FREE MAGAZINE BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU | FEB-APR 2015
Boating Lifestyle 5 tips for buying a boat (P8)
FISHING FEATURES KAYAK LURING & CATCHING JACKS
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ISLAND HOPPING ON THE BROADWATER
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BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
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BOAT GOld coast
Publisher’s Note Welcome to the Gold Coast boating community. We hope our magazine inspires you to “get involved” in boating - whether it‘s spending more time on your vessel, or agreeing to a joyride on a friend’s boat through rivers and canals, or paddling along creeks and estuaries on your canoe - there is so much to do and see in our city of water. The recreational boating industry is an important business sector of our city. They employ thousands of local people and develop unique technologies and high quality services to export to the world. Gold Coast manufactures the largest percentage of watercrafts made in Australia, and has one of the greatest number of recreational boat users in the country. So, we do have good reason to call ourselves a boating city! Our contributors are from all walks of life. As they discover the Gold Coast boating lifestyle, they share with you their experiences so that you can learn more about the city’s waterways. Hopefully, this encourages you to utilise this world-class resource - an amazing 260km of navigable waterways within the city! The government and private sectors are upgrading and expanding our waterfronts and infrastructure, while local agencies and interest groups are monitoring and improving marine life, water quality and safety. Our publication aims to document and share this amazing partnership for the sustainable development of our city. And it is our local marine industry support that makes this magazine’s goals possible. Through the stories we share, you will have a better knowledge and awareness of your immediate environment, and about the role you can play in this thriving city - the industries, the waterways and the ecosystem. Our team will record the rise of the Gold Coast as one of the world’s great canal cities, alongside Venice in Italy, Amsterdam in the Netherlands, St. Petersburg in Russia, and Fort Lauderdale in the United States, and we want you to be part of it. We are delighted to have you on board, so enjoy your journey through the pages of our magazine.
Andy Kancachian andy@boatgoldcoast.com.au
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Please address all communication to: Boat Gold Coast P.O. Box 7441, Gold Coast MC 9726 info@boatgoldcoast.com.au (07) 5679 0833 Acknowledgment of Country Boat Gold Coast acknowledge and pay respects to the traditional Aboriginal people of the Gold Coast and their descendants, and also acknowledge the many Aboriginal people from other regions as well as Torres Strait and South Sea Islander people who now live in the local area and have made an important contribution to the community. boatgoldcoast.com. au
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ARTWORK
andy@boatgoldcoast.com.au
CONTRIBUTORS Carmel Bellchambers, Darren Finkelstein, Sally Jenyns, Patrick Molnar, Maggie Muurmans, Naomi Edwards, Prof. Mike Rowland, Byron Hoskins, Nic Welch. COVER PHOTO Dillon Bensted in a Tige RZR 2014 with best dog, Teejay. Photo taken by Taylor Smith, at Tumbulgum along the Tweed River.
Gold Coast is a free quarterly publication, distributing around the Gold Coast from Jacob’s Well to Tweed River region. We encourage contributions from the Gold Coast community that support the Gold Coast boating industry, and promote the fun, safe and sustainable use of the Gold Coast waterways. We are an independent publication, with no political or social alliances to any office, group or association. Opinions expressed in the articles are of the contributors, and not of the publisher or editor. Boat Gold Coast prints 10,000 copies per issue. We encourage recycling. Please pass this on to others, repurpose, or place in the recycling bin.
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BOATGOLDCOAST.COM.AU FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GOLD COAST
Inside This Issue Through the Porthole Taylor Smith
6
Life is Better with a Boat Darren Finkelstein
8
Duel With Jacks Danny Sands
10
Success at Kayak Fishing Byron Hoskins
12
Shop and Dine by Boat Roselle Tenefrancia
14
Recipe: Crunchy Wasabi Whiting Fillet Sally Jenyns
15
Island Hopping on the Broadwater Nic Welch
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The Long and Short of a Commodore Interview by Roselle Tenefrancia and Andy Kancachian
18
Queensland’s Best Angler
20
Keen Anglers Ensure the Future of our Fisheries
21
Indigenous Use of Coastal Resources Professor Mike Rowland
22
Trekkers Make Waves for a Good Cause
24
A Day Out on a Jetski Carmel Bellchambers
26
Gold Coast Waterfront Development Projects Series: Cultural Precinct Patrick Molnar
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Stand Up Safely for a Healthy Lifestyle Byron Hoskins
30
Community News
32
A Goat’s Foot Helps Our Beach Maggie Muurmans
34
Keeping Our Waterways Clean: Easy as 1,2,3 Naomi Edwards
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BOATS WANTED TO SELL Competitive Brokerage Fees
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BOAT FEATURE
Through The Porthole Snapshots of Gold Coast Life on The Water
Camera, Lens and Equipment used
N
ikon D7100 equipped with a Nikkor 50mm f/1.4 encased in an Aquatech Elite Housing and Pistol Trigger grip with the P-65 flat port.
Photograph Metadata and Background 1/1600 sec, f/4, ISO-100, Manual Mode. In order to capture both the wakeboarder and the boat itself, I was submerged in the water just meters from the boat as it bellowed past.
Doing so developed multiple layers of depth in the image as the viewer is drawn down the wakeboard towline from the skier to the boat itself. There were several times when the wakeboarder came within inches of me and my equipment, but without this proximity, such a dramatic shot would certainly not have been captured.
Photograph Location This image was captured in the icy waters of Tumbulgum, in the western component of the Tweed River as it winds its way through the hinterland towards Mount Warning.
Text & Photo by: Taylor Smith Water Skier: Dillon Bensted (Wakeboarding)
Photographer Experience Self-taught and relatively recently interested in photography, I was first enthralled by the use of cameras to capture memories on a camping trip on the northern coast of New South Wales. Since then, the majority of my work has been landscape-based with a prominent focus on water-orientated sports and activities, from surfing right through to water-based modelling. The use of this unpredictable medium in photography allows for a spectrum of art that is not only unforeseen, but also unique in its photographic
properties with respect to landbased imaging. Photography is an essential component of my everyday life, as it ascertains both a sense of freedom and adventure while maintaining financial security through a challenging and time-consuming medical degree.
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT ADVERTISING
One of the Best Pontoons on Nerang River Aqua Pontoons is a Gold Coast supplier of pontoons, boatlifts and jet ski docks for residential and commercial use. The company is family-owned and driven by customer satisfaction. Parent company Aqua Constructions provides pontoon and jetty maintenance Australia-wide. Renowned for quality, Aqua Pontoons is fast becoming a major supplier of pontoons in Australia and internationally. They have recently exported locally made pontoons to New Caledonia.
This 12m x 3.5m pontoon, has made-to-order features that include a rounded edge concrete deck, black sleeved piles, tapered deck, extra long dry-berth roller system, electronic winch with stand, large bench seating with storage box, full-surround fender bumper, plumbed light power-water and two kayak holders. The deck is carpeted and all accessories are aluminium with charcoal colour powder-coating.
The company believes they are building the best pontoons on the Gold Coast, so take a look! Aqua Pontoons’ company principal, Simon Dyer, has managed the manufacturing of several pontoon companies on the Gold Coast. During his 20 years of experience, he has built a unique knowledge of pontoon construction, evident in the company’s current range of pontoons. Supplying a complete range of standard residential pontoons for every application, with each pontoon custom built, the company offers some unique upgrades exclusive to Aqua Pontoons. The company recently installed one of the best-built pontoons on the Gold Coast just off the main Nerang River. The owner insisted on building a long lasting super rugged pontoon that would accommodate his bowrider.
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Aqua Pontoons is a one-stop-shop for marine flotation devices. The company is dedicated to do all the hard work of design, lodging permits, installing and obtaining final council approval certificate. The company is also currently servicing commercial pontoons along the east coast of Australia, carrying out maintenance work at yacht clubs, marinas and boat ramp docks.
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BOAT GUIDE
Life Is Better with a
Award-winning bestselling author Darren Finkelstein, ‘The Boat Guy’, talks with Boat Gold Coast magazine. He offers great advice and practical tips to make boatbuying hassle-free and less daunting.
W
hat’s stopping you from enjoying the boating lifestyle on more than 270km of navigable waterways of the Gold Coast?
Right now, around Australia, there are over 1.6 million people who love boating on rivers, lakes and ocean, and about a tenth of that are on or around the Gold Coast. They must be onto something! Buying a boat and the thought of boat ownership can be daunting to some. Most have heard the old line, “The two happiest days of owning a boat are the day you buy it and the day you sell it”. This view seems to come from unhappy people with a lack of boating knowledge and is the biggest challenge most wannabe boaties face.
THE 2 F’S - FAMILY AND FINANCES Starting the boat-buying exercise on the right foot really should begin with a family discussion that includes your partner and, naturally, the kids. It’s all hands-on-deck as you talk about your motivation for getting on the water. Discussing money and finances with your partner, and seeking finance approval to ensure you can afford boat ownership are also very important. These will allow you to have the cash ready should a terrific deal arise. 8
BOAT Photo supplied by Darren Finkelstein
WHAT FLOATS YOUR BOAT
TOW, TOW, TOW YOUR BOAT
The choice of what type of boat you might like to own depends on the following:
If you’re planning on towing the boat to various boating locations, make sure your tow vehicle is suitable by checking the towing capability in your vehicle owner’s manual. Safe towing practices are critical to both your safety and that of other road users.
• Budget • Boating destination • Area of interest for you and your family • Journey of exploration • Teaching kids (or grandkids) to waterski or tube • Fishing Whether you choose a day boat, overnighter, humble tinny or a ski boat, research is vital. >QUICK TIP: Visit boat shows, marinas, and use Google to help explore your options.
THE DEALER (IT’S A BIG DEAL!) Finding an “Accredited Boat Dealer” where long-term relationships can be made for sales, service and ongoing support is the secret to your success. Naturally, expect to be overwhelmed with marine jargon: makes, models, engine types, options and accessories. This can cause confusion, but a patient dealer will clear the fog. >QUICK TIP: The dealer should be local and it’s critical to have boathandling lessons arranged for you and your entire crew. Getting everyone involved shares the load and gives each person a chance to participate.
