The backlash has ensued following the recent directive from Redland City Council to remove several canoes from island sites on Karragarra, Macleay, and Coochiemudlo. The decision has been likened to “destroying a men’s shed on water,” as the island community has utilised the canoes for over a decade.
Peter Hayward, the spokesperson for the Southern Moreton Bay Island Community Outriggers, expressed the community’s dismay at the advisory notices and abandoned vehicle stickers placed on the six-man outrigger canoes. He noted that the council provided no substantial reason for the removal, simply stating that they were on public land and needed to be relocated or would be taken away.
Hayward highlighted that the canoes were situated on small land areas with no apparent alternative use. The sites were well-maintained by the community, causing no harm to vegetation. Furthermore, the Karragarra location was a designated canoe launch area recognised by the Redland City Council. The canoes served as a source of enjoyment, fitness, friendship, and both mental and physical well-being for numerous individuals and groups, including schools, indigenous communities, and visitors.
Despite the council’s push for an aquatic centre for paddling and the upcoming Olympics, Hayward criticised the contradictory approach of restricting the community’s access to paddling opportunities. The island paddlers have received support from residents, groups, and local businesses, including the ferry and RSL, utilising the canoes for ANZAC ceremonies. Additionally, discussions were underway to decorate the canoes with indigenous artwork as part of a youth project.
A spokesperson for the Redland City Council explained that the notices were issued in response to customer complaints regarding watercraft stored on public land and foreshores. The council aimed to regenerate the areas and address concerns about overcrowding. They mentioned removing a dragon boat from the Macleay Island foreshore and ongoing investigations into an outrigger stored on the Karragarra Island foreshore. On Coochiemudlo Island, the council planned to remove many abandoned vessels and collaborate with residents to encourage storing watercraft on private property rather than along the foreshore.
The council spokesperson acknowledged the unique coastal lifestyle of Redlands Coast, spanning over 335km, and expressed a commitment to engage with community stakeholders to explore potential solutions for appropriate storage of outriggers, canoes, and kayaks along the foreshore while considering the preservation of the area’s natural environment.
