High risk fishing locations identified

It is now mandatory for rock fishers to wear life jackets in high-risk locations around the Peninsula.

The areas identified as high risk include the Brisbane Water National Park coastline from Green Point at Pearl Beach through to Dark Corner at Patonga and the area from Umina rock pool to Pearl Beach.

Rocky sections that are high risk on the Bouddi National Park coastline include Putty Beach to Tallow Beach, from Little Tallow Beach around Box Head to Iron Ladder Beach, the area around Little Box Head and an outcrop just west of Lobster Beach.

Wagstaffe Point and Half Tide Rocks at Wagstaffe are high risk areas and over at Killcare the area identified as high risk is from Putty Beach around Gerrin Point, all the way to the beach in Maitland Bay.

Central Coast local government area is one of five NSW councils to be officially declared a high-risk area under the Rock Fishing Safety Act.

"Anyone rock fishing, or helping others to rock fish, along high-risk locations are now required to wear an appropriate life jacket at all times," said Police and Emergency Services Minister Mr David Elliott

"A moratorium on issuing fines would apply until July 1.

"After that date a $100 on-the-spot fine will be issued to anyone failing to wear a certified Australian Standards life jacket while rock fishing in declared high-risk locations.

"Under the Rock Fishing Safety Act, enforcement is the responsibility of local councils, the NSW Police Force, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Fisheries) and National Parks and Wildlife Service," Mr Elliott said.

SOURCE

Media release, 29 Nov 2019

David Elliott, Police and Emergency Services Minister