11 June 2010 MAYOR CHALLENGED TO DETAIL TIPPLERS CONSULTATION	MAYOR CHALLENGED TO DETAIL TIPPLERS CONSULTATION The Marine Action Group has challenged Ron Clarke to make public details of the consultation that he claims was carried out prior to Gold Coast City Council's purchase of "Tipplers". Keith Douglas spokesman for MAG stated "We can't find anybody who was consulted about the purchase of Tipplers and we know that Marine Queensland, the representative industry body was certainly not consulted. Ron Clarke needs to back up his claims - we don't want any more council spin - we want facts - Who? When? Where Mr.Mayor - it is your credibility that is at stake here." And on the subject of council spin, why should ratepayers bear the cost of a council trying to distract attention from their bad decision making on Tipplers? The My Straddie campaign is costing tens of thousands of dollars but we see right through it and endorse Dawn Crichlow's comments - "it is just advertising" and a waste of money. Sadly it does nothing about putting back the facilities that are sorely missed by the boating community and the marine industry but what else can we expect from a council that is out of step and out of touch and a council that still refuses to consult with the marine industry - it is just a disgraceful state of affairs. Keith Douglas Spokesman Marine Action Group ______________________________ keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091 www.marineactiongroup.com
26 May 2010 Marine Action Group	OVERPRICED SALES OFFER FROM MAYOR REJECTED BY MAG In response to the Marine Action Group's call for the State Government to cancel council's lease, Mayor Ron Clarke has been spooked into offering up "Tipplers" for sale. "7 million and it’s yours" is what he said this week but the real estate agent who once sold "Tipplers" says 1.5 million is closer to it's real value now. "Council purchased the resort for 7 million then closed the business, canceled the liquor license and knocked down buildings. Ron Clarke is dreaming if he thinks it is worth 7 million" said agent David Grose. Spokesman for the Marine Action Group Keith Douglas added, "Here we are in a city that relies heavily on tourism and the council has effectively destroyed an important tourism icon. The previous owner is laughing all the way to the bank and now ratepayers have to foot that bill along with the millions more that have been spent since the purchase. It is just a disgrace!" (David Grose's mobile telephone number is 0418 751 234) Keith Douglas Spokesman Marine Action Group ______________________________ keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091 www.marineactiongroup.com
21 May 2010 Marine Action Group	Tipplers: A betrayal of trust Council’s betrayal of trust regarding Tipplers demonstrates the void in leadership and connection with the people of our city when it relegates its responsibilities to the CEO Dale Dickson to deflect warranted criticism. With deaf ears and arrogant disregard for public outrage over the blatant destruction of an iconic destination, council has blundered on making mistake after mistake. The lack of meaningful consultation, unsubstantiated and misleading allegations, broken promises and an expression of interest process that has the markings of a sham are an indictment on this council. Despite assurances to deal with the Tipplers saga, council continues to delay any process in the hope that public anger will dissipate. Once again they have made a gross misjudgment. We believe that council’s intentions were clearly shown with the destruction of those facilities that made Tipplers a haven for the boating fraternity. Subsequent action by this council despite a well orchestrated appearance to listen and sympathise with an outraged public has only entrenched their position. There is a proposal before council for the redevelopment of Tipplers. The submission by Marine Queensland would meet all criteria and the expectations of a concerned public. Council has kept it under wraps disallowing Marine Queensland to broadly publicise its vision for public scrutiny and consideration. The questions are why does council continue to deny the public’s democratic right to decide for itself what it wants? What is council’s hidden agenda? This issue is far from over and the determination of the Marine Action Group to see justice done will not waver. Council has a moral and economic responsibility to address this issue immediately and give back to the people what they took without consultation and by deception. We elect our councilors to represent us in the processes of government not to dictate their personal prejudices or agendas. What they have delivered in the Tipplers saga is a betrayal of public trust and for that they must be made accountable. Keith Douglas Spokesman - Marine Action Group Mobile 0419 650 091 www.marineactiongroup.com
17 March 2010 Combined Chamber of Commerce & CCIQ	Press Release 17.3.2010 Tipplers Concept Gets Broad Business Support In an extraordinary meeting, the Gold Coast Combined Chamber, Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the Marine Action Group and Marine Queensland met in an ongoing consultation process to assess a Tipplers redevelopment concept. “I’ve been involved in this process for some months and it delivers much of what the boating fraternity wants and more. Contrary to council’s misleading propaganda, it is not an exclusive club venue, it never was, there is something in this for everyone.” Said Combined Chamber president Bob Janssen. Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Queensland director Tom Tate said. “This concept is fantastic, I can’t believe why council has not been in closer consultation with the Marine Action Group, it would have prevented a lot of community anger over council’s poor handling of the issue. Council have got it wrong from start to finish, once they see this concept there should be a couple of councilors offering a public apology.” Both the Combined Chamber and CCIQ took a vote in support of the concept that was passed unanimously by both Boards. The Marine Action Group will release it’s conceptual plans for further public consultation after which the final draft will be given to Marine Queensland for submission to council. For further details contact: Bob Janssen 0411741552 Tom Tate 0421995996
24 February 2010 Marine QLD Media release	click here to download the pdf file of the Marine QLD release
