Jetski hoons driving Mornington Peninsula, Port Phillip Bay beachgoers and boaties crazy
A MORNINGTON Peninsula community group is demanding an immediate crackdown on jetski hoons they say are making life miserable for others trying to enjoy the beach.
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A MORNINGTON Peninsula community group is demanding an immediate crackdown on jetski hoons they say are making life miserable for beachgoers and boaties.
Rye Community Group Alliance chair Mechelle Cheers said locals had had a gutful of jetski hoons, particularly around Rye Pier, who were a “disaster waiting to happen”.
“It’s been sheer luck no-one has been killed,” Ms Cheers said.
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“The beach is somewhere that’s no longer safe, calm and tranquil to go to,” she said.
“They (hoons) are also tormenting boaties out in their tinnies.”
Mornington Peninsula Council has vowed to work with other agencies and police to crack down on the growing problem.
The council will call on police, Marine Safety Victoria and Parks Victoria to boost “surveillance, patrolling and enforcement” of jet skis.
Strategic planner (coastal) Bridie Ryan said Rye was among Port Phillip Bay hoon hotspots.
Cr Antonella Celi said the hoons had also been making life miserable for beachgoers at Safety Beach.
The Leader reported in March jet ski hoons were playing “chicken” — racing toward each other and swerving at the last minute to avoid collision.
Ports Minister Luke Donnellan said Maritime Safety Victoria worked with councils, Victoria Police and Parks Victoria to keep people safe on the water.
“While most jetski riders do the right thing, there remains a small, reckless group who ignore the law,” he said.
“Our message to these people is clear — we’ll find you, we’ll fine you and if necessary we’ll take you off the water.”
Hoons breaching of speed and distance rules face fines of $317; riding an unregistered or unlicensed can cost $793; and courts can impose up to $3171 for each offence.
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