Building futures with the Derwent Sea Scouts

A small group of future mariners is set to benefit from a new partnership with TasPorts.

Posted

05 December 2024

TasPorts and the Derwent Sea Scouts have much in common including a love and respect for the Derwent River and a passion for supporting young mariners.

1st Derwent Sea Scouts have been a tenant at the current location since 1931 but corporate requirements made it necessary to end this arrangement. TasPorts has stepped in to help set them up for a bright future as they prepare to move to a new base at Marieville Esplanade.

The move supports the Scouts’ mission to cultivate the skills and passion of young mariners and offers a chance to develop stronger ties within the mariner community.

TasPorts’ Chief Executive, Anthony Donald, explained that the company had a deep respect for the history of the Derwent Sea Scouts and so was keen to partner with them to facilitate a smooth transition from their long-standing home at Huon Quays to a new home with deep connections to the boating community.

“Their previous location, which is included in precinct planning discussions, no longer met the needs of the Sea Scouts as infrastructure aged and their lease approached expiry,” he said.

“TasPorts developed an interim lease arrangement and along with the Hobart City Council, worked alongside the Scouts to help secure and establish the Marieville Esplanade site for their immediate future.”

 

TasPorts is helping with essential infrastructure at the new site, including design work, a pontoon, and storage facilities. Without this, the Sea Scouts would not have been able to operate effectively.

Moving forward, and by way of a new partnership, both TasPorts and the Derwent Sea Scouts have agreed to develop a program of activities and initiatives with a focus on water and safety that are of mutual benefit to both.

Klaus Felshe, Group Leader of the Derwent Sea Scouts welcomed the support from TasPorts.

“We are looking forward to building up scouting in the new location by working with the Sandy Bay and greater Hobart community.

“As a Sea Scout Group we offer all the usual scouting programs and activities but with the addition of sailing, rowing, kayaking and other water activities.,” he said.

“While our preference would have been to remain at our long-term home and enhance the infrastructure there, we understand that TasPorts’ corporate needs made the change inevitable.”

“We certainly appreciate the assistance TasPorts has provided so far in upgrading the Marieville site and, from a personal perspective, we very much look forward to working with TasPorts into the future to build a strong sea scouting presence in Hobart,” Mr Felshe said.

Works on the Marieville Esplanade site is expected to be completed in December.