Australia Day ban sparks outrage – as locals claim they were left in the dark about decision
A campsite has been criticized for its ‘unfair’ decision to ban boats and jet skis from Australia Day celebrations.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will prevent people from releasing their boats and jet skis from the Bonnie Vale launch in Bundeena this long weekend, despite it being the most popular time of year to use the facility.
Andrew Petty paid more than $300 for a camping trip with his family and all he wanted to do was go fishing with his kids.
“We have one of the most beautiful waterways for everyone to use,” Mr Petty said.
“We pay our boat license, registration, fishing license, national park entrance fee, camping fees, and are denied access to the only ramp on that side of Port Hacking.”
Mr Petty said he would have to drive more than an hour to find the nearest ramp where he could launch his boat and believed he was paying the price for irresponsible jet ski users who cause a nuisance and danger by crossing the waterway and tear again.
“The maritime industry does not have the resources to prevent the use of jet skis, so their alternative is to simply force the ramp and hire traffic officers to control access to the ramp,” he said.
Mr Petty said the ban was “unfair” because much of the traffic comes from jet ski riders crossing from the other side of Port Hacking.
Bonnie Vale boat and jet ski launch will be closed over the Australia Day long weekend, sparking outrage among locals and visitors
A local resident described the move as “yet another example of a government agency creating a problem instead of looking for more practical solutions.”
Locals, who were not consulted on the decision, also argued that the boat ramp provided a safe access point to leave the isolated Bundeena area in an emergency.
The Port Hacking River is one of the most notorious spots for jet ski infringements in NSW and authorities claim they cause significant traffic congestion on nearby roads when the Royal National Park is at capacity.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service said the closure would also improve safety in the area by separating swimmers and watercraft users.
“Public safety is always our first priority and this temporary closure will ensure Bonnie Vale remains a safer and more enjoyable space for all visitors over the long weekend,” said NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service Royal area manager Brendon Neilly.
Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart also backed the safety-first move.
The popularity of jet skis is booming in NSW, with more than 92,000 licensed riders in the state; an increase of 43 percent compared to five years ago.
NSW maritime officer Jay Ruming said NSW had recorded 1,700 jet ski offenses in the past 12 months.
‘Our data tells us that jet skis are grossly over-represented in serious injury incidents. People involved in a jet ski accident have a 50 percent chance of serious injury,” Ruming said.
The entry point at Bonnie Vale will be closed from 9pm on Friday 24 January until 7am on Tuesday 28 January.