>QUICK TIP: Practice is the key to stress-free boat launching, so grab the family and head to your local boat ramp at night. It’s always easier when no one is watching.
ENJOY It’s not just about the boat; it allows you to connect with people. The kids are off the computer, and parents are not focusing on work, so the whole family can enjoy quality time on the water. Ask any boatie and they will tell you that “the two happiest days of owning a boat are a Saturday and a Sunday” when most boaties can get on the water. It’s all about lifestyle, because you know that life is too short. Get into boat ownership, as after all “Life is better with a boat”.
STORAGE Storage is important for trailer boats and the bigger stuff: will the boat and trailer fit in your garage or on your mooring? If it’s a bigger boat you’re after, then talk to your local marina about storage options, as storage must be convenient. You’ll soon discover that your boat can be a great place to go and relax without ever having to turn on the engines. Grab a good book, turn off your phone and enjoy the serenity. Ahh the serenity! Spend the weekend and holidays at the marina and your boat will become a weekend apartment, complete with a swimming pool that never needs cleaning and water views that are constantly changing. >QUICK TIP: Remember the easier it is to access your boat, the more you’ll use it.
Darren Finkelstein is the author of Honey, let’s buy a BOAT! “Boat Ownership - Everything you wanted to know about buying (and selling) a power boat but didn’t know who to ask”. (RRP $29.95+p&h) Available online at www.darrenfinkelstein.com FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT ADVERTISING
Local manufacturer a leading marine industry supplier. Pro Fender, pontoon & jetty fenders systems manufacturer, is a great local success story. The company is owned by husband and wife team, Ross and Suzee Cooney who are no strangers to marina life as they have been on the Gold Coast and servicing the marine industry for more than thirty years. Ross explains, “Pro Fender began its unique business over fifteen years ago with a distinctive range of pontoon and jetty fender systems. The fender systems cleverly incorporate a sailtrack installation system allowing the fenders to be securely attached to the pontoon or jetty without any protruding mountings.” The Pro Fender range has accommodated boats from 10’ to 130’ in length. So confident in their products, Ross and Suzee offer the longest unconditional warranty in the industry. “We give a 5 year warranty which covers every aspect, from manufacturing to installation.” Many thousands of metres of the Pro Fender products have been supplied and installed from Perth to Melbourne and along the east coast. The company recently completed super yacht marina berths in both Cairns and Hamilton Island. The secret behind Pro Fender’s popularity is the manufacturing technology that incorporates the latest high frequency PVC welder to build a completely seamless product. Ross explains, “All competing pontoon fenders are sewn – and sewn seams usually deteriorate under the hot Australian sun in less than a year.”
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“As a premier fender manufacturer, Pro Fender products are proven durable and long lasting, and that’s why we have become a preferred supplier to Yacht Clubs and Marinas throughout South-East Queensland and beyond,” according to Ross.
Pro Fender is the industry leader offering quality product, innovation and design for over fifteen years. The company is committed to constant research and development of marine fenders using the latest technology in manufacturing and materials to create the best pontoon and jetty fenders.
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BOAT FEATURE
Duel With Jacks The ultimate fishing challenge on the Gold Coast is hooking a mangrove jack. Danny Sands of the Gold Coast Sports Fishing Club shares information and tips on catching this feisty fish.
R
ed dogs, red fish, red bream, red devil or mangrove jack. Whatever you like to call them, mangrove jacks would have to be the most popular estuary sport fish on the Gold Coast in the summer months. They are not the biggest fish, but what they lack in size they make up for by outshining any other fish with aggression, power and their dirty fighting techniques. A word of warning: this is very addictive and at times frustrating as you can spend hours fishing, then bang! A jack hits your lure and busts you off in a split second. This usually causes intense swearing or maybe a good rod slap on the water to get your frustrations out. A few minutes later, you either start laughing at yourself or end up crying. If you persist, you can land the fish of a lifetime!
A Love Story I caught my first mangrove jack many years ago at the age of eight. It was at Paradise Point off the bank on a white pilchard. I still remember the fight on my Alvey reel and butterworth rod. I recall that when I picked up the mangrove jack, only a pup (around 40cms), the little fella barked like a dog, and as quick as a flash drove his teeth into my thumb drawing blood. I have loved them ever since. As days start to lengthen and the weather starts to warm, the casting arms of the mangrove jack fisherman start to twitch, with thoughts of explosive hits and
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Danny Sands caught this 60cm mangrove jack on a Lucky Craft G Splash popper on a humid night just before a storm. Photos supplied by Danny Sands
screaming runs against tightly locked drags. The Gold Coast boasts a healthy population of mangrove jacks and although they can be caught year round, the prime time for chasing these fish, is from October to April.
The Right Conditions Structure Extensive canal systems, rock walls, pontoons, retaining walls, bridges and lay-down timber are homes to jacks. The most productive areas typically hold water between 1.5-4m in depth and have water temperatures between 25-30C with decent tidal flow. Times and Tides The run-out tide seems to be best in most spots. As tide begins to fall, the mangrove jacks often push prawns and bait fish up against retaining walls. Low light periods from sunrise until 10am, and at 3pm through to sunset you can expect increased bite, often tapering off throughout the middle of the day, just not as frequently. It becomes more important to ensure your lure remains right next to the structure. Weather Hot, humid days, especially when stormy weather is forecasted are the good fishing days. They feed more actively during these conditions. Barometric pressure also has a strong impact on mangrove jacks. A very high barometer reading of over 1020hpa or a very low reading under 1000hpa are both conducive to a good bite. A rapidly dropping barometer, often experienced
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GOLD COAST
Young gun Thomas Ryan caught this solid 57cm mangrove jack in the Coomera River using a 4-inch white Zman Diezel plastic.
prior to a storm, can also result in productive fishing. A wind change can bring them onto a bite. For example, if the Gold Coast has a hot northerly wind for a week and then have a wind change from the South East, this will also bring mangrove jacks onto the bite.
Tackle Rods Use a shorter rod for a better casting accuracy, a critical factor for fishing jacks. If you want to consistently land mangrove jacks, especially better quality fish, it is important to use a heavier rod in the 3-6kg range to pull these hardfighting fish away from their snaggy lairs. I have two rods, a 6’6” spin rod at 8-15lb and a 6’baitcast rod at 8-14lb. Reels Use a small, lightweight reel that has a smooth drag and decent drag capacity. I prefer to use 2500 size spin reels, light and compact, making casting lures comfortable for several hours, while still having the potential to pack up to 7-9 kg of drag. It’s better to have extra drag available, you might need it. Lures Ask five different fishermen about their favourite jack lure and you will probably get five different answers. It is easiest to break different lures into three categories: soft plastics, diving hard bodies and top water lures. However, it is critical to keep thelure tight to structure if you want to consistently catch these fish. Natural colours such as white, brown/ copper, dark green, silver and gold are the most productive. Soft Plastics - Use shad style soft plastics such as Z-Man Diezel Minnows and Swimmers between 3-5 inches on a 3/8th or ½ ounce jighead depending on the amount of tidal flow in the area. I only use heavy gauge jigheads due to the brutality of these fish on terminal tackle gear and prefer boatgoldcoast.com. au
Kane Barkley with a a bronze colour mangrove jack caught on a 4-inch Zman Swimmerz slow rolling plastics under jetties in the Nerang River.
to use a 2/0 – 4/0 size hook as they usually hit the lure towards the head after watching them feed on live bait in fish tanks. When using soft plastics around pontoons, use a constant slow-medium paced retrieve, keeping the lure just below the pontoon, as this is where the fish will be holding. Diving Hard Body for fishing rock walls, retaining walls and bridges - You can crank these lures along slopes of the rock walls and along concrete footing of bridge pylons. Lure sizes between 55-110mm range that dive to 2-5 metres and a slow-medium paced retrieve with the occasional twitch and pause. It is important to ensure you use heavy gauge trebles. Top water lures for a thrill - It is visual fishing with the spectacular surface strike. Early mornings, and late afternoons and nighttimes are the prime times to use poppers, as mangrove jacks will leave their snag and search for food during this time. The top water bite is best from February till April. This is because after our summer rains and storms, we get our first run of jelly prawns that run throughout estuaries. These tips provide you with the building blocks towards catching mangrove jacks. But as with any form of fishing, the best advice is to get out onto the water and put theory into practice and make adjustments to suit your personal style of fishing.
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BOAT
BOAT ANGLER
GOLD COAST
S U C C E S S AT
KAYAK FISHING Fishing is a popular activity on the Gold Coast. There are many ways to fish, but kayak fishing has gained some recognition as an exciting and fit way to catch your favourite fish. Byron Hoskins finds out more during his chat with a local angler Heath Roberts.
major reason is the areas you can access with a kayak, small creeks and shallow waters, are often inaccessible by boat and almost always hold good numbers of fish as a result. When I fish offshore, the longer distances I cover also act as a form of fitness for me, so I get to fish and keep fit at the same time!
What kayak do you use on a regular basis?
A
re you looking to turn those donuts into regular tight lines every time you go for a flick? Are you frustrated with your regular spots not producing the goods? Are you seeking to lose that beer gut but want to exercise while you do something you love? Well you might want to keep reading as we sit down with a young local angler Heath Roberts, who has the know-how on improving your catch when using a kayak.
I have two kayaks to suit my needs: an offshore kayak and a smaller inshore kayak. My offshore kayak is a Popes canoe fishing ski. It is a fiberglass vessel about 12 feet long and relatively narrow. The combination of this length and width allows for easy tracking in a straight line, which is what you want for covering water and catching waves. This kayak also has a rod locker hatch (which doubles as a fish hatch!) and a dry hatch so everything except my paddle and PFD lifejacket is stored safely in case I roll.
Heath is known to consistently strike a bend in his rod and to use his drag as a musical instrument, all before a day’s work at BCF. Heath made his first TV appearance in a kayak only a few months ago, showing Paul Burt the ropes on bass fishing at Clear Island Waters. If he’s giving local legends tips, then I think you should read closely to his insight on kayak fishing.
