Public anger ramps up
No further river entry via park
RESIDENTS are up in arms after the city council permanently closed the gate to an Ashmore park that allowed vehicle access to a boat ramp.
They say not only was the Clear River Blvd ramp a popular spot for boaties, giving access to one of the few stretches of water where jetskiing is legal, but the closure would also hurt house prices.
Three weeks ago the council closed and locked the gate at the park, which sits on the bank of the Nerang River, citing legal liabilities due to the park not being gazetted. It is understood the land was left vacant by the developer for public use.
Because the land is not gazetted and so legally controlled by council, it means the boat ramp and car access cannot be used by anyone other than council workers.
The gate was first installed more than a decade ago to stop hooning at night, but was left open during the day to allow public access.
Councillor Bob La Castra said he received several complaints about hooning in the park, which left the area like a “dust bowl”.
“The boat ramp should never have been a public boat ramp,” he said. “It’s not gazetted. We couldn’t leave it open to the public for the reason that it’s not safe. It leaves council totally exposed.’’
Cr La Castra said a sign explaining the problem would be installed.
But resident Timothy Johnstone said he was upset the gate had been closed without any consultation.
“What’s the cost to get the park gazetted? We might need to update the boat ramp, fine,” he said.
He was concerned about his house value.
“I bought my property here nearly 20 years ago,” he said. “It said access to riverfront. Now I haven’t got it.
“Potentially it could have wiped $10,000 off my property. Same with all the other houses here.”
An elderly resident who did not want to be named, said she was concerned for her safety after having strangers knock on her door demanding to know why the gate was shut.
Thomas Balsley said his family moved there 12 years ago specifically for river access.
“It’s a drawcard,’’ he said.