Council seeks jetski limits

Gosford Council is seeking to limit the use of jetskis in local waterways after the State Government announced guidelines for local government.

Cr Lynne Bockholt said she had been concerned for some time over the use of jetskis on local waterways, specifically at Ettalong.

She said Premier Bob Carr was also concerned and had cited nine recent accidents in NSW, three involving major injuries, as warranting the tighter regulations.

"Jetskis are unique, as no other powercraft can operate so fast in so little water and at the same time be used for stunts, such as wave-jumping and 'donuts'," Mr Carr Said.

"We have the best coastal beaches in the world and the State Government wants to keep them safe for residents and beach-goers."

The State Government's changes to the Water Traffic Regulations have been endorsed by the Boating Industry Association of NSW, the Personal Watercraft Industry Association and Sydney Jet Sports Boat Association.

"These things are being let loose on the community and the Peninsula community is sick of it," Cr Bockholt said.

"Many of the jetskis come from Sydney areas, where they are banned.

"If we don't keep up (with the rules) we'll be inundated.

"They are dangerous and Surf Lifesaving Australia agrees with me on that."

Cr Judith Penton said simply: "I'd like them banned."

The new rulings mean that jetskis cannot be used within 200 metres of the shoreline, except for the purposes of leaving and returning to shore.

Cr Bockholt said the area inside the heads of Ettalong was an area of particular concern.

Under the new rulings, jetskis will be effectively banned from the Ettalong bay as all water within the area is within 200 metres of a shoreline.

Cr Geoff Preece suggested the new restriction should be 300 metres.

However under the rulings, the further 100 metres would be Council's responsibility.

Council's director of works, Mr Stephen Glen, said an extra 100 metres would raise policing problems for Council.

Council would investigate the possibility of erecting signs alerting jetski riders to the 200-metre mark by attaching signage to existing channel markers.

Penalties ranged from on the spot $320 fines, up to $1200 and a life ban for serious repeat offenders.

Licence fees have been increased from $51 to $120 to cover education and enforcement costs.

Jetskis accounted for six per cent of boating licences, but attracted about 25 per cent of all complaints.

There were 5000 registered owners throughout Sydney and the Central Coast.

For further information on the legislation, telephone the Waterways Authority on 1800 627 004.

Carl Spears, August 8