My inshore kayak is a Malibu Mini X and it is a rotor-molded plastic kayak about 9 feet long and fairly wide. A shorter, wider kayak is better for maneuverability and because it is made from heavy duty plastic, this kayak can take everything the creeks can throw at it. There is a dry hatch in the middle and two flush mounted rod holders at the back.
Why do you fish in a kayak? What are the benefits?
[OFFSHORE] What species are you targeting,the time of the year and under what conditions?
I fish from a kayak for many reasons. The first is that a lot of my fishing trips are spontaneous and relatively unplanned (in between work and Uni). The ability to just pop a kayak on the roof and go for a fish with no need to worry about fuel or registration appealed to me. The other
My offshore season in a kayak usually starts around the end of November (right around the time mackerel should start showing up). My general rule of thumb is: find the bait then find the fish. The fishing ski is fitted
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
Photos: (R) Heath showcasing some early morning delight at Palmy reef while in between hook ups for mackerel; (L) Enjoying early morning bliss out sea.
with a Lowrance Elite 4HDI fish finder and GPS, and this allows me to fish locations where I have caught fish before, as well as see what’s happening beneath the kayak! If the mackerel are on the chew then it’s simply a case of spinning metal lures from 20grams to about 65grams around the schools of bait. If I am having a day where I can’t find any bait schools then towing a pilchard rigged up with a pink trailerskirt will almost always produce the goods.
Where do you fish?
success for me. These areas are generally somewhere the fish can sit and wait, just out of the current, for mullet, shrimp or any other baitfish to swim past, which make for an easy meal.
Advantages of the kayak? The biggest reason why hooking a mangrove jack is so hard is the area you need to cover on some days. Fishing from a kayak allows you to fish a lot of ground in stealth, with accuracy and that is key when jack fishing!
Palm Beach reef, Mermaid reef and Gravel Patch are all easily accessible from a kayak (depending on your level of confidence!).
Advantages of the kayak? I find the simplicity and easy launching of a kayak to be a huge plus for me for offshore fishing.
[FRESHWATER] What species are you targeting, the time of the year and under what conditions? Kayak fishing for bass is easily one of my favourite past times. This occurs in the upper reaches of Gold Coast creeks during the summer months when the fish have finished their breeding cycle. Smaller 1000-2500 size spin reels and rods between six and seven feet are ideal for flicking small lures accurately into cover. If you were fishing a new area of water for bass, then I would recommend throwing a spinner bait. These flashy, noisy and big profile lures make for excellent search baits as they can call hungry bass from a long way away.
Heath showing off his flathead catch
Advantages of the kayak? The biggest advantage for sitting in a kayak while bass fishing is your ability to fish every angle of a snag or over hang where the bass will be hiding, and this can be crucial on days where the fishing is tough.
[ESTUARY] What species are you targeting, the time of the year and under what conditions? Estuary fishing is something I do on two occasions of the year, spring time flathead and mid-summer mangrove jacks. Flathead will spawn in the mouth of the estuaries during the start of spring and all it takes is a soft plastic placed on their nose to trigger a bite! Mangrove jacks take a bit more work and patience from a kayak but they are very rewarding fish to catch! I will target them when the water in the creek is between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius. My “jack gear” is simply a 20lb bait caster outfit with 20lb braid and 30-60lb leader. Casting Zman 4” swimmerz in towards where you think a jack might live has been a
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13
BOAT JOURNEY
SHOP AND DINE BY BOAT Waterfront berths at Capri on Via Roma. Photo supplied by Capri on Via Roma
Boat Gold Coast editor Roselle Tenefrancia points us to some of the places to experience canal shopping on the Gold Coast – a must-do activity in a city of water.
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avigate towards the jetty. Hop off. Secure the ropes. Take your shopping bag. And off you go for retail therapy. Isn’t that an idealistic picture of a life in a city of waterways? That dreamy picture is a reality on the Gold Coast with many centres offering boaties easy access for shopping and dining. Aside from the marinas with adjacent shopping centres, there are also shopping centres on the Gold Coast that are lesser known to be directly accessible by water. Whether one is out to conduct a comprehensive shopping activity, or simply to have a relaxed and spontaneous stop while cruising, the following centres offer the boaties a wider opportunity for more accessible shopping.
Capri on Via Roma The upmarket Capri on Via Roma, in the Isle of Capri, is the newest waterfront shopping and dining destination in Surfers Paradise. The trendy restaurants, cafes, specialty shops and services make up the market hall that is directly accessible from its jetties. The size of the centre allows for a very relaxed and easy-going ambience. The waterfront al fresco dining area also offers an unrestricted view of the water. The centre has a berthing capacity of a maximum of eight vessels. Vessels may stay for up to 3 hours at no charge. “Often customers will come by boat to have lunch at our restaurants or do some shopping,” says Capri on Via Roma development manager, John Clark. “To journey by boat to Capri on Via Roma simply 14
enhances the entire shopping, dining and travel experience, while making the most of what the Gold Coast has to offer.” Capri on Via Roma is accessible from the Nerang River in Surfers Paradise, via the canal north of the Via Roma bridge, on the westsouthwest of the river.
Pacific fair The iconic Pacific Fair in Broadbeach, which is currently undergoing a major redevelopment, can be accessed from the Nerang River via the canals of Broadbeach Waters. Being a full-scale mall, with cinemas, supermarkets, banks, department stores and an extensive line-up of specialty stores and services, it is a comprehensive shopping complex on the Gold Coast that offers easy access via the water. There are currently two berthing jetties that can accommodate up to eight small or two large vessels. The berthing is free to the public. According to the marketing manager Vanessa Vardi, “There is no time limit for berthing, as long as it is within the centre’s operating hours.”
to approximately 700 and also increasing in November and December to approximately 1000 each month. The postcode of 4216 has the second biggest boat ownership in Queensland.” Runaway Bay Shopping Village is accessible from the Broadwater through the canal entry between the Shearwater Esplanade and Anglers Esplanade, past the Bayview Street bridge, in Runaway Bay. Centres with berthing options have their added value to the Gold Coast shopping and dining experience. Terry points out, “The Gold Coast is well known for its canals and boating lifestyle. What better way to do your shopping than by boat. No traffic snarls and no trying to find a car park.” Gold Coasters and visitors should be able to enjoy the waterways in many ways. John reminds us, “It’s all about leisure and lifestyle. We are lucky to have abundant waterways and picture perfect weather. The Gold Coast is a holiday and leisure destination. Being able to arrive by boat for retail therapy or dining is quintessentially Gold Coast.”
Pacific Fair is along the Broadbeach Waters canal between the Hooker Blvd and the Pacific Fair Drive bridges.
Runaway Bay Shopping Village In the northern area of the Gold Coast, the Runaway Bay Shopping Village is accessible from The Broadwater through the canal entry towards Biggera Waters. The centre has two floating pontoons on the Boardwalk Canal, outside the food court. The berths can accommodate 11 vessels for free, for a maximum of three hours. With supermarkets, food court, discount department stores, specialty shops and services, it offers a convenient and local shopping experience. The operations manager, Terry Vanes, says they monitor the number of customers coming by boat. “We would estimate an average of 450 visits per month, with that increasing in April
Boat pontoon at Pacific Fair Shopping Centre
Aerial view of Runaway Bay Shopping Village and surrounds
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GALLEY
Crunchy wasabi whiting fillets By Sally Jenyns
MODERN AUSTRALIAN CUISINE | WATERFRONT DINING EDGEWATERDINING.COM.AU
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rumbing fish is a little like loaves and fishes - it can make a small catch into a bigger and more satisfying feed. This recipe will suit any little fillets, or any fish at all really. Everything will taste great with a touch of soy and wasabi, and crunchy crumbs!
Ingredients • 500gm boneless whiting fillets
Wasabi Lime Mayo:
• 2 egg whites
½ cup egg mayonnaise 2-3 tsp wasabi paste, or to taste grated rind from ½ lime
• 1 tbsp wasabi paste • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 2 tbsp black/white sesame seeds • 2 cups vegetable oil, for deep frying
Method Whisk together egg whites, 1 tbsp wasabi paste, and soy sauce. Pat fillets dry then add to egg white mixture. Lift fillets, one at a time, from egg whites into combined crumbs and seeds. Refrigerate for one (1) hour to allow the crumb coating to set on fillets. Meanwhile combine mayonnaise, wasabi paste and lime rind to taste. Heat oil in a deep pan or wok. (You can test the oil is hot enough by using the end of a wooden spoon or chopstick. bubbles will rapidly appear around the chopstick when the oil is ready.) Deep fry fillets for about one (1) minute until browned and cooked through. (Don’t overcrowd pan, just cook a few pieces at a time.) Drain on paper towels and serve immediately with mayo and lime wedges. Serves 4.
Sally Jenyns is a resident seafood cook and presenter on Channel 7’s Creek to Coast. She is the author of The Coastwatch Cookbook available at coastwatch.com.au.
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BOAT Journey
ISLAND HOPPING O N T H E B R OA D WAT E R
Photos by Nic Welch and Roselle Tenefrancia
Surfside at South Stradbroke
Sandy Beach at Jumpinpin
We go Island Hopping with local boat advocate Nic Welch to six of the finest Island hopping destinations on the Gold Coast. Some of these island locations will be hard for you to get to and all of them will be hard to leave.
Wavebreak Island
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avebreak Island has been regularly in the news lately as a possible site for a cruise ship terminal and mega development. It is a popular destination for boaties due to its sheltered anchorage and proximity to the closest boat ramp, Biggera Creek, about five minutes away. The island offers a fantastic day trip with vast marine life for snorkelers along its breakwalls. Fishermen can find yabby banks along both the western foreshore and Carter’s Banks at the north end of the island. Breakwall fishing is popular on Wavebreak Island because of its proximity to the Gold Coast Seaway. When using live bait, you stand a chance at catching a variety of fish, including golden trevally and a mulloway.
