Heathcote MP and locals call for jet ski ban at Bonnie Vale beach

A petition calling for jet skis to be banned at a popular south Sydney beach is picking up speed, as concern mounts for swimmers and coastlines put at risk by “poorly policed” skiers.

Bonnie Vale Beach is a “popular area for recreational boating, swimmers, campers, and day visitors”. Picture: Supplied

A petition calling for jet skis to be banned at a popular south Sydney beach is gaining traction.

Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart has banded together with residents from Bundeena, Maianbar and surrounds to tackle private watercraft (PWC) zoning at Bonnie Vale beach in the Royal National Park, amid mounting concerns about the location of a boat ramp in the middle of the beach.

They argue swimmers, beachgoers, and fragile coastal environments are regularly put at risk by watercraft launched just meters away.

However, Bundeena Progress Association President, Mark de Silva, cautioned against rushing into an outright ban without certain stakeholders at the table.

“Clearly, Bonnie Vale is a busy and well-used recreation area and we need to ensure that it’s shared responsibly,” he said.

Residents from Bundeena, Maianbar and neighbouring communities have called for a jet ski ban at Bonnie Vale. Picture: Jonathan Ng

“But, there needs to be time for proper consultation and for all stakeholders to be considered.

“You’ve got to find an outcome that to a certain degree can cater for everybody as it’s a very popular area for recreational boating, swimmers, campers, and day visitors.”

Mr Da Silva said the boat ramp location was particularly contentious given Bonnie Vale sits on the Port Hacking River, a designated “restriction zone” under NSW Maritime Law.

In restriction zones, private watercraft must not be used for “irregular driving” within 200m of a riverbank or shore, and powered vessels, including sailboats over 5.5m long, must keep a minimum distance of 60m from people in the water.

With both rules frequently flouted at Bonnie Vale, Mr Da Silva said attention should shift to enforcing existing restrictions as opposed to introducing harsher ones.

“It’s all well and good to have these rules but who is going to enforce them?” he asked. “There just aren’t the resources there from a maritime authority to actually police it.

The location of a boat ramp in the middle of the beach has led watercraft to come within metres of swimmers. Picture: Google

“I’m out on the water quite often and on the weekend, you might see one boating officer who is patrolling all the fisherman in the area – and they are policing an enormous area.”

Environmental risks are also a major cause for concern, Mr Da Silva said, with dune systems, Posidonia seagrass beds, and endangered shorebirds under threat from unregulated watercraft use.

But attempts to raise these concerns with government have seen the boat ramp, and associated PWC rules, “footballed” from one department to another.

“In Bundeena, we have experienced in recent years, incredible frustration in dealing with the National Parks and Wildlife services in particular,” Mr Da Silva said.

“So unless the relevant government agencies and authorities are willing to work proactively and with the community, then we are not going to get anywhere.

“The only way we can see a solution is if there is genuine consultation with all stakeholders and experts from the government who can draw up a plan of management for this area.”

Unregulated watercraft use poses a threat to the critically endangered Eastern Curlew on nearby Deeban Spit. Picture: Supplied

Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart has called on stakeholders to find alternative locations for jet ski usage. Picture: Supplied

Heathcote MP Stuart said the solution was long-overdue, given the Office of Environment and Heritage recommended “phasing out the launching of power boats or jet skis from Bonnie Vale” in a 2017 report, citing the need to “improve safety for the large numbers of swimmers and beach users, protect the fragile dune system, and improve pedestrian safety in the carpark”.

“We want all stakeholders, including Transport for NSW (Maritime), the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), the NSW Police Force and the PWC community, to work with us to find alternative locations for jet ski usage,” Ms Stuart said.

“I ask that residents and National Park enthusiasts sign the petition and encourage friends and family to sign too.”

In response to the petition and call to action, an NWPS spokesperson said “National Parks and Wildlife Service supports measures to improve protection for swimmers and the environment”.

“The regulation of vessel use is a matter for NSW Maritime,” the spokesperson said.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said NSW Maritime was “aware of the concerns raised by Heathcote MP Maryanne Stuart and local community members”.

However, noting that patrols run seven days a week at Bonnie Vale – which is within the PWC Restriction Zone – the spokesperson said NSW Maritime was “satisfied with the current onwater management strategy … and there are no immediate plans to add further restrictions on PWC activity in the Port Hacking area”.