Impressed with Alf Salter

After arranging a meeting with the chairman of Fast Ships Ltd, Mr Alf Salter at Fountain Plaza, I was impressed with his informative responses to those questions which I raised.

As chairman of Fast Ships Ltd, he was well prepared to respond to my investigations, and dissenting position.

Most informed readers should be aware that the Dolphin Uslan was built in Tasmania by North West Bay Ships.

It is named after a Korean City, and has spent its time since last summer moored in Japan.

At some point brokers were publicly asking $US8 million for the vessel.

I understand after speaking with one these brokers, there are issues which remain to be addressed by the Japanese court.

Mr Salter confirmed for me that the vessel had had difficulty competing with other ferries across the straights of Korea.

He says the reason was that Korean and Japan state rail services offered a one ticket system of travel utilising their government ferries, excluding the Dolphin Uslan.

Any questions I asked were answered and backed with information that is the basis of a well-planned but loosely-defined "prospectus of sorts"

I believe it to be the information relied on to obtain venture capital.

I pointed out that as the brokers had stated the Dolphin Uslan used 1400 litres of fuel per hour, I felt running cost would start at around $1000 per hour.

Mr Salter advised me he had travelled on this vessel out from Sydney before it went to Korea and he was certain it used 800 litres per hour.

Almost anyone with internet access and an interest in what is behind the news is able to obtain the same information on the vessel.

I asked Mr Salter how it was possible that the Land and Environment Courts, Justice Lloyd could rule a development proposal for a marina at Berowra was refused because the proponents had no land close by to supply parking.

Mr Salter assured me Gosford Council intended to provide parking in the streets around the wharf.

I pointed out ratepayers living close to the proposed wharf would not be any happier than the Esplanade residents who were told via the Express Advocate that the council would take their land for parking.

I did ask why Fast Ships Ltd didn't just buy properties themselves to provide parking like other developers, his response was they had no money for that.

I believe our councillors have been irresponsible in supporting a public private participation project.

They have already exposed their constituents to the down side of a speculative venture.

To his credit, Mr Salter is only too keen to discuss his vision and answer questions.

He welcomes the opportunity to respond to direct approaches from any open dissenters like myself.

After an hour with Mr Salter, I am not happy with my council supporting such a speculative venture.

But I am able to see there is no point in citizens continuing with interminable meetings.

Without being prepared to get right in the faces of and challenge our elected reps, we can forget about it.

We the people are the powerbase of our elected representatives.

They need us.

Edward James, Umina