As many clubs and paddlers would be aware, the government department Urban Growth has lodged a development application (DA) to develop a temporary marina at Bank Street. The temporary marina would accommodate small and medium sized party cruise boats and its footprint butts up against the current Dragon Boats NSW licenced area. As you are all aware, that licenced area is used by many city clubs as a training base; it is also the only area which supports corporate and school development paddling.

Without putting too fine a point on it, the marina will affect our clubs and our paddlers. As a first action, DBNSW is seeking urgent meetings with Urban Growth and RMS to better understand the impact on our members. In addition to this, we have asked for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Sport to discuss the possible ramifications to our sport. As well, DBNSW has been invited to become a member of a committee organising a community (Pyrmont) response to the DA. That committee meets for the first time tomorrow, 19 July and DBNSW will have representatives there.

As many would be aware, DBNSW conducted a metropolitan club workshop last Friday evening in response to the recent club survey. At the conclusion of the workshop, the issue of Bank Street was discussed and the clubs present committed to support whatever action DBNSW plans. That action plan will be put in place with the board recruiting members with expertise in planning to assist the board. There is no doubt we will need the support of all clubs and members, both city and regional, in this process. That support might be via written submissions and visits to local members of parliament. Please note that this will happen quickly and DBNSW will keep everyone updated through Facebook and www.dbnsw.org.au .

Glenn Tasker

CEO