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DUX Anchorage at Tipplers Passage
South Currigee
North Currigee
No cars or caravans, please! This pristine area of South Stradbroke is a conservation park managed by Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services. The island has three camp grounds operated by the Gold Coast City Council.
North Currigee Campground is located around a small inlet, which is ideal for safe anchorage of small boats. A floating pontoon provides easy access for passengers and camp gear.
At South Currigee, day trippers are welcome and the camp grounds office has a mini kiosk. Pitch your tent on the water’s edge, sit back with a coldie around a camp fire, and let life begin! Walking across the narrowest section of South Stradbroke Island you will find the surf beach. This secluded area is ideal for fishing with its permanent gutters in the surf all along the island. Most days you will share this part of the island with more wallabies than people. However, during school holidays and public holidays the park is in high demand so bookings are recommended. The facilities include onsite wallaby tents (canvas huts), 60 unpowered camp sites and cabins for rent. There are hot showers, toilets, electric BBQs, and a playground for the kids. The closest boat ramps (both less than 10 minutes) are Biggera Creek and Runaway Bay boat ramps.
There are only 20 small-size campsites with good facilities. The surf beach is a ten-minute walk through the park.
Couran Couran is a waterfront residential canal and boasts a large scale ecotourism destination. At Couran Cove Resort you can discover and explore mangrove swamp, the Banksian Rainforest, the Melaleuca Wetlands, the Eucalypt woodlands, the coastal sand dunes, as well as restaurant facilities, swimming pools and canoes in the lagoon. The waters are alive with bream and flathead, and abundant with mudcrabs too! The closest boat ramps are Paradise Point boat ramp (20 mins) and Diamond Head, Colman Road Coomera boat ramp (6 Mins).
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GOLD COAST
Ramada Couran Cove Island Resort
Sand Dunes at Jumpinpin
Wallaby at McLaren’s Landing
Jetskis at Wavebreak Island
Anchored on Wavebreak Island
Sunrise on the Broadwater
Tipplers Passage
Jumpinpin
Tipplers Passage is a favourite boating destination for locals, and visitors can travel with several charter companies.
Jumpinpin is at the most northern coastal tip of the Gold Coast region. It’s where southern Moreton Bay meets the Southport Broadwater. The sand dunes are a natural phenomenaworth a day trip and a fantastic spot for a family picnic along the white sandy western foreshore. Nearby is Millionaire’s Row, aptly named due to the numerous high valued vessels attracted to the calm anchorage.
The area is the most famous island hopping destination on the Gold Coast. The licensed café is a popular meeting spot. The campgrounds are the largest on South Stradbroke with 100 unpowered tent sites. It is hard to avoid a close encounter with wallabies, bandicoots, goannas, kookaburras and other native fauna. A short walk further north leads to McLaren’s Landing that offers jetskiing, parasailing and scenic flight aboard a seaplane.
Boasting pristine marine habitat, Jumpinpin harbours a prolific marine life. The waters are famous for the winter bream run and plentiful catches of other species, including tailor, flathead and whiting. Just a short walk across South Stradbroke Island there is fantastic surf fishing along the most isolated stretch of coastline on the Gold Coast. Jumpinpin is 20 minutes from Jacob’s Well public boat ramp.
Tippler’s Passage provides good catches of whiting and sand crabs/ blue swimmers. Mud crabs are easily found around the Never Fail Islands.
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BOAT FEATURE
The Long and Short of a Commodore Phil Short of the Southport Yacht Club
Interview By Roselle Tenefrancia and Andy Kancachian
Southport Yacht Club, established in 1946, is an association on the Gold Coast, and is at the forefront of the boating community in the city. While focusing on the members, the presence and the services of the Southport Yacht Club have been a significant part of the Gold Coast city. Almost 70 years old, SYC has established its commitment to the Gold Coast boating lifestyle, through strong leadership that has made it a success story among its members, visitors and the general public.
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t the helm of the SYC is Phil Short, a man with his own sailing stories, history, humour and leadership goals. This Commodore is a Gold Coaster who is a lifelong fan of boats and sailing, and dreams of a city where every boat - big or small - is welcome on the Gold Coast waters.
From a Sea Scout to a Commodore Boats and maritime history has been Phil’s lifetime interest. Born and raised in Tasmania, he started off as a Sea Scout when he was 10 years old. “My first boat was a Snipe class yacht, she was a heavy old girl but had a lot of fun, however I never actually raced in this class.” He moved on to become a member of the Motor Yacht Club of Tasmania, where he learned skills on Navigation Trials on the Derwent River. Deciding to have a go at speed boat racing, he ended up with a Marine Ply 16ft speed boat, with a Singer car engine. “And boy did she go!” he exclaims. “However, as a young teenager I could not afford the up-keep so I sold it and went back to sailing. I sailed Dragon class in Prince Phillip Cup on the Derwent, also Fireball class. The one I enjoyed the most was the 45-foot Ketch ‘Utieka’ - a real classic of her day - that competed in all the Derwent and Channel Regattas.” He joined the Royal Australian Navy, serving on several units of the fleet, from dock-yard work boats to aircraft carriers that taught him skills in visual communications, ship handling and seamanship. “These skills have been very valuable throughout the years to follow,” he says. In 1979, he moved to the Gold Coast and became involved in trailer-sailor events, and in the Twilight Races with Southport Yacht Club. “I crewed in the off shore races and competed in several Burleigh Bash offshore events,” he relates. “In 1996 I sailed in the Sydney to Hobart, something every sailor should 18
do, and always was a stand-by crew member. But business does get in the way of sailing until you get your priorities in line.” He switched from sail to power boating with a classic cruiser in which he competed in the navigation rallies, and also joined the cruising flotilla on several of their events, “ which are excellent for new-comers to boating.” He now has a smaller, faster boat that he relates to as “the Commodore’s Tender”.
“ Sailing is the second fastest growing sport in Australia and our playground is the sea. During one of our Discover Sail Day held last year, around 300 people visited the Academy. This was their first step to discover sailing. We plan another of these open days for the end of February 2015. The idea is to introduce children and families to the sport of sailing.” “My first introduction to SYC was in 1980, with the experience I gained in the Navy in communications and navigation I became a volunteer instructor at TS Tyalgum Navy Cadets. They have a close association with SYC, with ceremonial functions like the opening of the Club’s sailing and boating season, ‘Sail Past and Blessing of the Fleet’. I made some great friends, and have been associated with the Club on and off since then.” He was chosen last year as the Commodore of the Southport Yacht Club after holding the position of Vice Commodore Power (of Power Boats) for two years. The position of Commodore requires one to be a Gold Member and to have served in the Board for a minimum of one year. His suitability for the position was also determined through recommendations by Life Members and past Commodores, and through his enthusiasm to volunteer to help when needed by the Board. He says, “I put my hand up to assist when volunteers were called for and was asked to join the Power Boat Committee. I was approached by a past Commodore and asked if I would be interested in putting my name amongst others for the next appointment, for Vice Commodore Power and of course I said yes.” And as they say, the rest is history.
Promoting Boating and Sailing “The Southport Yacht Club has a long and proud history of fostering sailing and power-boating, something we have done since 1946 in a family-orientated environment. The rhumb line has been set by our Past Commodores and Life Members, and this has led the Club to enjoy almost 70 years of camaraderie and boating safety and fun.” Sailing members are offered 400 sailing events this season at the Hollywell Sailing Academy from as young as seven years old, to sailors on bigger keel yachts racing off-shore. “We have an Olympic Champions from the London FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT gold coast
Aboard his once much loved motor yacht “Gem”
Olympics Mathew Belcher OAM and his crew Will Ryan, along with World Champions winning at the ISAF Championships this year as a result of the Hollywell Sailing Academy.” The SYC has free Discover Sailing Days, held multiple times a year. The Discover Sailing Day is a free event, open to the public within the local community, and aimed at increasing public awareness in sailing, especially among children, promoting the message: Sailing is for everyone. It can be cheap, simple, safe and fun! Phil explains, “Sailing is the second fastest growing sport in Australia and our playground is the sea. During one of our Discover Sail Day held last year, around 300 people visited the Academy. This was their first step to discover sailing. We plan another of these open days for the end of February 2015. The idea is to introduce children and families to the sport of sailing.” The SYC also sponsored a free breakfast where people interested in power boat “Predicted Navigation” events were shown an electronic presentation explaining the procedure of chart reading and course plotting. This was followed by an actual event where the participants were taken on board the boats owned by SYC members on a short ‘Ambrose’ rally course up as far as the Coomera River mouth and back to SYC where the Club provided a BBQ lunch.
Commodore Short with the Goodwill Cup
Even a social member of the Club meets and makes friends with other members, talking boats. “You say that you would like to try sailing or cruising, and before long you are introduced to other members and asked to list your name for a twilight sail. Soon you take your first step towards your dream.”
Looking Forward For over 35 years of living on the Gold Coast, Phil has witnessed the rapid growth along the northern end of the strip, “when as many 15 cranes worked the skyline at times”. He believes that cities are about people and for people, and growth needs to continue to keep the city viable. “We need to move forward and I believe [the Cruise Ship Terminal] is a step in the right direction. Whether the terminal is built on the Gold Coast or a major terminal built in Brisbane, this would [benefit] the City and the whole South-east Queensland. “Terminals are also needed around Australia to entice the private super- and ‘mega’ super-yacht market. This will place us on their charts as a destination. I see not only the overseas cruise liner trade, but also other vessels that attract large numbers of visitors to the coast, e.g. tall ships and naval vessels. Short stays as part of the package of existing donut cruises to Sydney-FijiNew Zealand-Sydney can include the Gold Coast.”
Phil Short from 1963/64 while serving on HMAS Melbourne
Phil also supports the city council’s proposed foreshore development in Surfers Paradise. “The boating public need pontoons at these places to allow them to stay long enough to enjoy midweek lunches, shopping or visiting. This will open our waterways for residents and tourists to use, especially during the week when there is much lighter water traffic.”
