Berth rates anger

Andrew Mathieson
Berths could cost almost $13,000 a year at Queenscliff’s redeveloped harbour, a community group has warned.
Queenscliff Community Association’s Joan Kenwood said the developer was offering berths for up to $220,000 on 17 year leases.
The association also feared berths would be limited for visiting boats as the developer, Queenscliff Harbour Pty Ltd, targeted wealthy sailors.
Ms Kenwood said Queenscliff Harbour was squeezing out traditional berth holders.
“They’re going to be priced out and it’s only going to be for the wealthy it will be an elitist harbour,” she said.
“We’re concerned about the poor locals, as they won’t be able to afford to have their boats there.
“Quite a few of them have sold their boats and moved them elsewhere.”
Mrs Kenwood said the redevelopment was also unlikely to create a “safe harbour” because of limited berths for visiting boats.
“That was one of their catchcries put to us when they proposed it,” she said.
“It’s really never been a safe harbour because the plan they have come up with is a really limited number of berths of six or so for visiting boats.”
A Queenscliff Harbour spokesperson said the company had yet to release the new annual berth fees but the $220,000 price was for 15 metre boats in premium long term berths.
An average eight-metre boat berth would cost $80,000 over 17 years, the spokesperson said.
“Annual berth fees post-moratorium will be in line with market rates at similar harbours.”
The spokesperson said Queenscliff Harbour was increasing existing fees by the annual rate of inflation under a fiveyear moratorium expiring in 2011.
“We understand that existing berth holders are concerned about affordability into the future,” the spokesperson said.
“Queenscliff Harbour values all of its existing berth holders and will work with them regarding the appropriate fee structures.”
The spokesperson said that about 120 new drystack berths would also remain available at a cost of between $1500 and $2500 for boats between six and 10 metres long.
Boat owners agreed to shift berth management rights to Queenscliff Harbour developers last year amid concerns about skyrocketing costs to remain at the harbour.
Borough of Queenscliffe last week approved the first part of developer Queenscliff Harbour’s third stage of the redevelopment.