Thanks for Nothing - Message to Queensland Govt

12:27 AM Tue 4 Nov 2008 GMT
A week of excitement and disappointment. How does one figure that? Well, here at Powerboat-World we've been busier than one-armed bricklayers, with offshore racing, Formula 1 and Formula 2000, Unlimited boats and Mono boats of all shapes and sizes doing battle on the Gold Coast.

That was the excitement. The disappointment?

Easy, the Queensland Government and its bumbling, dithering bureaucrats, ranging from 'suits' in Maritime Safety Queensland, through to State Work Cover and including the Gold Coast Water Police.

In short, powerboat racers, are not welcome on the so-called 'glitter strip.' Crazy, isn't it?

The State Government recognises that tourism is a vital component for the Gold Coast (probably all it recognises!) yet it wants nothing to do with an event that, if it gained world wide status with the Union Internationale Motonautique UIM), could attract upwards of 25,000 spectators and competitors to Queensland.

During last week and through to the weekend, the UIM, world governing body of all forms of power boat racing, held its general assembly here on the Gold Coast. More than 120 delegates from 62 nations were I town checking out the scene.

By all reports they absolutely adored the Gold Coast, the hospitality they received and the racing and organisation they saw.

What are they doing now? Compiling the list of race venues for 2009 in nations that are not hamstrung by half-witted (and so-called!) public servants.

Thanks, Queensland, thanks for nothing.

by Bob Wonders

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Thanks for Nothing - Message to Queensland Govt

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