Powered vessels excluded at Port Stephens
by Boating Industry Association 19 Nov 21:53 UTC
Powered vessels excluded Port Stephens © Boating Industry Association
BIA met last week with the NSW Minister Aitchison who has responsibility for boating statewide. The meeting was originally set to discuss general key priorities for the boating industry but shifted at the last minute to a discussion of the surprise announcement of temporary exclusion zones for 'powered vessels' at Port Stephens this summer.
BIA expressed concern for the lack of prior consultation or evidence as to why the zones were introduced and raised concern that 'bans' on an activity do not address the issue of bad behaviour, it just displaced it to other areas. For this reason, BIA tabled a collaborative plan responding to government concerns about a relatively small minority who demonstrate anti-social and dangerous behaviour on the waterways and run the risk of spoiling it for most boaters who are responsible.
Minister Aitchison gave BIA a good hearing and expressed support for further consultation with industry.
BIA is working directly with the Minister's office to achieve improved outcomes for boating.
Transport for NSW Maritime has published information about the trail on its website.
Member queries to BIA Advocacy.