Cape Don asked to move for safety reasons
NSW Maritime has asked the owners of the former lighthouse vessel the Cape Don to relocate to Snails Bay for safety reasons. The Cape Don is currently moored at a condemned wharf and NSW Maritime has continually asked the owners to move over the last five years.
'MV Cape Don'
MV Cape Don
The Cape Don was purchased from NSW Maritime in July 2004 on the understanding that the vessel would be moved to Newcastle for restoration.
NSW Maritime gave the owners permission to use the wharf at Balls Head Bay for a period of three months immediately after the purchase.
This was to help prepare the vessel for the voyage to the Hunter.
The vessel has not moved despite repeated requests from NSW Maritime over the last five years.
NSW Maritime has not charged berthing fees during this time despite requests being ignored.
NSW Maritime has informed the owners on a number of occasions that the wharf at Balls Head Bay is not safe for public use and is condemned.
The owners have also been informed that, for the safety of anyone visiting the vessel, transfers should be made over water. ?
Independent engineering reports confirm the wharf is not fit for public use.
NSW Maritime has posted public safety advisory signage on the wharf declaring it unsafe for the public. Safety barricades have also been erected.
NSW Maritime decided to issue the request to remove the vessel following a recent event where numerous people were encouraged to visit the vessel for a night of live music.
Visitors to the Cape Don had to cross the condemned wharf to attend the function.
In this incident, posters promoting a live music concert were plastered over public safety signage obscuring it from the view of the 100 people who attended the performance.
Safety barricades erected by NSW Maritime have also been taken down.
NSW Maritime has given the owners of the Cape Don an alternative location to use during restoration.
The use of the moorings in Snails Bay would be subject to an agreement with NSW Maritime and would be free of charge whilst the restoration continues.
www.maritime.nsw.gov.com.au
by AAP MediaNet 