22 February 2010 Media release	Marine Action Group Plan: “Our campaign has been more that simply protesting against council’s decision to fundamentally change the Tipplers resort. That was only one challenge to overcome. Had there been meaningful consultation with council, MAG would have shared its plans instead we were constantly told what we wanted instead of being asked.” Said Marine Action Group spokesperson Keith Douglas “The decision made by council today after what we believe was unnecessary confrontation finally gives us that opportunity.” He said. MAG with its broad representation and consultation has been working on a plan to revitalize Tipplers in a way that preserves much of what people loved about it and more. Mr. Douglas said. “We have added significant opportunities for educational and safety programs. Marine Queensland, business, developers, architects and the Chambers have lent their expertise to our campaign for a better Tipplers.” The plan in its final stage of development will be released in full details shortly. As the plans are currently one-dimensional, MAG would prefer to present them in a three-dimensional format so council and the community can comprehend the full extent of what they will deliver. “We are very close to completion. Waiting for a few more weeks seems little to ask considering how long it has taken us to get to this point. I assure you it will be worth it.” Said Mr. Douglas.
19 February 2010 Media release	Representatives of Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Action Group and the Marine Industry will go to Council Chambers at 12:30 PM Monday 22nd February 2010 to initiate Council's promised and long overdue consultation process. "It's time for council to stop defending a bad decision by engaging with us to find a common way forward. On Monday we will invite council to join our extensive consultation process and are happy to confer with any councillors who are prepared to listen" said Keith Douglas spokesman for the Marine Action Group. " Mr. Douglas said "We have the core of a proposal that will benefit ratepayers, tourism, the marine industry and the boating public. This concept if implemented would see Tipplers once again become an important destination and an asset to our tourism industry. Last year we urged Council to work with us to get the right outcome for the community - it is well past time for that to happen." Keith Douglas _____________________________________ keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091 www.marineactiongroup.com
25 January 2010 Media release	We want Tipplers back! For decades Tipplers was an iconic boating destination and a part of the old Gold Coast lifestyle until the Gold Coast Council wasted millions of dollars of ratepayers money by making what some have described as the worst decision ever by the Council. No longer is Tipplers the place where hundreds of boaties would congregate and enjoy a family day where all were equal - regardless of whether they had arrived on a tinnie or a luxury yacht. We want Tipplers back! Please join our flotilla on Australia Day (Tuesday 26th January 2010) in support of the Marine Action Group's campaign to get Tipplers back. Please come by boat, tinnie or jet ski with your placard, banner or flag and meet at the Paradise Point foreshore at 11:00 AM. The flotilla will leave at 11:30 AM and travel slowly around the Sovereign Islands, past Wave Break Island, the Seaway, The Spit and the Southport parklands. For radio communication on the day, please go to VHF Channel 72. Charter boat Top Cruise Rani will lead the flotilla - this will be coordinated by Jim McLaughlin mobile no.: 0447 140 060 Keith Douglas Spokesman Marine Action Group 0419 650 091 www.marineactiongroup.com
15 January 2010 Media release	COUNCILS TIPPLERS KITE FLYING PROPAGANDA How hypocritical .. not only have they blown millions of dollars in ratepayers funds buying Tipplers, they are now sending more money down the tube trying to justify their stupidity with high gloss full colour propaganda. They have not listened to the boaties who have enjoyed the facility for decades and want people to believe they are going to create some sort of nature nirvana where you go and sit to gaze at your navel or fly a kite. How ridiculous. And how exactly do they think people are going to get there if not by boat. Problem is boaties won't go there until they get back something that resembles what they have enjoyed for years. Keith Douglas Spokesman -Marine Action Group www.marineactiongroup.com
11 DECEMBER 2009 Media release	BOATIES PROPOSE A TIPPLERS RESCUE A new lobby group made up of boaties, water lovers and people who have enjoyed South Stradbroke Island over the years has called on the Gold Coast City Council to reconsider its stance in regards to the future of Tipplers Resort. The Marine Action Group is a voice for marine related matters on the Gold Coast and has been established to lobby for a better outcome for Tipplers as well as a range of other issues relating to boating, public waterways management and artificial reef development. Spokesperson Keith Douglas said that Tipplers had been an iconic boating destination for decades and its closure by council had disappointed and angered many people. “This whole thing has been a monumental stuff up and we want to work with council to get the best outcome,” he said. The Marine Action Group has expressed the concerns of the boating public to the Mayor, Councillor Ron Clarke, Councillor Grant Pforr and council officers in a meeting on November 13. “An undertaking has been given that we would work together to ensure that Tipplers remains a usable boating destination,” said Mr Douglas. “While we have received an invitation to a council barbeque on December 21 at Tipplers, the group remains apprehensive and extremely concerned about plans for the 2.04 hectare resort.” The group said that it had to be remembered that Tipplers Resort represented only one tenth of one percent of the total area of South Stradbroke Island. Mr Douglas said the area was sand mined in the 1960’s and the vegetation re-growth would not be regarded as environmentally significant. “However, the majority of boating people care deeply about the marine environment and would support Tipplers being managed in a sustainable way,” he said. He said the very best outcome for the boating public, tourists, stakeholders and ratepayers would be for the establishment of Marine Queensland’s Boat Club concept. “This would allow the food and beverage facilities that all have relied upon to be retained and the overall amenity improved and enhanced to provide training and safety programs which would ultimately make the Broadwater a safer place and improve boating enjoyment,” he said. “We urge the people of the Gold Coast and the council to get behind this worthwhile proposal.” ends A website has been established where supporters can register their details: www.marineactiongroup.com Keith Douglas. Mobile 0419 650 091.

