Council supports temporary relocation of sailing activities

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Published
19th January 2023

At this week’s Ordinary Council Meeting, Livingstone Shire Councillors resolved to support a proposal to provide a 12-month tenure agreement to Keppel Bay Sailing Club Limited (KBSC) to temporarily permit the club to relocate its sailing operations to an area of Reserve for Park and Recreation.

KBSC has requested to utilise the foreshore area located north of Beachside Caravan Park to Farnborough Beach Access Nine (FB9) during reconstruction of their Clubhouse at Anzac Parade.

Councillor Pat Eastwood, Portfolio holder of Healthy and Inclusive Community, said Council’s decision to support the temporary relocation follows community consultation undertaken in November 2022.

“Of the 145 survey responses, over 80 percent supported the short-term proposal,” Cr Eastwood said.

“Some of the concerns raised by the remaining respondents were in relation to traffic management, disruption to community access and environmental damage.

“Council officers have met with KBSC representatives and key stakeholders to ensure these concerns are addressed in the amended Land Management Plan (LMP), which will require final approval by the Queensland Government’s Department of Resources.

“Council and KBSC agree that safe public access will be given priority during sailing activities and the disruption to public use of Farnborough Beach and the access will be minimal.

“A site inspection confirmed that the number of existing car parks along Farnborough Road will be sufficient to accommodate both KBSC members and beach-goers.”

The proposed use of the Reserve will require a Material Change of Use (MCU) application to be made to Council with a supporting Traffic Impact Assessment report to address parking and traffic movements.

Cr Eastwood said KBSC has agreed to return the foreshore area to its original condition at the end of the tenure agreement and at their own cost.

“Some trees may need to be removed, which will be reinstated by the club, and nearby rehabilitation works undertaken by Capricorn Coast Landcare Inc will not be affected.

“The club brings a lot to the Capricorn Coast region. Sailing is one of the biggest sports here and the club’s sailing programs have taught a lot of kids really valuable skills.

“Council’s support of the relocation of the club’s sailing operations means this much-loved sporting and recreational activity can continue for the benefit of the Livingstone community.”

It’s expected that the permit will be issued to KBSC in March, pending State Government approval of the amended LMP and Council’s approval of the MCU application.

The proposed sailing frequency will be:

  • Sundays 8am – 4pm;
  • Monday – Wednesday 3.30pm – 6pm (during school term only);
  • Saturday – monthly regattas; and
  • September 2023 – a week-long sailing event.