Association writes to Premier about jetskis

The Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association has written to the NSW Premier and five NSW Government Ministers asking them to take action over the dangerous use of jetskis in areas adjoining Bouddi National Park and elsewhere on the Bouddi Peninsula.

In the letter, association president Dr Peta Colebatch said: "At the very least, it is suggested that jetskis be banned from landing on national parks, for example, Tallow and Lobster Beaches.

"Members of the Wagstaffe to Killcare Community Association are fortunate to live in a beautiful area bounded by the Bouddi National park and beaches," Dr Colebatch said.

"However, the peace and enjoyment of this area is increasingly being tarnished by the threatening use of jetskis, often without regard for the local community," she said.

The letter said the association had a number of grounds for concern including: damage to the environment; speeding in areas where there are kayakers and young children; excessive noise; rude and threatening behaviour by some jet ski riders when they are asked to desist.

Dr Colebatch said that local beaches are being taken over by the jetskis, preventing peaceful enjoyment by family groups and others.

She said they were a threat to local tourism and consequently economic wellbeing.

They also damaged areas where people have traditionally enjoyed fishing.

"In the past, individuals who have written to complain have been told to include with their report photos of the registration number of the jet ski, and other impractical suggestions which will most likely impinge on the safety and wellbeing of the complainant," she said.

The association has asked the NSW Government to require jet ski commercial operations and associations to provide a code of behaviour which recognises the rights of others to peaceful enjoyment of beaches and national parks.

The association has asked that "sellers of jetskis be encouraged to provide the code of behaviour to anyone contemplating purchase of a jet ski; enhanced powers be given to national parks to allow them to ban use of jetskis from national park areas; and jet ski users be banned from taking over beaches as they often do at present, denying others access".

"To bring this about, it is suggested that an interdepartmental committee be formed, chaired by the Premier's Department, to report within one month on practical measures.

"We see no reason why prompt action should not be taken.

"Restrictions have been placed on jetskis in Sydney Harbour.

"Moves have been made interstate on this matter but it is abhorrent that this latest machine can threaten limb and life in this way, and that many others have quiet enjoyment destroyed by the excessive speeding and show off behaviour exhibited by some drivers."

The letter has been sent to NSW Premier Mr Gladys Berejiklian, Minister for Environment Ms Gabrielle Upton, Minister for Roads and Maritime and Freight Ms Melinda Pavey, Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation Mr Matt Kean, Minister for Planning Mr Anthony Roberts, and Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and the Central Coast, Mr Scot MacDonald.

Copies were also sent to Shadow Minister for the Central Coast, Mr David Harris, Federal Member for Robertson, Ms Lucy Wicks, Senator Deborah O'Neill, State Member for Terrigal, Mr Adam Crouch, Central Coast Council administrator Mr Ian Reynolds and Mr Russell Medeley, acting director of the National Parks and Wildlife Services Hunter and Central Coast.

Letter, 18 Feb 2017

Peta Colebatch, WTKCA