ONE local resident’s desire to preserve the creek bank at Kinchela from damage caused by people launching boats has led to the idea of installing a brand new boat ramp at Kinchela Creek.
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Retired police officer John Tallis has lived near the creek for many years and has watched a constant stream of recreational boaters and fishermen use an unofficial boat ramp located on private property.
The property changed hands last year and the new owners have decided they do not want the practice to continue.
They have put up a fence and gate and have restricted access to what is effectively their backyard.
Mr Tallis said people who used to use the ramp have taken to using the creek bank and have already caused some damage.
“It’s completely reasonable for the new owners of the property to decide that they don’t want strangers on their property, that’s not the problem,” Mr Tallis said.
“The ramp was pretty unofficial anyway it had just been poured using some left over concrete from the owner’s concrete batching plant that he used to operate.
“The problem is that one fisherman in particular has taken to launching his boat using the creek bank adjacent to the northern pylon of the SWR Road bridge and the damage that has been done to the bank is already obvious.
“What I am most concerned about is the very real possibility that this erosion combined with a flood could cause a lot of the existing creek bank to be washed away.”
After contacting the Kempsey Shire Council and a local councillor Mr Tallis was told that it was not clear which government agency had jurisdiction over the area, and that it was unlikely anything could be done quickly.
Searching for ideas to solve the problem, he visited the NSW Maritime agency at South West Rocks.
“They were very helpful and contacted several agencies for help but with no luck,” Mr Tallis said.
“Then the boating safety officer suggested I apply to have a boat ramp installed as NSW Maritime had funds available through the Better Boating program for safety and infrastructure projects.
“He suggested I find out what my neighbours thought and if they were in favour I should apply on their website for the boat ramp project.
“Well everyone I have spoken to thinks it is a good idea.
“It wouldn’t need to be very big, just the most basic ramp similar to what we had been using would do the trick and it need not cost very much.”
If you have an interest in seeing a boat ramp installed at Kinchela Creek you can contact John Tallis on 6567 4693 or via email jftallis@gmail.com
