M E D I A R E L E A S E 26 Feb 2016
Put the power back on
The VMR (Volunteer Marine Rescue) first aid station on Stradbroke Island provides an essential service to the community. In the event of an accident, they are first on the scene and we all know that can be a life saving moment.
In September 2012, Gold Coast City Council cut off their power without notice and then advised that if a generator was used and somebody complains about noise, their lease would be in breach.
The volunteers who donate their time have had to get by with a solar panel that provides a dim light and enough power for their radios. Air-conditioning is just a memory.
It is hard to imagine that a group of public servants can behave like bullies but that is what has happened and it is simply disgraceful that such discrimination has occurred under these circumstances.
This is one of many happenings that point to an anti-boating bias within the Council administration and it is time for a change of that culture.
The Marine Action Group is conducting surveys with the industry and the boating community to achieve a united policy position to address the many concerns that have resulted from a Council that does not consult and as a result is out of step with the community.
President of Marine Action Group Inc. and now Division 3 candidate Keith Douglas said today “I am calling on Mayor Tom Tate to intervene and get the power reconnected without delay.”
It is time we stood up and be counted.”
ENDS
For further comment contact Keith Douglas
Mobile: 0419 650 091
Email: keith@keithdouglas.com.au
Website: http://keithdouglas.com.au
The industry survey is at:
http://marineactiongroup.com/boating/haveyoursay.php
Great to catch up with VMR Treasurer Jeff Lind and volunteer Julie-Anne Crossley at their Jacobs Well headquarters.
365 days a year and 24 hours a day a group of dedicated volunteers provide an invaluable service to boaties in need.
They receive very little assistance yet they are always there to help, even in the middle of the night.
On South Stradbroke Island, they have a first aid station and a base that badly needs support. It is hard to imagine that Gold Coast City Council cut their power off in 2012 without notice and then informed them that if they get any noise complaints from the use of a generator, that it would be considered a breach of their lease. This shows just how far out of touch the Gold Coast City Council is with the community. It is time for a change of culture.
They survive with one solar panel that keeps their radios going and provides a meager light in the night. They have not had air conditioning since 2012.
If I am successful in being elected (which I am working very hard at) then the VMR station near Tipplers in Division 3 will get the support it deserves.
We are very lucky to have people like this in our community. It makes me angry to hear reports like this so tomorrow, I will just have to get out of bed even earlier to chase those extra votes that might be needed to get across the line on election day.
