Free ride for boaties this year

The Far North District Council has abandoned a controversial fee previously imposed on mooring holders and recreational boaties.

The Maritime Facilities Licences were introduced in 2002 to cover some of the cost of maintaining council-owned boat ramps, wharves, jetties and boating related amenities. The annual fee for the licence was set at $25.

But the cost of collecting the fee, coupled with resistance from recreational maritime users, has encouraged the council not to charge the fee this year. The intention to discontinue the fee was flagged in the council's draft Long Term Council Community Plan and was confirmed by the council this week.