Page 3107 - Week 11 - Wednesday, 12 September 1990
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Yacht Club has asked me to progress through the Assembly in order to bring ACT sailing requirements into line with those elsewhere.
The Bill seeks to amend the Lakes Act so that it conforms with international law. As members may know, the current Act requires yachts to carry an all-round masthead white light. This is contrary to the international law of the sea to which Australia is a signatory, and I understand it is contrary to requirements elsewhere in Australia. The changes proposed, which accord with Australian Yachting Federation rules and the international law of the sea, will require all yachts to carry port and starboard navigation lights and a stern light. The operation of the current rules on the lake can be hazardous as sailing vessels may be confused with power vessels which may carry a white masthead light; and, of course, it is also very confusing for interstate visitors. Accordingly, the Labor Party proposes to overcome these problems by deleting section 39 and inserting two new sections, 39 and 39A. Some minor errors are also picked up in section 38(6) of the Act, where wrong subsections are referred to.
The need for this Bill is highlighted by the increasing number of sailing vessels on Lake Burley Griffin at night. Several night races are programmed throughout the year, including one during the annual trailer-sailer yacht championships which attracts some 70 starters, of which approximately half are generally from interstate.
While commending this Bill to the Assembly, I would like to take the opportunity also to congratulate the Canberra Yacht Club for the work that it does in promoting the proper use of the ACT's great asset, Lake Burley Griffin. Canberra is justifiably proud of its sporting reputation, and sailing, which has hundreds of people actively involved, has a strong role in our sporting profile. I am sure all members are aware that sport is a major industry in its own right, and it is indeed a major adjunct also to our tourist industry.
In opposition, as all members would know, there is not the opportunity to offer financial assistance to such sporting bodies, but this Bill is an indication of the Opposition's commitment to helping all those in sport who are committed to achieving international standards of competition, as well as the vast majority of people who participate in sport purely for pleasure. Mr Speaker, I commend the Bill to the house.
Debate (on motion by Mr Duby) adjourned.
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