Mission without cheer

There has been no joy this Christmas for the skipper-manager Allister Martin and his crew of Mission Afloat, the marine adventure camp at Montgomery Park, Coningham.

Notwithstanding the fact that it has been enjoyed by thousands of young Tasmanians over many years, at the end of this month Mission Afloat will close there – cast adrift by the Anglican Church, owner of the park. No reprieve.

I foreshadowed this in earlier background articles, but the final decree on closure remains difficult to accept. I’m sure that the many who have gained from the Montgomery Park experience will agree.

The end comes despite Mission Afloat having had a very successful year with its (non-denominational) camps. It made a profit of some $30,000 on its operations, again highlighting the fundamentals of training Tasmanian youth in nautical skills.

The closure also means missing out on earnings of $100,000 from what would have been bookings for 2010. Certainly no lack of interest then from Tasmanian schools in Mission Afloat’s teaching!

But despite the success, and expected continued profitability, the Anglican Church says Mission Afloat must go – because it regards it as not being big enough to cater for what the church would consider as contemporary youth needs.

Yet let’s look at the decision, stemming from an investigation in the middle of last year, with the report on this including the comment: “There is no doubt that Montgomery Park is a well-loved and trusted friend. Many generations have fond memories of their time there . . . its closeness to Hobart, its beautiful location and its relatively easy access to water activities make it an ideal spot.”

Having been there several times I totally agree. But the report also contends that “according to best practices world-wide” the campsite is “too small to be financially viable on its own terms”, adding that it should be sold. No further explanation though on that global “best practices” claim.

It is understood the church wants to sell it off for building blocks. It is also expected that next March it will be calling for “expressions of interest” in acquiring the property (the land was gifted to the church by a generous local property owner keen to help the establishment of a youth camp). The “expressions of interest” approach is something the church has applied to other recent property disposals, churches and otherwise.

There is, however, a problem for the church when it comes to Montgomery Park. A matter of zoning. Kingborough Council has this particular park zoned as primary industry, with a restriction from this that there can be just the one residential building on it.

Any potential buyer looking to development would need a rezoning. The process for this could take more than two years and would be subject to appeals, even if Kingborough Council sanctioned an application – and it’s by no means certain it would.

Approaches have been made to Premier Bartlett for the State Government to become involved in saving Montgomery Park.

Ross Butler, as Labor Member for Franklin, raised it with the Premier, making the valid point of the “priceless component of thousands of children gaining valuable marine adventure experiences”. He also made this important observation: “If only a few children were diverted, as a result, from involvement with the justice system the value of the return would be considerably augmented”. I know that Mission Afloat’s outdoor experience has already helped troubled Tasmanian youths.

David Bartlett has repeatedly underlined his interest in the education of young Tasmanians – education at all levels. He should appreciate the message on the retention of Mission Afloat. It could loom as another election issue.