Wind-powered boat puts birds at risk

Pond-life at Centennial Park

Centennial Park is a unique part of Sydney’s city. Not five kilometres away from the CBD, the park is a favourite site for joggers, walkers, cyclists and roller-bladers… but not for boaters as Bill Major found out a fortnight ago.

Bill, (53) who is a manager of an antique and architectural elements shop in the eastern suburbs, has always loved to play with remote controlled boats. “I find it so relaxing,” he says. “It’s always been a hobby of mine.” However, having only just placed his toy sailing boat upon one of the ponds in the park, he was approached by one of the parklands rangers and asked to stop immediately.

Apparently, Bill’s boat was placing the natural wild life, who call the pond home, at risk. One of the distinctive features of Centennial Park is its diverse flora and fauna but Bill says, “If I thought I was putting the swans and birds in any danger, I wouldn’t be doing it.” That is, because his boat is powered by the wind; the remote control only steers it. “Swallows were perching on the mast!” Bill scoffs. Nevertheless, Bill was sent away with his boat.

“My father used to take me to this exact pond and his father used to take him,” says Bill. He is disappointed that the tradition has to stop because of this new rule.

Centennial Parklands Ranger, Brian Page says, “Any sort of remote control boat is not allowed on any of the ponds in the park. We provide a sanctuary for the birds and wildlife here and it’s our job to protect them.”