get everything done with the limited budget it has. MAST dollars for boat ramps, jetties, pontoons and seawalls all comes from the funds that roll in from boat registrations and licences each year, so funds have to be allocated for priority jobs. One only has to visit any boat ramp or seawall to see where the funds are going.
At the same time, the organisation relies on groups and individuals to put in requests for future projects. As a recipient of many such grants, I can testify to the process and satisfaction at the end of it.
It is very easy to put a recommendation forward, all you have to do is go to https:// mast.tas.gov.au/about/smallboating-fund/
Examples of such projects may include navigation aids, fendering, small walkways, single ramp overlays, re-decking a pine walkway or solar lights and so on. The Small Boating Fund will become an open fund all year round, with no specific end date for applications.
Through this process stakeholders may also suggest larger projects to be included in the Infrastructure Plan.
Small Project Fund application forms are available from the website by following the appropriate pdf file or email admin@mast.tas.gov.au or by phoning MAST on (03) 6235 8888.
These applications can be submitted now for financial year 2021-2022.
Some of the excellent work done during the past year can be viewed at https://mast.tas.gov.au/wpcontent/uploads/2020/06/ Successful-RBF-Applications2019-2020-for-web.pdf
While talking about Marine and Safety issues, do you know you must notify MAST if you buy or sell a registered boat in Tasmania? Complete a ‘Change of Ownership’ form. Must be signed by all seller(s) and buyer(s). This form can be found on the reverse side of the current Certificate of Registration; or print a blank Change of Ownership; or forms are available at Service Tasmania and can be lodged at any Service Tasmania within seven days together with: A current Tasmanian driver’s licence showing current address or evidence of identity for all buyers and Current Change of Ownership fee.
You can check the registration of a boat or PWC by visiting the MAST website.
For the tech-minded boaters, you can also download Deckee, the all-in-one Tasmanian boating app, also available from the MAST website. Deckee is a one-stop-shop for local boaters, sailors and anglers. Deckee provides trip logging functionality, official safety information, points of interest and detailed weather conditions, helping to make their time on the water safe and enjoyable.
Meanwhile, around the state the fishing has slowed considerably and no doubt the weather has something to do with that. Tuna are still being caught, especially in the south with some barrels rolling in along the southeast quarter.
Seals are a real menace to boat fishers at this time with many fish being lost before being landed.
Other captures include garfish at St Helens, whiting in the Tamar and we shall have more on those in the coming weeks.
Take care out there.