or Somerset dams (Photo: Wikipedia)
July 28, 2017
Boating permits will be scrapped at Wivenhoe and Somerset dams from August 1.
Acting Water Supply Minister Curtis Pitt said the decision meant there would be fewer financial barriers facing boaties.
“Boaties previously paid $100 for an annual boating permit,” Mr Pitt said.
“By removing that barrier, we hope it will encourage more people to visit these great recreational areas.”
Mr Pitt said scrapping the permits would cut costs and red tape, and provide an incentive for more visitors to enjoy both lakes.
He said the move followed a decision by Seqwater to allow restricted fuel-powered boats on Wivenhoe Dam for the first time from December 2015 as part of its region-wide recreation review.
Seqwater Chief Executive Officer, Jim Pruss, said the elimination of permits was another example of Seqwater simplifying its systems and making recreation accessible to more people.
“Almost 2.7 million people visit Seqwater’s dams, lakes and parks each year and thousands of them are boat owners,” Mr Pruss said.
“Discontinuing boating permits which only operated at two of our many lakes provides a more consistent approach to access across all of our lakes where boating is permitted.”
South Queensland Powerboat Club Commodore Grant Jones welcomed the news, and said he expected more boaties to get out on the lakes once the permits were scrapped.
“Boating is expensive enough without the added cost of permit fees,” Mr Jones said.
“Finding ways to make it more affordable means more people can enjoy the pastime more often.”
The end of the boating permit scheme will not alter boaties’ responsibility to follow the licensing and registration requirements set out by the Department of Transport and Main Roads.
