How the poor bloody boat owner gets shafted 

As society becomes more divided between the very rich and the average Australian, access to recreational waterways is becoming more and more restricted. 
  Tolerance used to be the by-word and residents and visitors existed in harmony. But over the last few years this forbearance has been eroded by people with more money than consideration for their fellow man. 
  When within Warringah Shire Council, Pittwater had developed one of the State’s most up-to-date boat launching ramp facilities at Rowland Reserve, Bayview. This facility catered not only for locals but all trailer boats and fishing people north of the harbour. However, the harmony and usage of the site was disrupted by a newly arrived resident across the water complaining about the noise of outboard motors. 
  Where do these people come from! Why buy into an established boating area if it’s not to your liking – why does such a person have the right to change the previous established practice of many others? The complainant was finally silenced with restrictions placed on times of engine and boat washing, much to the annoyance of the boaters. 
  At the northern end of Pittwater two boat ramps and water access have been under threat by locals in the mega rich area of Palm Beach. Nabilla Road boat ramp is under complaint from adjoining neighbours using such claims as “safety for children” to endeavour to restrict or even close this much-used and very old facility. 
  At Snapperman Lane, an adjoining development virtually closed off an access and ramp that had been used right back to the days of first settlement. Thanks to prompt action by Pittwater Council, trailer access was restored. 
  It is an emerging issue in all waterside areas. 
  The Port Botany Expansion will remove the existing large and intensively used public boat ramp at Penrhyn Road, Botany. It’s a particularly important facility for thousands of Sydney boaters, especially people who fish on the bay. The new ramp will be further west at a site on Foreshore Beach off Foreshore Road. 
  Currently queues are up to 60 minutes, and this will worsen at the new ramp because of its location being attractive to beachgoers and other users – presently not the case at Penrhyn Road. 
  The attitude also extends to Canada Bay Council which discussed a ban on boat trailers parked in their streets. Boat trailers are no different to horse floats and builders trailers – if they are registered as a vehicle they can be parked on the side of road where parking is permitted. Many people in urban areas cannot afford dry stack, and there are very few available. 
  We all know about those self-righteous people who buy houses under the flight path to Sydney Airport and then whinge about the noise. Similarly new residents seem to think it is their right to change the whole structure of a well-established area and then try to kick out the humble boater. 
  Is it any wonder that ramp rage is growing? 

Robin Copeland