Port Stephens Jet-Ski Exclusion Zone Trial Praised as a Success by Authorities
A powered vessel exclusion zone trial targeting jet-skis in the picturesque Port Stephens region has been declared a significant success by NSW Maritime and local leaders. The trial, which ran from December 24 to January 26 over the peak holiday period, aimed to address longstanding community concerns about safety and amenity on the busy waterways.
Positive Feedback and High Compliance Rates Noted
Mark Hutchings, the executive director of Transport for NSW Maritime, highlighted that operational data and high-level feedback from the trial showed largely positive outcomes. "As a boating safety regulator, my priority is to prevent anyone getting injured as people use the water," Mr Hutchings said. "I can happily say that everyone was really enjoying interacting with the water and we were getting very few complaints and we saw no injuries during the trial."
This marked a stark contrast to previous years, where numerous complaints regarding jet-skis had been received. Mr Hutchings emphasised that the trial demonstrated high compliance rates with minimal complaints, calling it a practical response to community issues. He personally walked the beaches to observe the zones in operation, noting the area's beauty and the successful sharing of the waterway.
Decision on Permanent Zones Deferred Until March
Despite the encouraging results, no final decision on implementing permanent exclusion zones will be made until after March. A comprehensive and independent report is expected to be finalised by the end of that month, which will provide a deeper analysis of the trial's benefits and any potential issues.
Mr Hutchings explained that the report will include results from feedback gathered through on-site conversations with residents and visitors, along with observations during peak use periods, focus groups, and post-trial interviews. More than 400 residents and visitors, as well as 160 powered-vessel users, have been consulted as part of this evaluation process.
Local Leaders Applaud Trial Outcomes
Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and Mayor Leah Anderson both expressed strong support for the trial, citing a significant reduction in complaints compared to previous years. Ms Washington noted that since the COVID-19 pandemic, she and the mayor had been receiving increasing numbers of concerns about conflicts on the waterway, particularly involving jet-skis.
"Doing nothing was not an option for us," she said. "We are pleased NSW Maritime has put up this trial, because we have seen a significant change. We were getting increasing numbers of complaints but this year we have had none."
Mayor Anderson added that the trial has allowed families with young children and elderly residents to enjoy the water safely, while jet-skis operated in designated areas. She reported receiving only two minor complaints during the trial period.
Trial Details and Broader Context
During the trial, all powered vessels were required to stay at least 30 metres from the shoreline along stretches of Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, and Dutchman's Beach. Signs were installed at all trial sites and nearby launch points to inform users.
The initiative comes at a time when jet-ski ownership in NSW has climbed by almost 23 percent over the past five years, with license numbers rising by 38 percent. Port Stephens is identified as one of the high-use areas for such watercraft, underscoring the importance of managing shared water spaces effectively.
Looking ahead, the independent report due in March will play a crucial role in shaping future policies, ensuring that any decisions are based on robust data and community input.
