Update written: 24th October 2018.
Copy provided to Rowing Tasmania, prior to posting.
Today, I’d like to
thank all those who have provided feed back on previous blogs. Whether positive
or negative all is valuable.
Speaking out
publicly, placing issues within the public domain, forces questions to be asked
some of which may eventually be answered. When this occurs, or new information
becomes available, I’m always happy to provide a blog update.
However, this blog is
my own, the opinions and thoughts expressed, are my own.
It is my considered
opinion that when faced with a political environment which is not being open
and transparent, local media which has become nothing more than a ‘cut and
paste’ from prepackaged media release(s) and with 60% of the nation’s media
organisations owned or controlled by one media mogul; we have a social and
civic duty to ask questions and provide information to the larger community.
If this means that I
am perceived as a ‘revolutionary’, a ‘S*** Stir’, ‘difficult’ what ever else,
then so be it.
Also, lets keep in
mind that Launceston is in the midst of a municipal council election and a
Federal election is due in 2019. These being, the opportune moments, to lift
the carpet, ask difficult questions and speak out where they have not been
forth coming.
Right. Lets get to
business on these updates.
First to the matter
of Rowing Tasmania. Relations between the Tasmanian peak body and Tasmanian
Rowing Clubs, is largely symbiotic, but has by no means always been on calm
waters.
During the process of
researching the history of Northern Tasmania’s early rowing days, I stumbled
upon some material which suggests; early last century there may have been an
attempt to form a break away, state body. At one point, two bodies did exist –
The Tasmanian Rowing Association and a Tasmanian Rowing Union. Things must have
been pretty bad!
As to the current
situation, my updated understanding is as follows.
To date Rowing Tas
has received $5000 from the Launceston City Council and $25,000 from the
current Liberal, Tasmanian State Govt. This money is for the preliminary part,
of the Launceston Rowing Precinct project development including: liaising with
those clubs and schools looking to locate into the new rowing precinct.
Creation and feed back of plans, modeling etc. Reliable sources indicate this
project will only go ahead with funding from outside sources – not from the
coffers of Rowing Tasmania itself. Should external funding not be available,
the project will simply not be achievable.
The Pontoon which
Rowing Tasmania and the Launceston City Council are proposing to use for the
entire precinct, is owned jointly by St Patrick’s College and the North Esk
Rowing Club.
The Launceston City
Council decided and the stakeholders informed at meeting on the 19th
May 2018. This does not reflect the original situation as discussed and agreed
to between LCC, North Esk Rowing Club and a private benefactor when the repairs
and extensions to the pontoon where originally, put on the table at North Esk -
discussed and agreed to between these three parties.
In fact post the
meeting on 19th May, North Esk were somewhat shell shocked, to say
the very least. However, this may actually turn out to be to St Patrick College
and North Esk Rowing Club’s advantage in the longer term.
Whilst these two
organisations will retain ownership and management of the pontoon, there are
still serious concerns from both organisations as to the practicality of
boating an entire rowing precinct from one pontoon already running at capacity
(which is why the size was doubled post 2016 flood) plus and the existence of
the new foot bridge creating bottle necks – particularly with quick moving
tides or flood waters.
A second pontoon on
the other side of the bridge would be a more sensible proposal and practical
solution.
Now to Rowing
Tasmania itself. I’ve been advised recently that, the hiring of employees by
Rowing Tasmania has been out sourced to (*find and insert company name here?*)
and therefore - independent.
Within Tasmania there
is an entire generation, almost completely unrepresented within the coaching
ranks. This is not the fault of any organization, nor is this a criticism of
any coach. It is simply the way things are.
Tasmania does have
some exceptional coaching talent, which would be greatly enhanced and supported
with the introduction of ‘new blood’. In deed a prime example of this was the
arrival of Sam La Compt from New Zealand during the 1990s.
Fresh ideas and
perspective would be of great benefit statewide, particularly within
development programs and coach mentoring.
The other issue is
the perception by many that the sovereignty and independence of their clubs are
under threat.
Whilst Revolutionize
Sport is an outstanding platform which has greatly improved efficiency of
administration for those clubs and schools using it; there are parameters and
restrictions which are not only causing some internal issues for users,
unnecessary work for state bodies. In some instances these could be interpreted
as conflicting with the autonomy of organisations. This is a situation, which
needs rectifying ASAP. Not only for practicality, but also to alleviate the
fore mentioned concerns.
The best publicity
any community or government body – or, indeed any large project for that
matter, is through open communication, community engagement, regular updates
and transparency.
Whilst we are on the
matter of autonomy, independence and asset management / protection of community
organisations; I must also add an update on Launceston City Council matters.
However, that will have to be part 2 for another blog.
