FISHING
St George’s Basin artificial reef on the NSW South Coast is to be redeveloped, making it the largest artificial reef in NSW. This artificial reef was originally constructed with 180 reef balls, which are specially designed concrete modules which promote marine growth and provide fish with a complex, almost natural habitat. An additional 600 reef balls will be spaced over an area of five hectares, occupying approximately 650 square metres of seabed. www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries
The recreational fishing season for Murray cod in Victoria opens on 1 December 2010, following a three-month closed season which allows the fish to breed. To welcome in the new season Fisheries Victoria has produced a ruler that allows anglers to estimate the weight of their Murray cod based purely on the fish’s length. Designed to adhere to the side of boats, the one-metre sticker ruler improves the health of Murray cod that are released by reducing the amount of time they spend out of the water. www.biavic.com.au
SKIING
The Moama Water Sports Club postponed the Barrie Beehag Ski Race Classic to 11 December 2010 due to higher than anticipated water levels, floating debris and a flooded marina at Deep Creek. www.southern80.com.au
POWERBOAT RACING
Italian outfit GiorgiOffshore has confirmed a new line up for the remaining two Grands Prix of the season in Abu Dhabi (24-26 November) and Dubai (9-11 December). Italian motor racing driver Sandro Sardelli will swap tarmac for water to take the driver’s seat in the Lamborghini-SCAM powered Giorgioffshore to make his Class 1 debut alongside the experienced Nicola Giorgi. www.class-1.com
OUTBOARDS
Honda Australia is offering a 5.99 percent interest rate for purchases of new outboard engines up to 90hp from 17 November 2010 until the end of January 2011. Full terms and conditions are available at Honda dealerships.
SAFETY
NSW Maritime reminded people of the need for extra care when on boats with inboard petrol engines following a fire on board an 11m powerboat in Middle Harbour which resulted in one man being conveyed to hospital with serious burns. He was the only person on board at the time. www.maritime.nsw.gov.au
NEWS BRIEFS
The 2011 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show on 19-22 May has attracted more than 130 exhibitor applications within two weeks of bookings opening. New displays include New Zealand exhibitor Diverse Projects showcasing Black Pearl, a 31.5m long-range super yacht designed by Craig Loomes of LoMocean Design. Built to Germanischer Lloyd 100 A5 class survey, no expense has been spared on equipment on this vessel. The interior is designed by Chris Connell of Melbourne and constructed by Specialist Marine Interiors in Whangarei.
The Port Lincoln professional fish farm Clean Seas Tuna is the first Australian company to put the new Yanmar Submersible Net Cleaning Robot into service. Nets need to be maintained in as close to pristine condition as possible for the health of the fish stock. Before the nets would have to be removed and shipped to shore to a net wash and maintenance facility.
POSITION VACANT
The Boating Industries Alliance Australia (BIAA) is looking to appoint an Executive Manager. The successful candidate will be a mature individual who has experience in and understanding of the boating industry in Australia, is a clear communicator and is experienced in dealing with senior management in both public and private sectors. The BIAA represents all of the state BIAs and Marine Queensland on the national interests of the boating industry. www.marineqld.com.au
FORTHCOMING EVENTS
Nov 20-21 -- Bridge to Bridge Water Ski Classic, Hawkesbury River www.waterskinsw.com.au/
Nov 20 – 28 -- 2010 Lake Mulwala Power Festival in Victoria www.lakemulwalapower.com.au
Nov 26-28 -- 2010 World Grand Prix Hydroplane Championships on Lake Mulwala, Yarrawonga. More at www.lakemulwalapower.com.au and www.gpworlds.vicapba.com.au
Dec 1 -- Murray Cod season opens
Dec 26 -- Rolex Sydney Hobart starts on Sydney Harbour at 1.00pm on Boxing Day. Charter boats of all shapes and sizes and a variety of costs are available to watch the start of this iconic event. http://rolexsydneyhobart.com
Dec 31 -- New Year’s Eve - Spectacular fireworks are fired off the Sydney Harbour Bridge, barges, and city skyscrapers at 9pm and midnight. Charter vessels participate in a themed parade following the 9pm fireworks. A special area is set aside for charter vessels in the Harbour. www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nye/
2011
Jan 16 -- Grafton Bridge to Bridge conducted by the Big River Ski club Inc. http://www.graftonb2b.org.au/
Photograph: Schooling yellowfin bream in the St Georges Basin pilot artificial reef 15 months after the reef deployment. Courtesy of