As a Commodore of the Southport Yacht Club, Phil Short’s main duty is to take command of the fleet, and to attend all major ceremonial occasions along with liaising with the Vice Commodores of Sail and Power and respective committees, whom he refers to as the engine room of the Club. Additionally, his role is to encourage and improve boating participation and recruiting of membership, as well as represent SYC at reciprocal yacht clubs and events in Queensland and interstate.
RELAX
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19
BOAT ANGLER
QUEENSLAND’S BEST ANGLER Ever wanted to enter a fishing competition but didn’t have the time to be there on the day? Matt Palmer, an enterprising fishing advocate, and major sponsor Mercury Marine invite you to join Queensland’s Best Angler Competition 2015.
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t is Australia’s first and only online fishing tournament where real cash is won every month. Competitive fishing where you want and when you want! The registration fee for a spot on the team is only $20 or $55 including the official QBA shirt. Matt explains, “We realise Australia has many skilled anglers, and we are in search of Queensland’s best allround fishers and those just looking to have some fun fishing.”
2014 Queensland’s Best Angler Results
1st
$2500
2nd
Braith Young 732 points
$1000 Zayne Young 695 points
3rd
$500 Justin Lochler 672 points
For registration and competition details go to: www.qldsbestangler.com
The competition was established in 2011 and runs per calendar year, 1st January to 31st December. There are special cash awards and equipment prizes every month. The annual prizes of $2500 (1st place), $1000 (2nd place) and $500 3rd place) are awarded to Queensland’s Best allround anglers. The 2014 season was
the biggest in Queensland’s Best Angler short history, with over 700 registered competitors. “No matter which part of Queensland you live, there are target species in your area. These include barramundi, bream, flathead, trevally, estuary cod, mangrove jack, threadfin salmon, freshwater cod, golden perch, sooty grunter, bass, and Saratoga blue salmon,” specifies Matt, who has a Bachelor of Applied Science in Fisheries. Matt clarifies, “Some fish catch sizes are capped because fish such as gold spot cod and mangrove jack grow to massive sizes on our reefs, and we don’t want to disadvantage those who don’t have the means to target these fish in reef areas. Flathead is also capped to its maximum legal length for the species.” Queensland’s Best Angler is a nonprofit initiative to get you involved in fishing for species you may not already be experienced in catching, and win some cash and prizes along the way.
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT ANGLER
KEEN ANGLERS ENSURE FUTURE OF OUR FISHERIES Before you dispose of your fish frames, consider donating them to the Keen Angler Program. Boat Gold Coast asks Fisheries Queensland what it’s all about and how anyone can join in.
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he Keen Angler Program is a monitoring program that collects valuable information about the length, age and sex of fish caught and retained by recreational fishers.
Fisheries Queensland Keen Angler Program coordinator Robert Prosser said the biological information collected from monitoring programs is used to assess the status of many of Queensland’s fish stocks and to help assess the effectiveness of current management strategies. “The monitoring programs use a number of sampling strategies to collect information about the retained catch of fishers with the Keen Angler Program being an important part,” Mr Prosser said. “In particular, the Keen Angler Program provides a large number of biological samples (frames) to the monitoring program that otherwise can be difficult to obtain, but are essential to determine the age of fish caught by fishers.” Mr Prosser said the Keen Angler Program had been in place since August 2006 and relied on ongoing voluntary participation of recreational fishers. “We currently have 300 members across the state and receive on average 250 fish frames per month, though this varies from month to month according to seasonal fishing activities.
For more information, visit www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, call 13 25 23 or download the free ‘Qld Fishing’ app from Apple and Google app stores. Results from Fisheries Queensland’s monitoring program are regularly published on www.fisheries.qld.gov.au, and information incorporating that collected through the Keen Angler Program is also published in formal stock assessments and most recently in Status of Australian Fish Stocks (December 2014). Fisheries Queensland on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@FisheriesQld).
“We receive a large variety of species from Gold Coast fishers including snapper, pearl perch, dusky flathead, golden-line whiting, sand whiting, spotted mackerel, Spanish mackerel, tailor and yellowfin bream.” Mr Prosser said members of the program included both occasional and avid fishers. “You do not need to be experienced or to fish regularly to be a member of the Keen Angler Program; there are no minimum requirements for donations – every frame helps,” he said. “Each new ‘Keen Angler’ is provided with a sampling kit which includes instructions on how to donate frames, plastic bags to place the fish frames in, labels to record information about the catch, as well as a list of fish species that Fisheries Queensland monitor.” Members can deliver the sample to a drop off location or store in a freezer, and contact the office to organise collection. Program updates including summaries of samples collected, interesting stories sent by the Keen Anglers, and access to fact sheets of monitored species are available to the members. Age information on prize catches are also available per request. boatgoldcoast.com. au
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BOAT FEATURE
INDIGENOUS USE OF COASTAL RESOURCES Fish trap in Booral, Queensland. Photo supplied by Mike Rowland.
The coastlines and waterways of the Gold Coast and Southeast Queensland have offered resources that the Aboriginal peoples have been using in various ways. Professor Mike Rowland shares his research on how they have gathered and used coastal resources – even up to the present day.
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boriginal people have occupied Australia for at least 50000 years. During that time, they used the vast range of resources along Australia’s coastlines, estuaries, rivers and lakes. Use of these environments was interwoven with all aspects of social, cultural, spiritual and economic life.
Coastal resources continue to be important to contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Cultural responsibilities and rights to harvest remain an integral part of ongoing connection to country and culture. Many Quandamooka people living on North Stradbroke Island continue to rely on marine resources. Mullet is one of the most important fish caught but also tailor, whiting, flathead, bream and trevally. Eugaries (pipis), oyster, whelks, pearl oyster and mussels are also gathered.
A brief history At 50000 years ago the coast lay further east and what is now the coastline would have been extensive plains, forests, scrublands, coastal fringes and mangrove forest. Most evidence of human habitation on this coastal plain has been submerged by a rise in sea level at the end of the last Ice Age. As the sea rose, people retreated to the current coastline which only reached its current position around 6500 years ago.
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A site at Wallen Wallen Creek on North Stradbroke Island spans the transition from pre-coastal (terrestrial) to coastal (marine) environments. The site was first occupied over 20000 years ago when it was 40km inland. People initially focused on terrestrial resources but shifted their focus in the last 2000 years to coastal resources including fish and shellfish. Another site at Hope Island, contained abundant shell remains dominated by oyster, at over 4000 years ago.
Fishing methods Many different fishing methods were used. These included multi-pronged spears, a range of nets, stone fish traps and brush weirs. Further north and to the south people used fish hooks. Poisons were used to stun fish in pools or traps where they could be easily caught. For example, the tape vine (Stephania japonica), called nyannum was used as a fish poison throughout the territory of the Yugambeh people of the Gold Coast. Fish hooks were made from shell and bone and fishing lines were made from a variety of fibres. Bark and dugout canoes were used in turtle and dugong hunting. Hand nets were knotted from bush string and either suspended from an oval frame or attached to a pair of long sticks which are brought together, closing the net like a scoop. These are known as tow-row.
Stone fish traps with multiple pens are common on the Torres Strait islands and at limited locations in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. Further south along the Queensland coast, traps and weirs are less frequent and are often only a single pen. However, a complex of traps at Scraggy Point on Hinchinbrook Island covers an area of 20000m2. Trap complexes are also present at Booral in Hervey Bay, Toorbul Point, near Bribie Island and at Tallebudgera Creek. Trap walls are most often in the shape of an arc and are found at points and estuaries. Traps and weirs of inland Queensland were often made of organic materials. Traps in the intertidal zone take advantage of fluctuating water levels. The walls of the trap must be low enough for fish to swim in at high tide, but high enough that some are captured at low tide. Nets or cages were placed at gaps in the walls of traps to capture fish. Other by-products were crabs obtained from the crevices within and underneath the rock walls, oysters from on the rocks themselves, and a range of species of shellfish from the muddy and sandy substrates of the traps. Fish in the traps were speared or captured by hand. In southern Queensland, traps and weirs made of organic materials appear to have been common in the early days of settlement. Matthew Flinders observed a number of organic fish traps near
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT FEATURE
Shell midden at Stradbroke Island. Photo supplied by Mike Rowland.
Sites and places on the coast are under threat from environmental change and human expansion. There are provisions under State and Federal legislation to manage and protect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander coastal sites. It is the duty of all of us to assist in this endeavour.
Clontarf Point and they were also observed at North Pine River. Thomas Petrie described the capture of freshwater eels in the southeast. The resources of the coast, sea, estuaries and islands provided not only food, but also materials for shelter, clothing, tools and weapons, as well as objects for ceremonial use.
Sources of information on the Aboriginal history of the Gold Coast include: Rory O’Connor 1997 The Kombumerri. Aboriginal People of the Gold Coast and the Yugambeh Museum at http://www.yugambeh.com Mike Rowland is an archaeologist who has worked in New Zealand, Fiji and Australia and is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor, James Cook University, Cairns.
The Dream Time Story of Gowonda Southport is said to be associated with the legend of Gowonda, a hero of the Yugambeh people. Gowonda was a great hunter, with a splendid physique and white hair. Eventually he left the people and turned into a dolphin, recognisable by his white fin. Now he teaches the other dolphins to drive the fish into the beach, so that his people can catch them in nets. Among every shoal of dolphin is a leader with a white fin which Aboriginal people believe to be a descendant of Gowonda.
Gold Coast Marine Precinct • Coomera • Queensland boatgoldcoast.com. au
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May 21-24 23
BOAT EVENTS
TREKKERS MAKE WAVES
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Six days of adventure on personal water crafts, open water, pristine beaches, glorious Queensland weather and dozens of like-minded people who are likely to become your closest friends. Sound good? Add adrenalin, adventure and action. Sounding even better?
