Life jackets to be mandatory for rock fishing on the Central Coast
Life jackets will be mandatory for rock fishing on the Central Coast from July 1 next year after the region was officially declared a high-risk area. See which rock platforms are included.
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Rock fishers will face $100 fines if they fail to wear a certified Australian Standards lifejacket on the Central Coast after the region was officially declared a high-risk area.
Local Government Minister Shelley Hancock said the region was declared a high-risk area under the Rock Fishing Safety Act after Central Coast Council opted in to use the laws to improve safety.
The Central Coast is one of five NSW coastal areas to become declared under the Act, with grants of up to $30,000 being made available to those councils to support implementation including rock fishing safety signage, education and awareness.
“Rock fishers make up a small but passionate part of the fishing community and, while an enjoyable pastime for many, it is one of the most dangerous sports in Australia,” she said.
“Tragically, about eight people on average lose their lives each year while rock fishing in NSW.
“Anyone rock fishing or helping others to rock fish along high-risk locations on the Central Coast will now be required to wear an appropriate life jacket at all times.”
Every rock shelf on the coast has been declared dangerous including Toowoon Point, Blue Bay, Bateau Bay and The Entrance.
Surf Life Saving Central Coast president Stuart Harvey said it was a victory for common sense.
“If you’re on a rock platform common sense would tell you, you need a lifejacket to protect not only yourself but one of us who have to come in and rescue you,” he said.
Terrigal State Liberal MP Adam Crouch congratulated council for opting in to the initiative to improve rock fishing safety, especially during the forthcoming busy summer period.
“The Central Coast boasts a beautiful coastline but there is no doubt we also have some dangerous rock fishing locations and the mandatory lifejacket laws will now apply in these areas from Patonga to Frazer Park,” Mr Crouch said.
“The declaration of our region as a high-risk rock fishing area and the mandating of life jackets is a significant step towards improving recreational safety.”
Police and Emergency Services Minister David Elliott said a moratorium on the issuing of fines would apply until July 1 next year to allow rock fishers to be made aware of the new rule.
“The Government supports an educative approach to ensure everybody is aware of this new requirement before fines start being issued,” Mr Elliott said.
“Under the Rock Fishing Safety Act enforcement is the responsibility of councils, the NSW Police Force, Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (Fisheries) and National Parks and Wildlife Service.”
“Following the moratorium, anyone failing to wear a certified Australian Standards lifejacket while rock fishing in declared high-risk locations will risk a $100 on-the-spot-fine.”
Central Coast, Ballina, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens and Sutherland councils have now been declared as high-risk areas.
They join Randwick, Northern Beaches and Richmond Valley as declared areas under the Rock Fishing Safety Act.
Any additional high-risk area declarations will only be made at the request of local councils as they have detailed knowledge of their coastlines and communities and share enforcement responsibility.