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 Stage 3A water restrictions are in place and have impacted on methods available to clean our boats.
Many members have contacted SKMC requesting clarification as to what is prohibited, and what is allowed to enable us to keep our boats clear of hazardous and corrosive substances, and also what can be done to minimize water use whilst ensuring our boats maintain a safe condition.
To assist their residents to maintain their vessels whilst at the same time exercising high standards of water conservation, many marinas around the Bay have installed desalinators which allow their members to maintain their boats without the need to use any potable (fresh) water whatsoever.
SKMC has been in contact with Marina Management regarding the possibility of St Kilda Marina adopting the same high standards of environmental responsibility and customer courtesy, however we are still awaiting a response.
Members are unanimous in their desire for Marina Management, and our marina itself, to exhibit the highest standards of water conservation and environmental responsibility whilst assisting its residents to maintain our vessels with no requirements for the use of fresh water by installing a desalinator, which could easily be installed alongside one of the many empty berths, or on the far side near the fuel bowsers, etc.
In the meantime SKMC has received clarification from South East water regarding what can be done to ensure our boats are safe and free of corrosive or hazardous substances, whilst completely abiding by current water restrictions in a responsible manner, ie following the letter, and the spirit of the law.
The fact is that this is not simply an issue of legality - it’s also an issue of morality and all SKMC members contacted so far have made similar points. We do want to do the right thing by the community whilst also as required keeping our boats in a safe and hazard free condition. Water restrictions are also a very sensitive issue for the community and it’s very important that boat owners conduct themselves to the highest standards of good citizenship, especially when it comes to the contentious issue of water restrictions.
The letter from SE Water is a little ambiguous but after consultation with them we can confirm the following:
* Cleaning corrosive or hazardous substances from a vehicle (vessel) within the marina and as only required is not restricted when the boat is too large to be taken to a commercial car wash.
* Buckets and sponges must be used when and if possible.
* Hoses can NOT be used under any circumstances unless attached to a high pressure water unit. (Karcher, etc)
* Only large boats that can not be taken to a commercial car wash may be cleaned at the marina.
Professional boat cleaners/ detailers who have submitted water conservation plans to the relevant authorities can obviously be utilised, however this is not always possible or viable everytime the need to remove bird droppings, bait residue, fish blood & scales, or salt build up, etc arises.
SKMC encourages all members to always exercise restraint in the use of water, and of course to use water as wisely and as efficiently as possible both here at the marina and everywhere else as well.
St Kilda Marina Club members are invited to download a copy of the South East Water letter for reference and we strongly suggest a copy be kept on your boat.
In keeping with SKMC’s high standards of community responsibility, to download this letter we ask that you agree to abide by the terms and spirit of this letter, and pledge maximum water conservation practices at all times and especially when cleaning your boat.
"I agree to maximize my own water conservation practises. Please download file now."
*** You will be required to login using your SKMC member details
As usual, it's the actions of a minority of ignorant, uncooperative or irresponsible people that can make things more difficult for the rest of us. If you see a breach of water restrictions, you can and should take action to ensure that everyone does the right thing. All information received remains completely confidential, and you can even remain anonymous.
Tell St Kilda Marina Club
If you can identify someone (boat, berth number, etc) at the marina who is not doing the right thing, please let us know. We'll politely contact them and provide them with updated information so that they'll be fully appraised of what is allowed and what is prohibited.
Tell South East Water
If you notice that someone continues to do the wrong thing, even after letting us know, then we suggest that you contact South East Water directly and provide them with the relevant information. It's simply unacceptable for boat owners not to abide by current water restrictions.
http://www.southeastwater.com.au/informationabout/restrictions/reportabreach/Pages/default.aspx
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