Port Phillip Council votes to ban jet skis from Melbourne’s busiest beaches to protect swimmers, penguins

A unanimous council vote to ban jet skis from some of Melbourne’s hottest beaches could spell the end of the “showpony” bogans terrorising St Kilda pier. Have hoons ruined it for everyone?

Jet skis could be banned from some of Melbourne’s most popular beaches as summer kicks into gear amid fears hoons are putting swimmers and a vulnerable penguin colony at risk.

Port Phillip Council voted at Wednesday night’s council meeting to support a ban on personal watercraft from coming within 200m of the shore at St Kilda, Elwood, Middle Park, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne and Sandridge beaches.

Now it will lobby the state government to introduce – and police – a ban that would also see jet skis banished 200m out to sea from St Kilda pier.

Jet skis at St Kilda pier could be banned. Picture: Gianni Francis.

Jet ski riders already face a $330 fine for hooning — such as doing doughnuts, circles and weaving — in the 200m five knot speed restriction zone along Port Phillip’s beaches.

But councillor Serge Thomann wants more done to protect swimmers and St Kilda’s iconic penguin colony.

Mr Thomann was particularly concerned about jet ski riders hooning in St Kilda Harbour and off St Kilda beach, one of the busiest waterways in the state.

Friends Christopher Treloar and Matthew Wilcox swimming at St Kilda pier. Picture: Gianni Francis.

On Wednesday, just hours before the motion was to be tabled at council, the Herald Sun witnessed multiple jet skis performing tricks and coming within metres of swimmers.

Pier punter Matthew Wilcox, who had just climbed out of the water, said he didn’t think jet skis needed to be blanket banned, but they should definitely stay away from where people were swimming and jumping off the pier.

His mate Chrisptopher Treloar said there should be some regulation to keep the jet skis on one side of the pier away from swimmers.

Port Phillip councillor Serge Thomann. Picture: Supplied

“Jet skis, with their high speed and rapid acceleration, present an unacceptable safety risk in this crowded and mixed-use environment,” Mr Thomann said.

He said there had been “numerous near misses” and policing of existing rules had proven “ineffective”.

“Now is the time to act before a serious incident occurs.”

The Herald Sun witnessed jet skis metres away from swimmers at St Kilda pier. Picture: Gianni Francis.

Cr Beti Jay, who has a jet ski licence, said “A lot of show ponies that come to our bay and like to show off with their big horse power jet skis”.

“It is not a place for hooning,” she said.

“Go down to Dromana if that’s what you to do.”

Port Phillip Council will now push the state government for the ban and increased police patrols and enforcement of Port Phillip waterways.

Safe Transport Victoria spokesman said enforcement agencies including Victoria Police and Parks Victoria would “maintain a visible presence” this summer.

The push to introduce new rules that would keep jet skis away from swimmers and marine life was welcomed by the Port Phillip Beach Box Association.

Treasurer Mark Davis said it was time to introduce specific areas for jet ski riders.

“It’s not about alienating people with personal water craft, the majority do the right thing.

“It’s about giving them their own area to use safely.

“If you’re going to do it, do it properly.”

Port Melbourne beach is popular with jet ski riders. Picture: James Ross

Councils have been dealing with the fallout from jet skis for years and Port Phillip is not the first to call for tougher restrictions for personal watercraft operating near swimming beaches.

In 2023 Mornington Peninsula Shire and Liberal MP for Nepean Sam Groth called for exclusion zones after Safety Beach was “taken over” by jet ski hoons.

A shocking video of jet ski riders coming dangerously close to swimmers in January 2024 and another incident in McCrae in February, 2024 sparked more pleas for change.

Rye Community Group Alliance chair Mechelle Cheers said the “sheer volume” of jet skis was affecting the enjoyment of all users of Port Phillip Bay.

Ms Cheers, who has been fighting for jet ski free zones for 10 years, said people no longer felt safe in the water.

She said police and maritime safety officers were “doing their best” but education and compliance efforts weren’t working.

The call for a ban comes as Parks Victoria reviews boating rules around St Kilda pier to improve swimmers’ safety.

Changes being considered include making the water landward of the tiered seating section, and under the pier, a no boating zone.