Sullivans Cove Marina
A reminder that this facility will be closed from Wednesday, 8 February until Wednesday, 15 February 2023 for the Australian Wooden Boat Festival in the south of the state. This year’s Festival promises to be the biggest yet and literally thousands of people from interstate are heading south in boats and aircraft. The forecast looks promising and we wish the organisers all the best.
Bridgewater Bridge
The Department of State Growth has advised MAST that it will temporarily close the lifting span on the old bridge. From 1 March 2023 until late November 2023 the lifting span will be non-operational, restricting passage under the Bridge to vessels with a height of 2.2m or less on an average high tide.
Apex Point Upgrade
Work is well underway with the upgrade to the facility at Apex Point at Nubeena. The extension to the ramp is now complete and work is progressing on the walkway. MAST and the contractor are working towards having all works completed by the March long weekend, noting that work in a marine environment is always subject to weather and tidal conditions.
Tomahawk
Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) has completed the new beach access at Tomahawk which has been on the drawing board for a couple of years. This will assist with beach launching at low tide. Unfortunately, the bathymetry of the area around the coast at Tomahawk means that launching is difficult at low tide. Please see the PWS link below.
Meadowbank Dam – Dunrobin Ramp
The Dunrobin Boat Ramp will be closed from Sunday, 29 January 2023 until the end of May 2023 due to maintenance work being undertaken at Meadowbank Dam by Hydro Tasmania, and the required low lake levels.
If accessing the lake via a private launch site, be aware of changing conditions, including submerged objects, and navigate with caution. This may see an increase in boating movement at New Norfolk.
New Norfolk Working Group
MAST and the Derwent Valley Council have been working with user groups to try and alleviate some of the issues being experienced in a high-usage shared waterway. Those who use the area would be aware there is a designated 5-knot zone upstream of a line from the old caravan park ramp to the water-ski club. Downstream of that line is a designated water-ski area to Sorell Creek. Preferably, any paddling activities should occur in the designated 5-knot area. This will see a clear delineation between passive craft and powered vessels. In addition, all users are reminded of the need to keep to the right-hand or starboard side of the river at all times. This will reduce the risk of collision with other vessels.
MAST Videos
MAST has recently released a number of new educational videos. This continues MAST’s educational campaign which now includes dozens of videos on all sorts of topics. Anyone new to boating and also those who have been around a few seasons, should try and find a few minutes to view these videos. They are a bit of fun and there is always more to learn.
Archie’s 100 Ride
Last weekend, the Tasmanian Jet Sport Boating Club conducted a ride around Maria Island, with 86 PWC taking to the water in an event that was superbly organised by the Club. All craft that started from Raspins Beach at Orford completed the course, which is a credit to the preparation from each and every participant. By all accounts it got a little lumpy at the bottom of the Island, but everyone had a great ride. The ride was hopeful of raising $20,000.
Electronic Visual Distress Signals (EVDS)
MAST is proceeding with legislation to allow, as an option, EVDS in lieu of handheld flares in sheltered and coastal waters. However, you may only use EVDS if you have a GPS-enabled EPIRB registered with AMSA and a VHF radio. These are currently not stipulated for sheltered waters. MAST will continue to advise the public as this exciting new legislation unfolds. Only products approved by MAST will be allowed. It does not mean a “dolphin” torch can double as an EVDS. An EVDS has to be capable of certain outputs such as an SOS signal, having a waterproof switch, being able to float and more. Approved products will be announced in the coming months.
In addition, MAST has been working closely with the Australian Recreational Boating Safety Committee and Standards Australia on a proposal to develop an Australian Standard for EVDS. This proposal was recently approved and work will commence soon. It is expected the standard will be closely modelled on the only available world standard in the USA.
For more information visit mast.tas.gov.au