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he best part – it’s for a good cause. Money raised through this once in a lifetime adventure assists Variety - the Children’s Charity of Queensland, to help children who are sick or disadvantaged, or who have special needs. This renowned charity also hosts the event and have done for 16 years. The 2015 ‘Keppel to the Capital’ Yamaha Variety Jet Trek is an event like no-other, designed for those who enjoy the water and the outdoors, as participants travel on Personal Water Crafts (PWC) via some of the most amazing coastline and scenery that the east coast has to offer.
The coastal convoy, set to depart Yeppoon on Monday 4 May 2015, will include PWCs as well as medical support, mechanics, on-water recovery crews and road crews pulling PWC trailers and participants’ supplies – all ensuring the Yamaha Variety Jet Trek runs as smoothly as the water beneath the crafts. 24
The Trekkers Participants, both new to the event and seasoned ‘Trekkers’ (as they’re affectionately known) come from as far as Tasmania, Western Australia, Sydney and northern Queensland to participate in this unique event. Gold Coast Trekkers are also represented with Liz Chapman from Nerang already registered to participate in her 11th Jet Trek next year. “It’s my favourite holiday of the year – I love active holidays and I love challenges, especially when you’re around like minded people. It’s also great to know that at the end of the day you’re out there doing something good and helping children in need,” said Liz. “It makes the fundraising effort throughout the year worthwhile when you can see where the money goes and enjoy the trip as a kind of reward,” she said.
In order to attend the event, Trekkers must raise a minimum $2500 donation, with most Trekkers often going above and beyond this minimum. Each PWC entrant must have a road crew of at least one individual, who is capable of driving a car & towing a PWC trailer, to launch the rider and pick up in the afternoon each day.
The Charity Money raised allows Variety to provide the necessary assistance to the children. Participants travel through towns and communities, visiting and, in some cases, delivering equipment and assistance to children and schools in need – always a highlight for the ‘Trekkers’.
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GOLD COAST
Children and community groups assisted in 2014 included: A walker for a local Coffs Harbour girl with Global Developmental Delay A standing frame for a local Yamba boy with Septo-Optic Dysplasia A beach wheelchair for a local Sunshine Coast girl with Edwards Syndrome Equipment (rolls and wedges for physio, temperature control blanket and headrest for wheelchair) for local Sunshine Coast boy with Global Disabilities This year, Trekkers are set to kick off festivities in Yeppoon on 4 May before travelling to Agnes Water, Bargara, Rainbow Beach, Caloundra and finishing at Sanctuary Cove on 9 May. Applications are now open for this action packed adventure. Registrations are ongoing.
For more information about the 2015 ‘Keppel to the Capital’ Yamaha Variety Jet Trek, please visit www.variety.org.au/qldjettrek Or call Variety - the Children’s Charity of Queensland 07 3907 9300
“The Jet Trek is an adrenalin packed adventure on personal watercrafts, travelling via some of the most amazing coastline and scenery that the East Coast has to offer.” 4th – 9th MAY 2015
HOLLYWELL SAILING SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMIT TRIAL 8AM TO 12PM DAILY A 6 knot morning speed limit is currently being trialled at Hollywell until 31st July 2015. The objective of the trial is to reduce interaction between passive craft and motorised craft in the area that is frequented by trainee, junior and disabled sailors. This trial concept is similar to lower speed limits on the roads outside schools at certain times of the day. The morning speed limit is only enforced on the western channel of Crab Island. Fast motorised vessels may use the eastern channel of Crab Island at normal speed.
For more information on the speed limit trial please contact GCWA on 07 5539 7350. mail@gcwa.qld.gov.au
Stay up to date with all the latest at gcwa.qld.gov.au boatgoldcoast.com. au
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BOAT PROTOCOL
A Day Out
On A Jetski COMMON SENSE SAFETY RULES
By Carmel Bellchambers
I
t’s that time of the year when everyone is slowing down for the cooler months here on the gorgeous Gold Coast. My family and I get out and hit the waters again with one of the most exciting motorised sports, Jetskiing. We launch out at the Southport Spit and begin our jetski adventure. Enjoying the freedom of riding a powerful boat, with a great ride up South Stradbroke Island we were fortunate to see many jellyfish in the waters - quite a unique and amazing experience. Taking in the amazing sights, we relish a nice cruise throughout the channels heading back to The Spit. What an amazing day out! The Volunteer Marine Rescue (VMR) in Southport reports that the most common emergencies they attend to are breakdowns and also people injured. One example of an emergency callout was for a group of Jetski’s that were riding too close together. By not allowing enough space between riders (minimum of 30 metres), it resulted in a collision that damaged Jetskis and injured several people. VMR Southport also recommends that each Jetski should have a towing pack. This is an extremely important accessory should assistance be required, to ensure that the Jetski does not incur more damage while being towed to safety.
SAFETY ON THE WATER FIRST With so much thrill and excitement on the Jetski, I find that it is basic to use common sense to ensure a safe and delightful experience for us and for everyone else using the waterways When safety precautions are taken for granted, someone is bound to get hurt. Here are important common sense rules when taking the Jetski out for a ride.
Each Jetski rider should be aware that the legal distance from moored or anchored vessels, shore line and swimmers is 60 metres. Keeping this distance obviously avoids accidents.
BE AWARE AND OBEY the speed limit and No Wash signs.
BE COURTEOUS to other users. Do not spray others with the wake of your Jetski.
AVOID DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES such as jumping the wake (waves that a boat leaves behind) as the angle and height can be misjudged and cause you to fall off your Jetski.
LIFE JACKETS must be worn by each person riding the Jetski.
LANYARD often referred to as a kill chord must be put around your wrist as soon as you get onto the Jetski. This string operates the kill switch that will deactivate the motor should you go overboard.
ENSURE POWER IS ON
You are a motorboat, so respect and follow rules that apply to boats with power. ALLOW ROOM FOR STOPPING
. as the Jetski will not stop immediatelyjust because you release the throttle or shut off the engine.
when steering your Jetski to maintain control. If the engine returns to idle or shuts off you will lose all steering control.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
ALWAYS LOOK BEHIND
Riding with caution and common sense is always a must. By following the basic safety rules noted above, each person riding a Jetski can really enjoy and appreciate our Gold Coast water playground.
both shoulders before making turns. The waterwaysis not your private play ground. There are others who are using the waterways, so be vigilant.
and always ride according to your ability.
HAVING FUN IS EASY
KNOW RIGHT OF WAY RULES to avoid collisions.
Marine Rescue contacts on the Gold Coast: Volunteer Marine Rescue Southport: Radio VHF 73 or 91; Phone 5591 1300 www.vmrsouthport.com.au Volunteer Marine Rescue Jacob’s Well: Radio VHF Channels 16, 67, 73, 82 Phone 5546 1100 www.vmrjw.org.au
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Australian Volunteer Coast Guard: Radio VHF 73,21,22,67,81,82,16; Phone 5531 1421; www.coastguard.com.au
Point Danger Marine Rescue (NSW): Radio VHF 16; Phone 5536 9333 www.marinerescuensw-pointdanger.com.au
KEEP YOUR Marine Rescue number saved in your mobile phone FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT GOLD COAST
QUINTREX 420 Renegade MOST POPULAR FISHING TINNIE Quintrex 420 Renegade with tiller steering. Features 3mm bottom and sides, anchor well, rear step and rail, live bait tank, front and rear casting decks, 2 Pedestal seats, heaps of storage, splash well, aft rails and side pockets. Special package combined with Mercury outboard engine and galvanized trailers. Including smooth water safety kit, 12 months boat and trailer registrations for QLD or NSW. Ready to go fishing!
QUINTREX 510 SeaSpirit BRAND NEW RELEASE FISHING BOAT Quintrex 510 SeaSpirit cuddy cabin, Millennium Blade Hull with smooth sides, cabin hatch for anchoring, internal storage, side pockets, 2 swivel seats, bow rail, aft rails, new style transom, transom door, navigation lights and bilge pump, bimini and alloy trailer, fitted with 90HP Mercury oil injected outboard engine. (Electronic packages to suit this boat starting from $800 including fishfinder and 27meg Radio)
Phone: (07) 5524 8877 Email. admin@tweedcoastmarine.com.au
FOR ALL YOUR BOATING NEEDS
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27
BOAT FEATURE
For Arts & Culture GOLD COAST CULTURAL PRECINCT PROJECT
Patrick Molnar looks into the Cultural Precinct project and its winning design concept, and discusses how a cultural precinct by the river complements the Gold Coast boating and waterways lifestyle.
A
rts Centre Gold Coast in Evandale offers a variety of artistic and cultural experiences for both locals and visitors. With programs ranging from visual arts to theatre, from contemporary art films to live music entertainment, the Arts Centre is a hub for those who appreciate art in any form. It is also home to the Gold Coast City Gallery, Sculpture Walk by the Evandale Lake, and the Arts Café. With a thriving and growing creative scene, the Gold Coast is set to become home to a world-class Cultural Precinct that aims to unite all the existing arts on the Coast. Planning of a cultural centre has been underway for many years.
The location of the civic and cultural heart will be at Evandale where the Gold Coast Arts Centre is already hosting the city’s cultural events for 25 years. The chosen site is 17 hectares of riverside land, framed by Nerang River and wonderful views of Surfers Paradise skyline.
The Need For An Arts & Culture Hub Terri Lew, gallery director of 19Karen, a contemporary art gallery based in Mermaid Beach on the Gold Coast, has this to say about the state of local arts and culture: “The Gold Coast needs a cultural precinct that will attract different demographics to our region, just like what Hobart did with Mona. Most people outside the Gold Coast still associate the Gold Coast with Sun and Surf. We now have beautiful cafes, trendy bars ( just like in the big cities) and all we are missing is a bit more culture!”
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Gold Coast mayor, Tom Tate says the Gold Coast Cultural Precinct would be a city-transforming project, supporting local arts, culture, creative industries and tourism.
The Cultural Precinct design includes enhanced jetties for the ferries and private watercrafts, better beach access, and a new bridge that will link Chevron Island to the Precinct.
