New powers give Mornington Peninsula council staff more muscle to deal with jet ski hoons
Last summer more than 100 fines were issued by police to reckless jet skiers hooning on Port Phillip Bay. Now, Mornington Peninsula council rangers are adding muscle to the fight, receiving more powers to deal with dodgy riders.
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Jet ski hoons are more likely to get caught this summer thanks to new powers for Mornington Peninsula Shire rangers.
The council staff can now gather intelligence on dangerous activities on the water and report it to Maritime Safety Victoria compliance officers.
Mornington Peninsula Mayor Sam Hearn said staff had been trained in surveillance and reporting by the MSV and were now acting as valuable eyes on the water for the authority.
“It’s a really important step and will hopefully help make our beaches safer,” he said.
Cr Hearn said the initiative, which kicked off on January 1, could lead to even greater powers for rangers.
“If it’s successful we might be able to convince the State Government to give our staff the power to issue enforcement notices as well,” he said.
The initiative could also be expanded to other council areas along Port Phillip Bay, he said.
Maritime Safety Victoria director Cameron Toy said the new Transport Safety Officers (TSOs) had the authority to direct vessel operators to stop or come in to shore, request licence details, names and addresses, and collect evidence to support infringement notices.
“These additional resources will work in conjunction with Victoria Police, Parks Victoria and Maritime Safety Victoria to ensure that Port Phillip Bay is safe for all waterway users,” Mr Toy said.
Rye Community Group Alliance’s Mechelle Cheers said it was too soon to tell if the new powers were making a difference.
“The weather has been so variable that I don’t think the past few weeks have been the best test case,” she said.
She praised the council for its stance on jet skis and called on the State Government to do more to protect beach goers and the environment.
Ms Cheers said the new rule for jet skiers recently implemented by MSV failed to acknowledge noise concerns and threats to the environment.
“One noisy, aggressive group should not be dominating the beach at the expense of everyone else.”
Freestyling within the 5-knot speed restriction zones, including performing moves like doughnuts, circles or weaving, was banned by MSV late last year.
The new rule, which came into play on December 16, restricts “irregular” riding of personal watercraft in 5-knot zones.
Riders are also required to navigate their craft in the safest, most direct course from the shore heading seaward, or from the sea towards the shore.
Those caught flouting the rule face a $330 fine.
Last summer more than 100 fines were issued by police to people committing offences on personal watercraft.
Meanwhile, volunteer life savers and paid lifeguards have been busy looking out for more than 80,000 visitors to Mornington Peninsula and bayside beaches.
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Patrols were involved in 32 rescues, four major first aid incidents and more than 1500 preventive actions.
Life Saving Victoria’s Manager Lifesaving Operations Liam Krige urged people to remain vigilant around the water.
“This is especially so after Victoria recorded its worst drowning toll in two decades last year,” he said.
Mr Krige reminded people to swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches, avoid alcohol around water, staying informed about conditions and being realistic about skills and fitness.