Call to ban jetskis

A number of Ettalong Beach residents have called on Gosford Council to address problems of jetski riding in local waterways.

Petitions with a total 21 signatures have been lodged with the council calling for a ban on the use of jetskis in Brisbane Water.

The Ettalong signatories requested that, at a minimum, the Ettalong Beach boat ramp be closed to jetskis and an exclusion zone for Ettalong and Umina beaches be enforced.

The petitioners stated that the jetski riders' conduct was frequently in contravention of regulations for the operation of jet skis, taking over whole sections of the beach at Ettalong and with races held from the boat ramp area to "Little Box".

The petitioners listed concerns including excess noise generated from the jet skis, exhaust pollution from the constant revving of engines being blown back over Ettalong, oil slicks, anti-social behavior, foul language, abuse to others, alcohol use and littering.

Their petition stated that due to the ban of jet skis on Sydney Harbour, there had been a marked increase of Jet Ski riders on Brisbane Water.

They requested that Council put an immediate ban on the use of jetskis on Brisbane Water or as a compromise, a total ban on jet skis using any part of Ettalong and Umina beaches with a 200m exclusion zone from the low water mark and permanent closure of the Ettalong boat ramp.

Council agenda P.73, November 2