New management floats plans for slipway

One of the State’s most experienced seafaring companies has taken over the popular slipway at Casuarina Harbour and is floating some ambitious ideas for its future.

Harbour Services Australia has taken over the management of the slipway which moves boats in and out of the water.

The move is a coup for mariners in the region, according to slip master Kurt Haunold who said the future of the slipway was in doubt.

“If we didn’t take it over, it basically could have shut down,” Mr Haunold said.

Built in 1967 the slipway has been managed by the Department of Transport for the past 15 years.

Mr Haunold said his crew was planning to modernise the structure along with the area around the slipway with a focus on being environmentally friendly.

He said boat storage cradles could be one option for the space.

“So we can offer more services and for the local community to not have to go elsewhere for other work,” he said.

“We also now have recognised traineeships for young people, which haven’t been recognised in this industry before.

“We’ve even acquired some government ratings which are pretty hard to get.”

He said slipways were a popular part of most harbours.

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