Member for Gosford Liesl Tesch says community safety concerns centred around a seasonal influx of jet ski riders have been answered with the imposition of a new speed limit of 20 knots for the Ettalong Channel.
“For years I have been representing locals to Police and Maritime NSW about the use of jet skis along the Ettalong Channel, and the accompanying traffic and even anti-social behaviour that has gone along with the summer season,” Tesch said.
“Speeding jet ski riders have been the biggest cause of complaint and I am pleased with this news and hope some of the community concerns are eased with these new limits.”
Tesch said previously there has been no speed limits in the specified area, with speed at the discretion of each skipper and boaties advised to slow down.
Signs are now in place on both sides of the channel to ensure compliance with the new speed limits.
Representations made by Tesch in previous summers have resulted in increased patrols by Police and Maritime NSW, with Boating Infringement Notices for speeding and bad behaviour issued, vessels stopped and searched, and Random Breath Testing conducted.
But Tesch said the imposition of speed limits had been achieved through the power of the people.
“Without the persistence of concerned locals, authorities wouldn’t be aware that this is a problem our community faces every summer,” she said.
“I’m proud of our citizen action and I thank each person who took the time to write to my office.
“This result is a testament our locals who are always looking out for the community.”
“Jet skis are a part of our local tourism and provide a fantastic and fun leisure activity on our beautiful waterways, but people need to behave themselves and be respectful of other users of our waterways.
“There is no excuse for breaking the law or ruining the experience of others.
Source:
Media release, Dec 1
Member for Gosford,
Liesl Tesch