The normally tranquil and co-operative atmosphere of the Maclean town pontoon has experienced several instances of spray-paint graffiti directed at local boat “MV Que Onda”.
For eight-year property owner and Maclean resident, Stuart Walsh, this is the second time such an event has happened, with other possibly connected vandalism and theft occurring when he has moored his vessel alongside for ease of access for mechanical services, loading and provisioning.
According to Stuart there is a very strong awareness amongst local boat owners to make the two town pontoons accessible to all boats and other river users and assist visiting vessels to the Clarence, with stays at the pontoons within the time limitations.
“Over the time I have had an interest in Maclean and the Clarence, I have established a good relationship with Clarence Valley Council Rangers, and the NSW Maritime officer”, said Stuart “and I usually maintain good communication with authorities if I plan to exceed any time limits. However, there seems to be a vigilante element in the community that believes they can act as a law unto themselves and enforce their perceived usage of the pontoons by defacement, damage and equipment theft of vessels deemed in breach” a disappointed Stuart observed.
The first graffiti incident happened the week after Easter when there were boats visiting the Clarence for the annual ‘Cruise the Clarence’ week established by the Shag Islet Cruising Yacht Club, a charity that supports Prostate Cancer research. Stuart Walsh has been the organiser of the rally for the last two years and it is well recognised that such an event is a valuable boost to the economy of Clarence Valley.
The second incident happened sometime between 4 pm Sunday July 2 and daylight on Monday July 3. Stuart advises that this recent vandalism has been reported to the Clarence Valley Council and Maclean police.
“Unfortunately, there may be a case for the Council to install cameras at the pontoon. However, I have unhappily decided to fit security cameras to my vessel” Stuart concluded.