Pontoon issues for creek users

THE floating pontoon installed at Coorooman Creek is a popular asset but has also caused some conflict due to confusion over who has right of way: people fishing or those using boats. Chair of the council's infrastructure committee Glenda Mather said the pontoon had greatly increased the usability of the facility for launching and retrieving boats and was a great fishing platform. "Unfortunately this dual use has given rise to some heated clashes between people fishing and people in boats, which is a common problem throughout Queensland," Cr Mather said. "Our advice from the State Government is that the launching and retrieving of boats has priority. "In a bid to clear up any confusion, council has erected signs to clarify that fishing lines should be removed from the vicinity of anyone launching or retrieving a boat. While we hope these signs will be sufficient, council officers may also visit the site to ensure that  regulations are being followed." Division 2 Councillor, Tom Wyatt, said he had been approached by a number of people seeking clarification as to who had right of way and was happy to clear up any confusion. "I brought this up at a recent committee meeting and as a result our Council officers made some enquiries with the State Government, which owns the boat ramp," Cr Wyatt said. "While people in boats have the right of way, there is no intention to exclude people from fishing on the pontoon. "It is also important that people using boats remember that this facility is not a jetty and is not intended for boats to be tied to it for long periods. "This is a great facility for everyone to continue to enjoy and we hope all members of the community can be courteous of other users."