11 June 2010

MAYOR CHALLENGED TO DETAIL TIPPLERS CONSULTATION

MAYOR CHALLENGED TO DETAIL TIPPLERS CONSULTATION

The Marine Action Group has challenged Ron Clarke to make public details of the consultation that he claims was carried out prior to Gold Coast City Council's purchase of "Tipplers".

Keith Douglas spokesman for MAG stated "We can't find anybody who was consulted about the purchase of Tipplers and we know that Marine Queensland, the representative industry body was certainly not consulted. Ron Clarke needs to back up his claims - we don't want any more council spin - we want facts - Who? When? Where Mr.Mayor - it is your credibility that is at stake here."

And on the subject of council spin, why should ratepayers bear the cost of a council trying to distract attention from their bad decision making on Tipplers? The My Straddie campaign is costing tens of thousands of dollars but we see right through it and endorse Dawn Crichlow's comments - "it is just advertising" and a waste of money.

Sadly it does nothing about putting back the facilities that are sorely missed by the boating community and the marine industry but what else can we expect from a council that is out of step and out of touch and a council that still refuses to consult with the marine industry - it is just a disgraceful state of affairs.

Keith Douglas
Spokesman
Marine Action Group
______________________________
keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com
Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091
www.marineactiongroup.com

26 May 2010
Marine Action Group

OVERPRICED SALES OFFER FROM MAYOR REJECTED BY MAG

In response to the Marine Action Group's call for the State Government to cancel council's lease, Mayor Ron Clarke has been spooked into offering up "Tipplers" for sale.

"7 million and it’s yours" is what he said this week but the real estate agent who once sold "Tipplers" says 1.5 million is closer to it's real value now.

"Council purchased the resort for 7 million then closed the business, canceled the liquor license and knocked down buildings. Ron Clarke is dreaming if he thinks it is worth 7 million" said agent David Grose.

Spokesman for the Marine Action Group Keith Douglas added, "Here we are in a city that relies heavily on tourism and the council has effectively destroyed an important tourism icon. The previous owner is laughing all the way to the bank and now ratepayers have to foot that bill along with the millions more that have been spent since the purchase. It is just a disgrace!"

