May 21, 2012
The 2012 Bjelke Bash Ski Races held at Bjelke-Petersen Dam over the weekend attracted a bumper field of keen water-skiers from as far afield as Ballina and Bundaberg.
The event was staged by the Maryborough-Hervey Bay Water Ski Club. President Trevor Pronk said the 70 nominations and 20 boats that took to the course were 50 per cent up on last year’s inaugural event.
“The weather was just perfect and everyone had a really great time,” he said.
“Bjelke-Petersen Dam is a terrific venue for water-skiing and next year we’d like to make this 50 per centbigger again if we can.”
The club donated $1500 to the Murgon SES at the end of the weekend, and also injected a large amount of money into the Murgon and Moffatdale economies.
“Dusty Hill Wines sponsored $800 in prize monies for the Bash and were very supportive of what we’re trying to do,” Trevor said.
“So on Friday night before the races started, 35 of us dined there. And we made sure all the wines we sold during the event came from there, too.”
The Yallakool Tourist park was fully booked over the weekend and overflow bookings went to the nearby Barambah Caravan Park. Club members also bought all their weekend supplies in Murgon’s CBD.
“We know we don’t live here but we love this venue and really want to become a regular part of the landscape,” Trevor said.
“Our club would like to form more links with the Murgon community. We think that would be a win-win for everybody.”
Trevor said that he hopes to grow the event next year into a full day of racing on Saturday and a half day on Sunday (this year’s event was a half day of racing on both days).
The club would also like to either be able to close the Dam on the weekend or – if that’s not possible – have a section set aside exclusively for the event.
“We don’t like to disturb the fishermen but when boats are racing across the dam at speeds of up to 170km/h public safety is a natural concern.
“However I’m hopeful we can come to some common-sense solution about this with the South Burnett Regional Council over the next 12 months.”
[Photos: Denise Keelan Photography]
