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9:58 PM Mon 2 Mar 2009 GMT
 | | 'Queensland politicians promising improved marine facilities'
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With a State election looming in Queensland, politician's promises are as prominent as North Queensland's rainfall, but a proposal by Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg, of the LNP (Liberal National Party) has been described as 'most welcome'.
Don Jones, general manager of Marine Queensland, said the industry was 'wholly supportive' of the LNP proposal.
'We have been working closely with both major parties, attempting to get a favourable outcome for recreational boating on all fronts,' he said. 'Needless to say, we're delighted with Mr Springborg's proposal.'
Charles Dickson, president of the Gold Coast Boating Industry Association, said the plan to increase and improve boating facilities across Queensland was 'long overdue.'
'Recreational boating infrastructure is sadly neglected and we welcome these initiatives very much indeed,' he said. 'However, what is desperately required is more commitment to waterways maintenance and dredging programs, particularly on the waters of the Gold Coast and surrounding areas,' he added.
Don Jones agreed, and said dredging and waterways maintenance was an extremely important issue, not just on the Gold Coast, but state wide.
Mr Springborg said the LNP would devote $15 million to recreational boating facilities state-wide.
He also advocates an educational program to speed up launching at ramps, suggesting that too many skippers turn up at launching ramps without being adequately prepared to actually launch their vessel.
The planned educational program advising skippers on launching etiquette would be carried out by way of printed matter and the placement of educational officers at busy times at major boat ramps.
'Queenslanders love getting out on the water and with 220,000 registered boats and growing at five percent a year, we have the largest number of registered craft in Australia,' he said.
'The current government has collected an additional $7.5 million from increased registration fees and has not increased its allocation to recreational boating despite those additional funds..
Now it will be interesting to see what election trail responses come from the Queensland Labour Government.
by Bob Jones
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