“It will also provide our city with a world-class heart for arts and culture–for local and touring exhibitions, performances, festivals, events, civic celebrations and a meeting place,” says Mayor Tate. The mayor also states that this project will have significant positive impact on the city’s economy. “Stage One will deliver almost 150 full time jobs during construction and 425 ongoing positions at completion. Importantly, it will support local artists, provide new opportunities for existing creative industries and start-ups, and build creative partnerships between governments, business and the arts community. With the city’s economy currently relying largely on tourism and construction for employment, expansion of our arts and cultural facilities and programming will provide valuable new opportunities for the Gold Coast’s many talented artists and creative businesses.” The Gold Coast City Council has endorsed a $37 million Stage One to be delivered in time for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.
Designed For Diversity An international design competition of the Cultural Precinct was announced in March 2013 to challenge the best design teams in the world. The Council was expecting a design that combines landscape, architecture, urbanism and art at the same time. From the 75 entries, Melbourne-based ARM Architecture in partnership with Berlin-based Topotek1 won the competition by unanimous decision with a breathtaking design of the new Cultural Precinct. The inherent flexibility and adaptability of the Voronoi concept has been one reason why the jury has voted in favour of the design. According to Ray Marshall, senior associate at ARM Architecture, “It can create a rich mosaic of public space that can evolve over time and cope with the multiple phases that will be required to realise the final vision. Even
though the scheme will take many years to be completed, the Voronoi theme will ensure that new editions fit in stylistically with older ones.” The Voronoi diagram is a pattern that occurs naturally in nature and mathematics. It can be found in bubbles, honeycomb and animal cells. The Voronoi diagram establishes a coherent and memorable theme and creates a lyrical landscape of soft and built forms that capture the Gold Coast’s bubbly, energetic spirit. “The second reason was the scheme’s bold and inclusive reimagining of what a cultural precinct might be. The jury felt it would appeal to the widest possible demographic. From skateboarding to opera and from contemporary art to fashion catwalks, the design was seen to embrace the full diversity of Gold Coast culture,” shares Ray Marshall. The existing Arts Centre building will get a new look and will double in size to feature a 1,200seat indoor theatre, and a versatile 350-seat black box theatre which will open out to the river. The refurbished existing performance theatre will be able to accommodate up to 600 people. A huge outdoor amphitheatre will be built with a capacity of 10,000. It will host civic and cultural events and will feature a large projection screen. Probably the most eye-catching building from the winning design is the colourful 14-storey Art Tower. FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
Photos supplied by ARM Architecture
This unique building will serve as the centre of the precinct with an exterior walkway, a viewing lounge and bungee jump at the top. Two floors of library, a level for media and photography, interactive kids’ floor, among many others, will be included in the Art Tower.
Arts By The Waterways The Cultural Precinct project will have a significant effect on the waterways in Evandale. The design includes enhanced jetties for the ferries and private watercrafts, better beach access, and a new bridge that will link Chevron Island to the Precinct. “Wrapped on three sides by the Nerang River, the precinct is ideally located for water access. The winning concept by ARM Architecture and Topotek1 envisages inclusion of a recreational craft and access mooring pontoon to the precinct’s north shore, development of a ferry shuttle terminal to the south east, and provision of a number of beach access points for smaller personal leisure craft. In addition, a pedestrian and cycle bridge connecting the precinct to Chevron Island will provide clearance for continued boating access along the Nerang River. These facilities will be provided progressively in future stages as the precinct evolves,” according to Mayor Tate.
The bridge will have a remarkable design that could become an iconic gateway to the precinct. “The Green Bridge linking to Chevron Island explores a different theme of cellular structures: the metaphor of DNA Strands. Splitting the bridge clearly separates cyclists and pedestrians, and specifically provides for the needs of both,” states Ray Marshall.
Something To Watch Out For When discussed on social media and other news reports, some commenters believe this project is too expensive and only the minority of the Gold Coast residents will visit the new Cultural Precinct. Some think that the money should be spent on service improvements or to decrease rates. Other commenters think this project will add the necessary asset to the city and tourism by expanding the leisure activities on the Coast. Locals who are now driving to South Bank Cultural Precinct in Brisbane to attend a show or an art exhibition believe this project will bring these events closer to them.
will be able to host a range of exhibitions, activities and events in the lead up to the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games,” explains Mayor Tate. The completed Cultural Precinct integrated into the Gold Coast waterways will change the city with a new dimension of tourism. The precinct will reframe how people view the coast. It’s an exciting time for all of us with this opportunity to creating a new heart for the city that brings to life contemporary arts that will make culture come alive.
Gold Coast Waterfront Development Projects Story Series The Gold Coast is currently a stage for several major developments, all of them leading up to the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and beyond: the Cultural Precinct in Bundall, the Surfers Paradise Riverside, Broadwater Parklands Stage 3, and further proposed developments around the Broadwater. Boat Gold Coast features one project in every issue, as part of our waterfront development story series.
“The construction of Stage One is planned to commence in January 2016 and be completed in late 2017. The first stage will include a versatile outdoor performance space and a Riverside Hub, with expanded City Gallery exhibition space as well as civic reception spaces. These developments
www.joefarr.com.au
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Stand Up Safely For A Healthy Lifestyle
BOAT journey
By Byron Hoskins
H
ealthy living is a booming trend on the Gold Coast. This current lifestyle has seen a huge increase in people’s activity levels on our waterways, and there is a new craft of choice in recent times. Stand up paddle boarding (SUP), or known from the pioneering Hawaiians as “Hoe he’e nalu,” is a traditional but rapidly evolving global sport, becoming increasingly popular over the last few years. An SUP board is a large surfboard with the volume and size to float someone standing up without a force or a wave, with a one-sided paddle used to manoeuvre. Because of this, together with the world’s best waterways, SUP in Gold Coast estuaries is becoming very popular.
Safety with SUPs The safe and calm waters in Currumbin Creek provide an easy opportunity to learn. It is advised to stay well inside the mouth of the creek while still learning, and eventually tackling some of the Gold Coast’s world class waves as the skill level increases. Allowing boats or other motor powered crafts the right of way at all times is essential because they do the damage to you, not them. Also to maintain optimum safety, the correct safety gear, such as leg ropes, must be worn to secure the board so that it does not go upstream by itself. And remember, always slip-slop-slap. The sheltered areas of the estuary allow for families and friends to hit the water safely. With its small estuary system, Currumbin Creek is far less hazardous than the mass currents at the Tweed Bar or Seaway. “Currumbin Creek is a healthy waterway with lots of beauty and plenty of nooks and crannies among the mangroves and under the bridges,’’ explains Justin Mitchell, experienced and innovator on his SUP.
“Stand up paddle boarding is an enjoyable family-friendly sport, and can be participated by all ages,’’ says Justin. Having the ability to turn it into a weekly family activity is a great way to get the kids off their smart phones and Facebook, and to enjoy the outdoors while undertaking a healthier lifestyle. A young child can even simply double up and catch a ride on the front of the board. While paddling alongside loved ones, mates or even in solitude, your chances of running into friendly marine company, such as dolphins, is highly possible. And if needing more challenge, take up the new latest craze of yoga on SUPs. You do have to work up your skills and stability first.
So how do you get started? Within the Currumbin community and throughout the Gold Coast, SUP boards are readily available. Most modern day surf shops will have them, but your best bet is to see an SUP board store. These boards can be costly, so it’s best to hire one out first or get some lessons which are affordable. Have fun exploring the adventurous world of stand up paddle boarding, have a go, get hooked and hope to see you on the water!
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BOATGOLDCOAST.com. au
BOAT NEWS
Marine baits in freshwater
Set lines now prohibited in Queensland Fishing
S
et lines have the potential to impact target and non-target species both from an animal welfare and sustainability perspective. The low cost of set lines means fishers sometimes abandon their gear leaving the lines in the water which continue to fish (known as ghost fishing). In other cases, because the lines are not attended, when non-target species such as turtles, platypus and birds are caught in the lines they become entangled and subsequently sustain injury or drown. To address these issues, the use of set lines in Queensland will now be totally prohibited. From 1 February 2015, fishers in non-tidal waters may use up to six fishing lines but they must be no more than 50 metres from any of the fishing lines (from the original 200 metre rule). For more information, check out www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries
Protocol
I
ntroduction of disease or parasites into new areas can have serious impacts on native fish populations and may impact on the future viability of freshwater fish stocking programs. While to date there are no reports of this having occurred in Australian freshwater systems, recent risk assessments show that there is heightened risk of disease transfer between catchments through the use of freshwater animals such as fish and crustaceans and saltwater animals such as yabbies, prawns and small fish as bait. While there are already specific regulations controlling the use of some live bait to help prevent disease transfer, these are believed to be inadequate given the expansion of recreational fishing in freshwater. To prevent the spread of disease and parasites in Queensland’s freshwater systems, From 1 February 2015 the use of baits from the marine (saltwater) environment has been prohibited in freshwater unless the bait has been frozen, cooked or preserved. For more information, check out www.daff.qld.gov.au/fisheries
Southport Yacht Club sailors win
VMR Southport adds vessel to fleet Local
Sailing
V
S
It also acts as a secondary rescue vessel for VMR Southport’s fleet. With 871 call outs for assistance in 2013, and as the population and popularity of the Gold Coast continues to grow, the need for Marine Rescue 4 is undeniable.
Kyle O’Connell and crew Tom Siganto, sailing in the 29er class to also finish on the podium in third place. Another achievement for Southport Yacht Club Junior sailors saw Angus Sherring and Jackson Foort win the Sabot 2-Up at the National Sabot Championships
olunteer Marine Rescue-Southport recently added a new vessel in its rescue fleet. Marine Rescue 4, a Noosa Cat 2400 Walkabout powered by 2/150hp Mercury Verado Four Stroke outboards with Electronic Controls and Power Steering, will fill an important gap as a dedicated training vessel ensuring the safety of crews and a commitment to training the Volunteer Marine Rescue teams of the future.
ailors representing the Southport Yacht Club have joined several competitions that gained many trophies for the fleet. The crew of Why Seas Joel Turner and Lewis Brake won five out of ten races in the 49er class, during the 2014-2015 Australian 9er championships Olympic-Class racing in Jervoise Bay in Western Australia, ending up first place in the race.