(David Grose's mobile telephone number is 0418 751 234)

Keith Douglas
Spokesman
Marine Action Group
______________________________
keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com
Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091
www.marineactiongroup.com

21 May 2010
Marine Action Group

Tipplers: A betrayal of trust

Council’s betrayal of trust regarding Tipplers demonstrates the void in leadership and connection with the people of our city when it relegates its responsibilities to the CEO Dale Dickson to deflect warranted criticism.

With deaf ears and arrogant disregard for public outrage over the blatant destruction of an iconic destination, council has blundered on making mistake after mistake. The lack of meaningful consultation, unsubstantiated and misleading allegations, broken promises and an expression of interest process that has the markings of a sham are an indictment on this council.

Despite assurances to deal with the Tipplers saga, council continues to delay any process in the hope that public anger will dissipate. Once again they have made a gross misjudgment. We believe that council’s intentions were clearly shown with the destruction of those facilities that made Tipplers a haven for the boating fraternity. Subsequent action by this council despite a well orchestrated appearance to listen and sympathise with an outraged public has only entrenched their position.

There is a proposal before council for the redevelopment of Tipplers. The submission by Marine Queensland would meet all criteria and the expectations of a concerned public. Council has kept it under wraps disallowing Marine Queensland to broadly publicise its vision for public scrutiny and consideration. The questions are why does council continue to deny the public’s democratic right to decide for itself what it wants? What is council’s hidden agenda?

This issue is far from over and the determination of the Marine Action Group to see justice done will not waver. Council has a moral and economic responsibility to address this issue immediately and give back to the people what they took without consultation and by deception.

We elect our councilors to represent us in the processes of government not to dictate their personal prejudices or agendas. What they have delivered in the Tipplers saga is a betrayal of public trust and for that they must be made accountable.

Keith Douglas
Spokesman - Marine Action Group
Mobile 0419 650 091
www.marineactiongroup.com

17 March 2010
Combined Chamber of Commerce & CCIQ

Press Release

17.3.2010

Tipplers Concept Gets Broad Business Support

In an extraordinary meeting, the Gold Coast Combined Chamber, Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ), the Marine Action Group and Marine Queensland met in an ongoing consultation process to assess a Tipplers redevelopment concept.

“I’ve been involved in this process for some months and it delivers much of what the boating fraternity wants and more. Contrary to council’s misleading propaganda, it is not an exclusive club venue, it never was, there is something in this for everyone.” Said Combined Chamber president Bob Janssen.

Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Queensland director Tom Tate said. “This concept is fantastic, I can’t believe why council has not been in closer consultation with the Marine Action Group, it would have prevented a lot of community anger over council’s poor handling of the issue. Council have got it wrong from start to finish, once they see this concept there should be a couple of councilors offering a public apology.”

Both the Combined Chamber and CCIQ took a vote in support of the concept that was passed unanimously by both Boards. The Marine Action Group will release it’s conceptual plans for further public consultation after which the final draft will be given to Marine Queensland for submission to council.

For further details contact:

Bob Janssen 0411741552

Tom Tate 0421995996

24 February 2010
Marine QLD
Media release

click here to download the pdf file of the Marine QLD release

22 February 2010

Media release

Marine Action Group Plan:

“Our campaign has been more that simply protesting against council’s decision to fundamentally change the Tipplers resort. That was only one challenge to overcome. Had there been meaningful consultation with council, MAG would have shared its plans instead we were constantly told what we wanted instead of being asked.” Said Marine Action Group spokesperson Keith Douglas

“The decision made by council today after what we believe was unnecessary confrontation finally gives us that opportunity.” He said.

MAG with its broad representation and consultation has been working on a plan to revitalize Tipplers in a way that preserves much of what people loved about it and more.

Mr. Douglas said. “We have added significant opportunities for educational and safety programs. Marine Queensland, business, developers, architects and the Chambers have lent their expertise to our campaign for a better Tipplers.”

The plan in its final stage of development will be released in full details shortly. As the plans are currently one-dimensional, MAG would prefer to present them in a three-dimensional format so council and the community can comprehend the full extent of what they will deliver.

“We are very close to completion. Waiting for a few more weeks seems little to ask considering how long it has taken us to get to this point. I assure you it will be worth it.” Said Mr. Douglas.

19 February 2010

Media release

Representatives of Chamber of Commerce, the Marine Action Group and the Marine Industry will go to Council Chambers at 12:30 PM Monday 22nd February 2010 to initiate Council's promised and long overdue consultation process.

