Powered Vessel Free Zone Pilot to Deliver Safer Seas This Summer
The Minns Labor Government has launched Safe Boating Week with a strong focus on lifejacket wear, safe choices on the water, and respectful sharing of waterways.
To improve safety for swimmers and paddlers during peak holiday periods, Transport for NSW Maritime will trial powered vessel exclusion zones at Port Stephens this summer.
The four-week trial will run from 24 December to 26 January at locations identified by local communities as areas of concern. Trial sites will be announced in advance, and outcomes will be independently evaluated.
Port Stephens is one of the busiest waterways in NSW, with more than 6,000 registered vessels and 10,000 licensed skippers locally. During summer, the population swells by up to 30,000 additional daily visitors, significantly increasing risks for swimmers and boaters.
The trial follows a statewide pre-season safety blitz which saw NSW Maritime conduct 1,650 vessel safety checks, interact with more than 7,200 people, and issue 62 fines and 141 cautions. The main offences were lifejacket non-compliance, not carrying correct safety equipment, and licensing breaches.
For more information on boating safety visit Life jacket wear it or follow NSW Maritime on Facebook.
Minister for Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison said:
“We have outstanding waterways in this state, and we want everyone who heads out this boating season to come home safely.
“We know the majority of people are doing the right thing on the water. But with the population surge we see during busy tourist times, the risks increase.
“That’s why we’ve listened to community concerns and committed to this trial of exclusion zones across Port Stephens to help keep swimmers and boaters safe.
“This Safe Boating Week I want to remind everyone that wearing a properly fitted, well-maintained lifejacket is one of the simplest and most effective ways to save lives on the water.”
Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said:
“During the summer holidays Port Stephens welcomes tens of thousands of visitors to our stunning waterways, so we want to make sure everyone can enjoy the water safely.
“Every summer we see anti-social behaviour by some people on jet skis, so we’re trialing some exclusions zones so swimmers can feel safer.
“The Minns Labor Government is acting on community concerns and putting safety first for swimmers, paddlers and boaters in our beautiful region.”
Port Stephens Mayor, Leah Anderson said:
“Our waterways are one of the jewels of Port Stephens and we all want to see them enjoyed safely. This trial is a welcome step that balances the needs of different water users.
“With thousands of visitors arriving over summer, we’re pleased to be working with the Minns Labor Government and NSW Maritime to ensure everyone has the confidence to enjoy our beaches and bays safely.”
NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings said:
“I want to stress that most waterway users do the right thing, and the pilot we’re looking at here in Port Stephens is to help everyone feel safe and avoid conflicts between different people enjoying our amazing beaches.
“We are currently assessing potential locations for the trial. We want to make sure the power craft free zones have a clear onshore landmark to identify where they start and finish.
“Being respectful of others and responsible on the water is something we want to see 365 days a year. While it’s hoped these zones will help reduce potential conflicts, we are still finalising details of the pilot, I’d ask everyone to always be safe and sensible - especially when it’s busy.”