Former Premier Anna Bligh

Hikes of 146% Are OK By Me Former Premier Anna Bligh.

Awarded for a multitude of sins ranging from promising not to remove the 8 cents a litre fuel subsidy paid by power boat owners, but then breaking her promise and pocketing it; for increasing typical boat registration fees by 144% and typical trailer registration fees by 35% in her last term.

Premier Campbell Newman

I’ll Get It One Way Or The Other Premier Campbell Newman.

Awarded for sending his minions around to find out whether he could charge a Recreational Fishing Licence on top of the massive fee hikes handed out by his Labor predecessors. When the answer came back a flat ‘no’, he then grabbed half of the $18 Recreational Use Levy paid by every power boat owner, to apply to administrative and departmental costs instead of the programs it was originally introduced to finance, such as fish stocking. Also a dishonourable mention for attending a Brisbane boating and fishing exhibition in early 2012 where he undid the good ground work undertaken by his boating lieutenants.

Cr Wendy Boglary

It’s Not What I Wanted (I Think) Cr Wendy Boglary Division 1 Redland City Council.

Awarded for chairing a committee meeting about an issue in her electorate division where she says she wasn’t consulted by council officers, but then voted against their recommendation; proposed an amendment which then was moved in a form she didn’t like; and now is saying the result of her motion was not the result she wanted; and has written to fellow councillors and the community trying to explain how it all went so wrong.

Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams

Industry Boat Has Sailed Redland City Council Mayor Karen Williams.

Voted to reduce the number of reserved car trailer parks even further despite them being already being below the state’s recommendation. In doing so, picked up an anti-boating moniker that has been heard loudly by many marine businesses. A fellow councillor alleges she speaks of recreational fishers in the most disparaging terms..

Cr Murray Elliott

Honourable Mention as a Potential Hero
Cr Murray Elliott Division 7 (RCC Alexandra Hills, Capalaba)

Supported the recommendation made by council's officers. The recommendation would not only have allowed council to deliver on its obligations, but also would have prevented the: “We're going to have a trial, but we're not going to measure anything, because we didn't bother to check if there was a budget first, nor did we consider how the trial could be managed” debacle now facing all users.

Cr Lance Hewlett

Honourable Mention as a Potential Hero
Cr Lance Hewlett Division 4 (RCC Victoria Point, Coochie Mudlo Island, Thornlands, Redland Bay)
Supported the recommendation made by council’s officers. The recommendation would not only have allowed council to deliver on its obligations, but also would have prevented the: “We're going to have a trial, but we're not going to measure anything, because we didn't bother to check if there was a budget first, nor did we consider how the trial could be managed” debacle now facing all users.

Dr Mark Robinson MP Cleveland

How Come That? Dr Mark Robinson, MP, Cleveland.

With a bachelor of science, majoring in marine biology and zoology from James Cook University, listens to locals and quickly recognises boating and fishing as key electoral issues. Campaigns on them and wins the 2009 election by 155 votes ousting the sitting Labor member. Continues to campaign on boating and fishing issues in 2012 election and romps in by more than 10,000 votes. His reward? Premier Campbell Newman overlooks him initially for any post including the obvious marine-related portfolios.

Ramp It Up Mini Logo

 

Ramp It Up Supporters.

Awarded to concerned Queensland boat owners whose anger, suggestions and solutions prompted the formation of this alliance drawn from Queensland's 236,000 owners of registered boats.

 

 

And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.

-  Libba Bray