Management of Recreational Use Plan 2013-2015 - Townsville City ...

Wherever possible, natural areas should be retained along the river rather than establishing more formal parks or reengineeringthe banks. The main issue is access for fishing and launching of canoes. At present some people living nearthe river have their own hand trailers, which they use to get their vessels to the water. Apart from that there are limitedaccess points for people wishing to be use the waterway ie. parking and carrying boat to the water is required.Speed LimitThe current gazetted 6 knot speed limit will remain as it is not considered necessary to alter it even though rowingvessels and support boats regularly exceed the limit. The limit was intended to control the speed of powered vesselsand not to restrict the use by rowing vessels or their support craft.RowingRowing is an established and encouraged use of the weir pools. The pontoon at Riverside Gardens is the property of theTownsville / James Cook University Rowing Club (TJCURC).A second access point and boatshed may be required in the future as the limiting factor for the sport is the ability to getthe rowing gear to the water. The development, and coordination of the scheduling of activities with other rowing clubs a n dschools, will be a matter for the rowing community to pursue.Exclusive use of the weir pools for regattas will be addressed in the same way as the Black Weir, where Council isnotified of events in advance and the section in question is booked for use by the organisation staging the event. Thisoperates in the same way as the booking system for parks. There is a need for signage to provide notice of the use ofthe river for events. There is no need to define zones in this section of the river.CanoeingThe canoe club currently launches from the Nathan Street Bridge where they have a storage area (a Council shed). Thelocation is a bad weed area and there is no guarantee that the area can be kept free of weeds. More information from thecanoe club on their ideas and needs with respect to how to enable water access would be useful.SwimmingSwimming in the weirs is common. Weeds tend to discourage access from many parts of the river. Ropes on trees besidethe river are a safety issue especially in relation to unseen snags and other objects. Generally swimming in the river is notencouraged. Any events that involve swimming that are held will need to show that they are adequately covered byinsurance and that Council will not be held responsible for any incidents that occur.Triathlon and Other EventsThe Triathlon Club are also users of the river for events and they know about bookings/permits process. This alsoapplies to other users of the weirs for organised events.EcotourismA Permit from Council for commercial use is required. This also involves use of Council land for commercial purposes asany operation will require land-based access. The general concept of eco-tourism is supported with any specificenterprises conditional on the appropriate permissions and requirements being met including:• Any regulatory obligations i.e. licences and permits;• Suitable access and staging areas being available;• Commercial sustainability of the venture; and• No adverse social, economic or environmental impacts.Commercial Eel FishingA minor use covered by licensing conditions by DPI&F Practical limitations includes continued access to the waterway forthis use. The use of a powered vessel is covered by the permit system as a recognised exempted use.Aquatic Weed ManagementWhile not a use as such, the management of aquatic weeds has a major impact on the use of the weir pools. The level ofcontrol of aquatic weeds may not be the same as that desired by users. If there were any increase in control measuresthen a contribution from users should be considered.24