Boating Groups call for consultation on powered vessel exclusion from areas of Port Stephens
by Boating Industry Association 6 Oct 23:34 PDT
Boating Groups call for consultation on powered vessel exclusion © Boating Industry Association
Boating and fishing groups today expressed concern regarding the NSW State Government surprise announcement to exclude powered vessels from areas of Port Stephens.
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) and Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) together represent $20 billion in industry turnover and 130,000 jobs, and both found the move "troubling" due to the lack of consultation.
BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett said both organisations supported safe, responsible and enjoyable boating, and neither was approached to discuss alternatives such as enforcement, compliance and education of existing rules for safe boating.
"Both our organisations are ever ready to meet with governments to work together for the benefit of the wider community," Patchett said. "In this case, the NSW Government has announced new restrictions on boating in areas which are not yet known, without consulting key stakeholders who represent those impacted."
BIA says boating is a way of life for many people in the area, with 1 in 5 households owning a boat or some type of watercraft.
Both BIA and AFTA are calling on the State Government to meet to discuss access to the waterways.