Lat week I was at Carlton Beach and saw a Sorell Council officer inspecting the erosion of the sand dunes at the access point we use. Which has worsened recently.
I asked what was work is intended. The council officer explained the access is to be fenced off, sand mat placed on dune and additional sand fencing installed in an effort to minimise the dune erosion and the undermining of the car park.
I explained how windsurfers use the access and asked whether any concession would be considered, which was hopeful, given we are occasional users at best. I was told the only access to the beach will be via the Surf Lifesaving Club's pathway. I mentioned the obstacles; in particular the bollards which he said may be removed to make access easier.
In my opinion the right approach is being taken. We have unwittingly contributed to the problem by climbing over the fencing and taking advantage of the collapse of the fencing to access the beach. Whilst it is going to mean altering our habits and a bit of inconvenience, I think we should use the intended access rather than try to continue to climb over and around the new structures which may lead to further problems.

I know a bloke that removed the fence with limited tools, and he would probably do the same if council had no incite.
Got to deal with boat ramps and ccc let alone scc.
Step on up big fella.
Carrying gear around solid concrete walls and wind sheer doesn't work for me.?
Yo yo yeah digger the gigger.

Relic said..
It might be a good idea to submit a representation on behalf of our user group before work is started. I'll draft something.

How's this?


Representation from Windsurfer User Group regarding proposed closure of pedestrian access at Carlton Beach car park.

As a user group we have become aware of The Sorell City Council's proposal to abolish the North Western pedestrian access to Carlton Beach via the car park.

Our usage is during strong to gale force North Westerly winds. We have used this access point for a considerable period and rely on the relative shelter of the windward sand dunes to safely walk our equipment to the beach minimising risk to other members of the public, personal injury and damage to our equipment.

Our equipment consists of a board and sail rig. The method used is to carry the sail horizontally supported by the effect of the wind across the sail. This is made possible by the partial blocking effect of the dunes to windward which reduces the wind speed sufficiently to enable a "Safe Carry" out of the car park to the beach.

Should the access in question be abolished, we would be faced with carrying our rigs through the car park to the lower entrance adjacent to the Carlton Beach Surf Lifesaving Club access path. This presents a number of issues;

Wind speed increases as a result of entering the unsheltered side of the car park provided by the blocking effect of the sand dunes, thus increasing the possibility of having equipment ripped from grasp becoming an airborne hazard to other members of the public.

Attempting to negotiate the lower access adjacent to the lifesaving club is extremely problematic; the buildings and other structures create a "Wind tunnel effect" where the wind direction and wind speed change unpredictably presenting further risk to other members of the public. In a situation like this a windsurf rig or board caught by a gust can move violently with the high potential for serious injury if a person struck by this equipment. There is also potential for injury to the person carrying their equipment and the equipment itself.

For the above mentioned reasons we as a user group request The Sorrell City Council reconsider the abolition of the upper car park access pathway and call for consultation with us and other user groups to ensure a mutually satisfactory solution to this issue that preserves user amenity and public safety.

Paul Di Benedetto on behalf of southern Tasmanian windsurfers

If I was the council I would be asking "why can't you rig up on the beach?" so It may be worthwhile adding something that covers that.

Nice work Relic
At least they might take this information and use it for a better outcome , instead of being another blind and confused council.

Just sent off a email to council