The Mayor's Column
Mosman residents, join me and other Sydney harbourside communities in condemning the use of our harbour for the Sydney Harbour Powerboat Grand Prix.
Whilst our deepest sympathy lies with the family of the would-be competitor who died in such a tragic and public way in the pre trials of the race, we need to protest at the takeover of our harbour for such a dangerous and ill-conceived speedboat event.
In a move to impress the relevant agencies that Sydney should become a leg of the annual International World Class One Powerboat Championships, boats were permitted to reach speeds of 230 kmh on our harbour. This is outrageous and poses a real danger not only to competitors, but to the many users of our beautiful harbour, where people sail, row, fish and enjoy one of the most beautiful harbours in the world. The impact on marine life of so many high-powered craft does not seem to be of consideration!
Mosman has harbour frontage of approximately 24 kms which provide recreational activities and passive enjoyment for everyone. Our children learn to sail on the harbour, as busy as it is already. On the very weekend of this race, Mosman hosted the Sirius Cup Regatta, in its 58th year. Scouts and Venturers from groups within and from outside Sydney launched 70 boats this year to compete for various trophies, camp on Balmoral oval and have a wonderful maritime experience. I was horrified at the thought that they shared the same waters as these projectiles.
Not only was our harbour taken over, our streets had to be under a police plan of management due to increased traffic and parking pressures due to the expected crowds. I am glad the crowds were down in number. Maybe that will be a message to the organisers that this is not a viable event in Sydney Harbour.
Join me in writing to the NSW Premier Morris Iemma, whose spokesperson hopes this will be a major annual event. Let us hope not!
Write to:
The Hon Morris Iemma MP
Premier of New South Wales
Parliament House
Macquarie Street
SYDNEY NSW 2000
Cr Denise Wilton, Mayor of Mosman
