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    Ocean Beach Archived Message

    Posted by Chad on 30/12/2011, 3:22 pm, in reply to "Re: Apologies to the SFMB forum"

    Hows it bro.

    I have stayed away from this topic, I have had many discussions with Jem over this bugger , he has shed light on where his family are coming from, and I have pushed my argument. But over time I think I have slowly come around.

    I think its a case of swimming against the current, you never get to far doing that. Going with it and building relationships with the locals I feel, regardless of history or personal opinions of others is a much better way to go about it. In the great scheme of things, we a just surfcasters and there are many other issues that surround the beach that need protecting, this is just one way to do it. They are not completely cutting access, they are simply restricting it to help a situation. Many beaches around NZ you can not even drive on, so I take this as a privilege.

    There are very valid reasons for closing the gate. Various reasons like protecting the shellfish that was once so prolific. It was very easy to get a feed and now poachers are killing it for everyone. Public safely where beach goers are concerned with cars driving between them. There is also the wildlife to conceder, conservation programs with birds and protection of the dunes........ Even though those warning signs are up, idiots on 2 wheelers still see the dunes and a great free range bike track and tear it up. It has been open to all of us for a long time, yet these things keep going on. There is an easy fix, that is to close the gate.

    I personally think there are more pro's than con's when it comes to locking the gate. But I also think that if you are a reasonable person and your interests are genuine, I can't see locals being an issue with access.

    Ocean beach is a great place, in fact it's a fantastic place, its tranquil at the northern end and the fishing can be excellent. Attached are a few very old photos from 6 or so years ago.

    I know Jem personally, his passion for this area is not from a point of greed, I can assure you of that. From what I have seen he and his family do have Ocean Beach in the best interests. I really do believe that. He has put out an invitation to surfcasters to go and have a chat with his father, I reakon thats awsome, he doesn't have to do that, but like I say, the beach is in there best interests. Make the most of it, go and gidday, form a relationship and then pass judgements.
























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