Harbour hike ‘could send firms to Tassie’

Jessica Benton
Extreme increases in berth lease costs could drive most fishing businesses out of Queenscliff, harbour users have warned.
They said operators could look as far away as Tasmania for new berths after Queenscliff Harbour announced hikes from $1600 a year to $7900 for charter boats and from $4000 to $15,000 for fishing vessels.
The Independent revealed the looming increases last year amid a warning from Queenscliff Community Assoc-iation that the harbour would end up beyond the reach of traditional users.
Charter boat owner Hank Renzenbrink said users would now seek talks with Queenscliff Harbour about the new charges.
He wanted “room for negotiation”.
“If we can’t negotiate a change we may have to find somewhere else to berth,” he said.
“I’m not sure where that will be because I’m wary the same thing will happen at the proposed harbour development at Portarlington down the track.
“The end result at Queenscliff was a real surprise to the community and if we had known the outcome it would never have gone ahead.”
Mr Renzenbrink said fishermen and charter operators were the harbour’s “lifeblood”.
“Queenscliff relies on tourism and our operations add to the experience on offer to the visitor,” he said.
Fisherman Bill Cull said the increases would add to the damage to his business from other rising costs such as fuel.
“It seems the new harbour with its amenity and state-of-the art features has been built for future berth holders at the expense of the existing ones,” he said.
“Once everyone’s had the chance to assess the likely impact on their bottom line, I expect up to half the fleet will leave Queenscliff – possibly relocating to Tasmania.”
Queenscliff Harbour spokesperson Jeni Coutts said the warnings of fishermen and charter operators leaving was “misleading”.
The businesses could raise their prices to recoup some of the increases in berth charges, she said
“We think we’ve worked very hard to ensure everyone is looked after,” Ms Coutts said.
“Obviously, we’re concerned they feel like this but we believe there’s an affordable option for everybody.”
Ms Coutts said the charge increases would help deliver a state-of-the-art harbour to Queenscliff.
“They’re getting an amazing facility,” she said.
“It’s going to be the best in Port Philip Bay yet we’re charging 30 per cent less than other harbours and marinas around the bay.”