"It's time for council to stop defending a bad decision by engaging with us to find a common way forward. On Monday we will invite council to join our extensive consultation process and are happy to confer with any councillors who are prepared to listen" said Keith Douglas spokesman for the Marine Action Group. "

Mr. Douglas said "We have the core of a proposal that will benefit ratepayers, tourism, the marine industry and the boating public. This concept if implemented would see Tipplers once again become an important destination and an asset to our tourism industry. Last year we urged Council to work with us to get the right outcome for the community - it is well past time for that to happen."

Keith Douglas
_____________________________________
keithdouglas@marineactiongroup.com
Mobile tel no. 0419 650 091
www.marineactiongroup.com

25 January 2010

Media release

We want Tipplers back!

For decades Tipplers was an iconic boating destination and a part of the old Gold Coast lifestyle until the Gold Coast Council wasted millions of dollars of ratepayers money by making what some have described as the worst decision ever by the Council.

No longer is Tipplers the place where hundreds of boaties would congregate and enjoy a family day where all were equal - regardless of whether they had arrived on a tinnie or a luxury yacht.

We want Tipplers back!

Please join our flotilla on Australia Day (Tuesday 26th January 2010) in support of the Marine Action Group's campaign to get Tipplers back.

Please come by boat, tinnie or jet ski with your placard, banner or flag and meet at the Paradise Point foreshore at 11:00 AM.

The flotilla will leave at 11:30 AM and travel slowly around the Sovereign Islands, past Wave Break Island, the Seaway, The Spit and the Southport parklands.

For radio communication on the day, please go to VHF Channel 72.

Charter boat Top Cruise Rani will lead the flotilla - this will be coordinated by Jim McLaughlin mobile no.: 0447 140 060

Keith Douglas
Spokesman
Marine Action Group
0419 650 091
www.marineactiongroup.com

15 January 2010

Media release

COUNCILS TIPPLERS KITE FLYING PROPAGANDA

How hypocritical .. not only have they blown millions of dollars in ratepayers funds buying Tipplers, they are now sending more money down the tube trying to justify their stupidity with high gloss full colour propaganda.

They have not listened to the boaties who have enjoyed the facility for decades and want people to believe they are going to create some sort of nature nirvana where you go and sit to gaze at your navel or fly a kite. How ridiculous. And how exactly do they think people are going to get there if not by boat. Problem is boaties won't go there until they get back something that resembles what they have enjoyed for years.

Keith Douglas

Spokesman -Marine Action Group www.marineactiongroup.com

11 DECEMBER 2009

Media release

BOATIES PROPOSE A TIPPLERS RESCUE

A new lobby group made up of boaties, water lovers and people who have enjoyed South Stradbroke Island over the years has called on the Gold Coast City Council to reconsider its stance in regards to the future of Tipplers Resort.

The Marine Action Group is a voice for marine related matters on the Gold Coast and has been established to lobby for a better outcome for Tipplers as well as a range of other issues relating to boating, public waterways management and artificial reef development.

Spokesperson Keith Douglas said that Tipplers had been an iconic boating destination for decades and its closure by council had disappointed and angered many people. “This whole thing has been a monumental stuff up and we want to work with council to get the best outcome,” he said.

The Marine Action Group has expressed the concerns of the boating public to the Mayor, Councillor Ron Clarke, Councillor Grant Pforr and council officers in a meeting on November 13. “An undertaking has been given that we would work together to ensure that Tipplers remains a usable boating destination,” said Mr Douglas.

“While we have received an invitation to a council barbeque on December 21 at Tipplers, the group remains apprehensive and extremely concerned about plans for the 2.04 hectare resort.” The group said that it had to be remembered that Tipplers Resort represented only one tenth of one percent of the total area of South Stradbroke Island.

Mr Douglas said the area was sand mined in the 1960’s and the vegetation re-growth would not be regarded as environmentally significant. “However, the majority of boating people care deeply about the marine environment and would support Tipplers being managed in a sustainable way,” he said.

He said the very best outcome for the boating public, tourists, stakeholders and ratepayers would be for the establishment of Marine Queensland’s Boat Club concept.

“This would allow the food and beverage facilities that all have relied upon to be retained and the overall amenity improved and enhanced to provide training and safety programs which would ultimately make the Broadwater a safer place and improve boating enjoyment,” he said.

“We urge the people of the Gold Coast and the council to get behind this worthwhile proposal.”

ends

A website has been established where supporters can register their details: www.marineactiongroup.com

Keith Douglas. Mobile 0419 650 091.