Deputy Chief Executive Officer Carl Manton said boat licences were issued by Maritime Safety Queensland and were a State Government responsibility. GRC introduced the Water Park Vessel permits to ensure that boat owners using the park were properly licensed and insured.

However after legal advice they have decided to end the permit system.

“Legally we can charge a fee for anything,” Deputy-Mayor, Cr Rick Kearney said.

However he said the fee was nothing about revenue raising and all about ensuring the safety of all users of the park. Cr Kearney said Council would contact the Department of Transport to ensure they police the licensing of drivers and the registration of boats. The question was raised at last week’s Council meeting whether it should refund money to those who had already paid for permits for this year.

“I think people should pay to use the Water Park.

“We charge people to use the toilets at Coolmunda Dam,” Cr Rick McDougall said.

“Skiers will be doing a fair bit of damage to the banks of the water, and Council has to pay for that. Can we charge an access fee instead?” Cr Rob Reardon asked.

“Forget thinking about it as a Ski Park. It’s not a Ski Park. That’s the last thing I want to see. It’s a Natural Heritage Water Park.

“You can’t charge people to come and look,” said Cr Phil Percival.

“The Ski Club pay the money and do everything right, then you get cowboys coming in.

“We’re just continuing to penalise the people who are doing the right thing iuf we can’t police it,” said Cr Kneipp.

“We can’t restrict people from going on the water,” said Deputy Mayor Cr Rick Kearney. “If they have a boat licence they are allowed to be on water. Can we get the maritime safety people to come out – it’s just not safe?” said Cr Kneipp.

Councillors were divided about whether or not to refund money to those who had paid for permits.

“I don’t think we’re doing anything wrong,” said Cr McDougall.

“I think we should refund it,” said Cr Kneipp.