For your chance to win simply visit www.boatgoldcoast.com.au/sunglasses Terms and Conditions apply. Competition closes 31/03/2015 at 23.59 (AEDT)
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FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
BOAT ADVERTISING
CREATE YOUR FUTURE 1
3
2
4
5
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1. control console of a 9mtr catamaran designed and built by students using CAD CAM techniques 2. sea trials on the boat on the plane 3. centre console designed, fabricated and wired by students 4. a trainer doing sea trials on the completed boat 5. students making the mould after completing the plug. 6. boat from front showing front seat, console seat, stainless work and trailer all made by students
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A new, unique and exciting diploma program is being conducted by Advanced Trade Training Centre (ATTC) at Arundel on the northern end of the Gold Coast commencing the academic year 2015. The program is suitable for year 12 graduates and anyone who wants to upgrade or re-skill for the future.
Boats offer an extremely wide variety of experience in materials and manufacturing techniques and a wide range of manufacturing skills. Further, there is a developing boom in Asia among the emerging middle classes who want to own recreational craft. A recent Australian trade delegation to China concluded, “If your study plan does not include digital techniques and China, you are studying the wrong stuff.” ATTC blends modern marine craft design, composite boat building, and computer- aided manufacturing techniques to develop a person who will be able to work in the current environment while developing contacts and computer-aided manufacturing techniques to use Chinese manufacturing capacity. Learn by doing. This is our very simple and extremely effective approach to teaching. With a combined classroom and workshop structure, students will leave the centre with both physical skills and intellectual acumen.
By reinforcing traditional practices while employing the latest digital techniques, together with information about working with China, our instructors ensure graduates will be prepared for work in the “now” and also prepare them for the changes that will inevitably impact them during their working life. While the centre focuses its practical work on boats, it does not profess to be a boatbuilding school (even though our instructors are experienced in that trade). Through engineering theories, graduates will have built boats from 5.2 metres to 12 metres during the program and can easily work in the marine industry. The reason they build boats is only because boats are technically challenging to build – with their varied aspects of engineering detail -- and provide a great opportunity to work in 2D and 3D dimension. Moreover, the process of building a boat also provides both a curved and flat pack digital manufacturing experience. Enrol Now, Contact Details Below.
LEARN HOW TO DESIGN AND BUILD BOATS... ‘CREATE YOUR FUTURE’
Advanced Trade Training Centre Pty Ltd is a Registered Training Organisation – RTO no. 40783. Accredited to conduct “MEM50105 Diploma of Engineering – Advanced Trade”
ENR NOWOL !
For more information or a prospectus contact Alan Brown 0427 376199 or John Henderson 0407 727917 Or email info@advancedtradetraining.com. Visit us at our website www.advancedtradetraining.com boatgoldcoast.com. au
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BOAT environmenT
KEEPING OUR WATERWAYS CLEAN easy as 1, 2, 3
A GOAT’S FOOT HELPS OUR BEACH By Maggie Muurmans, Griffith Centre Coastal Management
By Naomi Edwards, Gold Coast Catchment Association
T
T
Other than lovegrass, the names may suggest these are plants that aren’t useful, pretty or required. However, nothing is more to the contrary. Many of these coastal plants have gorgeous flowers with vibrant colours of purple or yellow. Some of them have even had some great use for aborigines who ate their fruit raw and roasted their leaves to supply salt to their diet. But most importantly, they play an incredibly important role in preventing sand erosion!
Marine debris, also referred to as marine litter, is long lasting manufactured solid materials that is discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment. It is listed as a Key Threatening Process under the Australian Government’s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act due to the life threatening impacts marine debris causes on marine wildlife including turtles, fish, seabirds, whales, etc.
Vegetation on the dunes is able to capture and hold windblown sand, therefore acting as a sand storage system for the dunes in the event of storms and erosion. The roots provide stability to this last line of defence and the plant itself is able to lessen the speed of the onshore winds. Without our coastal plants we would lose our beloved beach!
The Gold Coast is renowned for its beaches and waterways. From a bird’s eye view, they look clean. However, after a closer look, the evidence of the national to worldwide problem of marine debris is clear. With over 600km of waterways and beaches, managing marine debris on the Gold Coast starts on land and with us.
BeachCare and CoastEd, programs of the Griffith Centre for Coastal Management in partnership with the City of Gold Coast, have been working towards the revegetation of the dune areas along the Gold Coast. Everyone who regularly uses the beach can also actively help in protecting these fragile environments. Make sure you stay clear from the dune plants and don’t walk on top of them, don’t litter on the beach and dunes, and maybe join one of many Beach Care groups in your local area! You can make sure that these coastal beauties are able to continue their essential role to keep our beaches together so we can have lots of sand today, tomorrow and many years to come.
The Tangaroa database indicates that the top 10 items found on Gold Coast beaches include plastic water bottles, plastic bags, bait bags and tackle items, fishing line, cigarette butts, broken pieces of plastic and food packaging. All this trash doesn’t come from the sea; it comes from land and from us.
he Gold Coast beaches are home to a great diversity of native dune plants that have some fascinating names. On your next visit to the beach, keep your eye out for barbed wire grass, pigface, goat’s foot, devil’s twine or coastal lovegrass!
Hey Percival, did you hear goats are allowed on our beaches
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No Petros, Goat’s foot is a plant that prevents sand erosion!
hree million items of marine debris from Australian beaches have been entered into the Australian Marine Debris Initiative in the last 10 years. The only national database of its kind was founded by Tangaroa Blue Foundation and is changing the face of mitigating marine debris washing up on beaches around the country.
What can we do about this? The simple solution is to be a responsible beachgoer, fisher or boatie. Take all trash with you and even clean up frequented beaches. As the issue isn’t going away anytime soon, we all need to play our part and it’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. The Tangaroa Blue Foundation website offers some great tips on how to clean up our local beaches, even the best way to reduce marine debris sources. For more information please email: info@tangaroablue.org or visit tangaroablue.org
1 2 3
Take all trash with you and collect what you find wherever you are adventuring. Record what you collect using Tangaroa Blue Foundation’s marine debris manual. Enter results online at tangaroablue.org.
FEBRUARY - APRIL 2015
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BOAT TECHNOLOGY
BOAT APPS
A QUARTERLY UPDATE ON THE BEST BOATING APPS AROUND
QLD Fishing Created by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and FREE at iStore. You can have instant access to Queensland’s fishing rules anytime and anywhere. The Queensland Recreational Fishing App provides up-to-date information on recreational fishing rules and regulations in Queensland, including size and possession limits, species identification, closed seasons, closed water and stocked impoundment maps, angler diary, and access to tide and weather information. Download from www.itunes.com/qldfishing
Fishbrain Available on iOS and Android, the free-to-use FishBrain app helps sport-fishing enthusiasts catch more (and bigger) fish by gathering and managing vast amounts of meteorological and user data, and allowing them to share fishing trips and catches with their peers. Users can also upgrade to a Premium Account for a small fee, which allows deeper insight and personal analysis that helps improve an angler’s performance. An example is the capability to suggest what bait is most effective in catching a particular type of fish in a specific area. Download from www.fishbrain.com
The new Maritimo M65. A Clear And Convincing Statement. Step aboard and you will be immediately captivated by its space - easily accommodating your family in style, safety and comfort for some genuine blue water passage making. With four main cabins, including a full beam master and full beam ensuite, a massive galley, plus Maritimo’s signature internal staircase leading to a flybridge larger than most others saloons, experience an apartment feel with every creature comfort while on the sea. Defined by the ultimate in Maritimo style, engineering, power & outstanding efficiency, everything combines to establish the uniquely commanding stature and natural leader of our fleet.
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• Never Antifoul Again. Ever.
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The Coomera Marine Precinct is home base to a remarkable local company that manufactures a unique dry-docking system for recreational and commercial vessels. The Sea Pen, available from Dockpro, is for boaties wanting to keep their boat moored in the water without the cost of antifouling the hull and the hassle of trying to maintain a boat that lives in water. Historically, using antifouling has been the paradigm for reducing marine growth when mooring in the water. Antifouling, a chemical based paint, has proven costly and time consuming to apply and requires regular, sometimes twice yearly removal and re-application. For years, antifouling has been seen as a necessary evil but not any more, thanks to Sea Pen. Sea Pen is a water level dry-docking system that suits any vessel 5-30 metres with any drive system and any hull configuration. Sea Pen works by isolating boats from the water, thanks to a unique waterproof skin, and then creating an airspace around the boat for ventilation, thanks to a patented mesh technology. Dry-Docking your boat in a Sea Pen is a simple, four step process:
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Locate The Sea Pen lowers into the water – you simply drive your boat into the water space inside the Sea Pen.
Isolate The frame floats to the surface and, thanks to the Sea Pen’s unique waterproof skinn seals an isolated pool of water around your boat. Drain The Sea Pen’s powerful bilge system evacuates the isolated pool of water in the Sea Pen, allowing the Sea Pen to shrink-wrap around your boats hull and running gear. Sea Pen’s patented mesh system protects the waterproof lining from the sharp edges on props, trims tabs etc. Ventilate As the Sea Pen shrink-wraps around your boat, the patented rope mesh system creates an air space around the hull. This helps water to drain to the automatic bilge system and surrounds your boat in an air void, eliminating any growth on your boat. Your boat is now dry-docked, floating on a layer of air at water level. You can walk around the Sea Pen to wash your boat down or attach covers and flush your motors with ease. It’s always safe to be on board your boat when it’s in the Sea Pen.
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H OT E L S & R E S O RT S
Sustain. Enhance. Promote. The Gold Coast Waterways Authority strives to deliver the best possible management of the waterways so they remain clean, safe and accessible now and into the future. Our vision is a waterways network that is sustainably managed to reect and support an appropriate balance
We invite you to be involved and informed by joining our community.
Visit gcwa.qld.gov.au Great State. Great Opportunity.