FAQs
What will money from the annual licence fee be used for ?
Revenue raised will be used on projects to maintain the Tweeds canals. This could include navigational dredging, erosion stabilisation or removal of flood debris.
Why is it being introduced now?
The Tweed Shires canal estates, and many of its public waterways facilities, are at least 30 years old. Council must increase its level of investment into maintenance of these facilities or risk their closure and removal. The annual pontoon licence fee will raise approximately $60,000 per year. This will allow for additional maintenance projects to be undertaken in canals over forthcoming years.
Do other jurisdictions charge fees?
Do other jurisdictions charge fees?
NSW Crown Lands charges an annual fee to have pontoons or jetties in the Tweed River. In fact Council has to pay this fee for all of its public facilities.
Why are only pontoon owners in canals required to pay a licence fee?
The pontoon licence fee is ‘rent’ for the space within the Council owned canal that the pontoon takes up, for exclusive private use.