TO ALL WINDSURFERS WHO LIKE TO SAIL AT BOOTI POINT
 
This is to inform you of an impending National Parks and Wildlife draft management plan for the future use and proposed changes to vehicular access to one of the best summer N.E wind spots on the Mid-North Coast of N.S.W. These changes will inevitably lead to road closure for vehicles to this great crosshore windsurfing spot.

I was informed by the Booti Parks manager, Brett Cann one windy afternoon at the point. I was at first angry, then appreciative of the fact that the management plan has yet to be drafted, and that Brett did actively seek a local windsurfer to notify us of the plan. There was apparently a public meeting that I was unaware of some weeks back. There is no intended date set for these changes to be applied yet, but my estimate would be about a year for the plan to be drafted and submissions to be entered.

I know that it would be a sad loss for access to ‘The Point’ to be denied. YOU CAN HELP!! We are currently seeking some solidarity and support from the windsurfing community. There simply aren’t enough local windsurfers to make an impact, so we are getting a submission together and would like signatures, names and addresses (emails too) of people who would be willing to help put their names forward and lend us a hand.

Booti Point (AKA) Dots Point, has been used by windsurfers since the mid eighties, when back then, there were competitions, better access and facilities, all managed well by Nat. Parks, generating reasonable revenue for them. These facilities, included lots of camping, toilets, picnic tables and a better road! Fortunately, the National Parks and Wildlife were using the 1987 Booti State Recreation Area Management policies which granted consideration for all relevant sporting and recreational pursuits.

It is a disappointment that over the holiday periods, owing to many unsavoury visitors that can’t help their trashy and inconsiderate dumping of rubbish, broken glass and general vandalising of the bush, that has probably led to this decision. After cleaning up after many a session at the point, I can see why. The Parks policy of ‘no bins’ and take your own rubbish away, hasn’t helped, neither has the reduction of areas properly maintained by them.

I have a Nat. Parks car sticker and support the Parks generally, but feel that unless we can ask for due consideration, then we’ll all miss out. Send us any ideas or thoughts that you think may help. For now think about it, but don’t wait too long.
A Concerned Windsurfer,

Gabe Kelemen, Ph 6554 2424
email:chriskelemen@yahoo.com.au