Director Maritime Angus Mitchell joins Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay and NSW Police Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings to announce a crackdown on dangerous and anti-social riding of jetskis in and around the Georges River.

Media Release: Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay, Member for East Hills Glenn Brookes and NSW Police Marine Area Commander Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings today announced a NSW Government crackdown on dangerous and anti-social riding of jet-skis in and around the Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking.

New measures include increased high visibility and covert patrols, additional speed restrictions and jet-ski exclusion zones, stronger laws to enable immediate suspension of boat licences for reckless, dangerous and negligent behaviour and seizure and impoundment of jet-skis.

Minister Gay said local and boating community members had raised serious concerns about hoons who pose a huge safety risk to all river users.

“All jet-ski users flouting the law are on notice. We’re putting a stop to this behaviour,” Minister Gay said.

“Speed limits, irregular riding and safe distance rules are in place for a reason – breaking the law is just downright irresponsible and there are serious consequences.

“Everyone needs to share our waterways – there is no place for intimidating behaviour.

“Quite frankly, we shouldn’t have to stand up and tell jet-skiers to slow down, keep a safe distance and obey the law – it’s about time more courtesy and respect was shown for other boaters and water users.”

Detective Superintendent Mark Hutchings said it was known that dangerous hoon-like behaviour stopped when enforcement is in place, which is why we’re stepping it up a notch.

“Police officers will be tasked daily to patrol the Georges River and other areas where jet-skiers are causing trouble,” Det Supt Hutchings said.

“We are specifically targeting a rogue element of individuals who conduct illegal activities on the water. ”

“Police have already pressed charges against a man who allegedly drove his jet-ski negligently on the Georges River at Picnic Point, knocking a kayaker into the water and causing that man serious and painful injuries. ”

“We won’t hesitate to arrest and charge others who insist on breaking the law on the water,” he said.

Director of Maritime Angus Mitchell from Roads and Maritime Services said a raft of measures was also being considered to deter illegal activity and catch offenders, including the use of GPS and drone technology as well as increasing the number of CCTV cameras in and around problem areas.

“From 1 January, Roads and Maritime will extend the eight knot speed limit zone on the Georges River by two kilometres,” Mr Mitchell said.

“We’ve also set up a dedicated complaints hotline on 13 12 36 for the community to report incidents of dangerous or anti-social behaviour and compliance issues.”

The eight knot extension will apply from the downstream end of the existing four knot Picnic Point area about 1.5km, to near the entrance to Mill Creek. It will also extend the existing eight knot area upstream of the Picnic Point speed area about 500 metres to the entrance of Deadmans Creek, to include the Sandy Point boat ramp.
Mr Brookes said jet-ski exclusion zones would also be properly considered in parts of the Georges River (around Revesby), Port Hacking (Bonnie Vale) and Botany Bay over the next six months, in consultation with the local communities, water users and Police.

“These measures are a great win for the local community members who have been calling for tougher enforcement, so locals can use the waterways without feeling intimidated.

“Stronger laws to enable immediate suspension of boat licences for reckless, dangerous and negligent behaviour have already been proposed and new powers to enable seizure and impoundment of jet-skis will be progressed as part of marine safety legislation reforms in 2016.”