‘Cruel’ jet ski hoons destroy rare bird’s nest

DISTURBING images of a hoon deliberately destroying the nest of an endangered bird has prompted calls for jet skis to be banned.

This photo of a man riding a jet ski close to a he nest of an endangered Osprey nesting on the Georges River was posted on the Georges River Wildlife Facebook group page. Source: Supplied

DISTURBING images showing a jet ski hoon deliberately destroying the nest of an endangered bird has prompted renewed calls for jet skis to be banned on the Georges River.

The photos show a lone man near Illawong manoeuvring around a channel marker, using the watercraft’s spray to pommel a precarious osprey nest.

A moderator on the Georges River Wildlife Facebook group, who posted the photos, said the “cruel” act was captured on October 14 and more jet skis returned in the following days.

“It really has been a sad experience … watching people have fun destroying the osprey nest and even more so watching the male start nest building efforts again,” she said.

“He seemed obviously exhausted, struggling to break off much smaller branches than what I have seen previously,” she said.

“I suspect the female knows all is lost as she left the nest (not scared off, just left) ...”

By the time the assault had finished the nest was reduced to little more than a scattering of twigs with no chicks remaining.

Another photo of a man riding his jet ski close to the nest. Roads and Maritime Services are speaking to four jet ski owners. Source: Supplied

A Roads and Maritime Services spokesman told The Express a joint RMS, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and NSW Police Marine Area Command investigation had identified four jet ski owners who were “assisting the investigation team with its inquiries”.

Banks federal MP David Coleman last week demanded the NSW Government “take decisive action” and ban jet ski use along the entire 26.6km river.

“Jet skis have been banned on the Parramatta River since 2001, and they should be banned on the Georges River as well,” he said.

“The river should be there to be shared and enjoyed. Unfortunately, the presence of jet skis makes it much harder for local residents to enjoy the river.

“The noise and disruption caused by jet skis means that many local families no longer make use of the river for activities such as kayaking, and fishing has also been made much more difficult.”

But NSW Roads and Maritime Minister Duncan Gay told The Express a blanket ban wasn’t an option.

“Banning jet skis from the Georges River would only move the problem, instead of solving the issue and put a stop to this behaviour which is what we’re trying to do alternatively,” he said.

A pair of rare endangered osprey's made a home on the Georges River. But the nest was destroyed by jet ski spray. Source: NSW Office of Environment and Heritage

In December the NSW Government said it would spend $1 million to crackdown on jet ski speed demons on the river, with Mr Gay outlining a seven-point plan involving drone patrols and more penalties for those breaking an 8-knot speed limit.

The RMS spokesman said there had been 189 penalty notices issued for jet ski offences since the crackdown began.

During the weekend the nest was attacked, boating safety officers issued nine penalty notices and three cautions following 75 jet ski checks.

Female Osprey landing on nest, with the male already on the nest. Source: Supplied

Originally published as ‘Cruel’ jet ski hoons destroy rare bird’s nest