River debate continues

By Jonathon Howard

BANNING SPEED boats and blaming Queenslanders for using the Tweed River at Condong is not the answer to erosion concerns, according to Tweed River Users Incorporated (TRU Inc) president and Tumbulgum resident Tony Vass.

Mr Vass has provided The Weekly with a comprehensive response following a report from Condong farmer Matthew Shoobridge, who featured on the front page of The Weekly on March 30.

Mr Vass said TRU Inc is a collective of residents and business operators whose objectives are to promote the interests of the community for safer boating and improved infrastructure and access to the Tweed River.

“After reading the article in last week’s paper we would like to clarify a few points,” Mr Vass wrote.

“The Gold Coast has not banned highwash vessels from their waterways, they have created usage and no-wash zones to improve the amenity and safety of areas in the Broadwater and canals.

“Matthew is correct that vessel operations are more regulated on the Gold Coast, and that’s because the populated areas around the Gold Coast waterways have required the need for this. The same way speed limits and traffic calming devices are installed on roads around schools and residential areas.

“Others have complained in the past that Queenslanders are loving the Tweed River to death and that their high concentration of vessel activity is the reason for bank erosion. This is wrong and not helpful to the discussion.

“There is a higher concentration of vessel ownership on the Gold Coast and a quick check of boat registrations by postcode reveals the entire boat registration for the Tweed Shire is less than the postcode of 4225 in Queensland for Coolangatta and Bilinga, but the Tweed River system is open to all. The same way most of us enjoy the Gold Coast beaches and waterways such as Tallebudgera or Currumbin creeks.

“We would support Matthew’s application to seek funding to rock the Condong section of the river, but it won’t resolve the underlying issue of the river’s health and bank slippage which is caused by silting of the entire river system, which in turn can be attributed to storm and flood events.

“As the river continues to silt up this is increasing the height of tide marks which increases the scouring of the toe and bank zones.”

Mr Vass said TRU Inc are now pushing for Tweed Shire Council to seek funding from the NSW Government to commission a hydrology report on the river “so we can have the science of the bank erosion front and centre of this discussion.”

“Proof of river silting and some of the worst bank erosion on the river is evident upstream of the Commercial Road boat ramp in Murwillumbah, which ironically is where very few vessels go or can tow because of the shallow nature of the river,” he said.

“Further downstream next to the bridge at Tumbulgum is another example of where the silting of the river has developed a large island of sand and soil, and from time to time large logs and river rubbish. This silting process is clearly visible from Google Maps.”

Mr Vass said it should be noted that the area where Matthew’s property sits is the narrowest section of the river system and outward flows — tidal or flood — are always going to ‘’bottleneck’’ and flow at a faster rate where the river narrows, which will, in turn, put pressure on the banks.

“We are also unsure if it has an effect, but farming practices along the river edge could also play a part in Matthew’s issues with bank stabilisation,” he said.

“As you can see from images, machinery has removed the crops or grasses from a large area next to the river bank which could cause alluvial soils to loosen.

“Others may know more about this, but a simple search of bank erosion and riverbank stabilisation techniques do not recommend the removal of vegetation.”

River Used As A Toilet

Mr Vass said there is a “minority” of fishermen and other river users who defecate in and around the river, “which is something that unfortunately happens everywhere, and along with people leaving rubbish and cut-off fishing line needs to be managed with more public access to toilets and bins.”

“Our group have been lobbying Council for years to provide better facilities at Condong as they have done at Tumbulgum and other areas along the river,” he said.

“The local Water Police and NSW Maritime staff are doing a great job with enforcement and education of vessel operators on the river and we thank them, but our group agrees that there is a minority out there who operate vessels in a selfish manner without care for others or are aware of the sensitivity of some areas in the river but just like road users, education, safety and enforcement by others is the best way forward to manage the river.”

YOUR THOUGHTS: Do you believe siltation of the Tweed River requires greater investigation? The Weekly would love to hear from you. Send your thoughts and letters to editor@theweekly.net.au

David Crossan Lawyer