PORT Macquarie MP Leslie Williams is taking the NSW Government to task over a “dramatic increase” in boat and personal watercraft (PWC) licence fees.

The increases, which came into effect on 1 July, see boat licence fees increase by up to 30 percent and PWC licence fees jump by up to 88 percent.

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A ten-year jet ski licence, which cost $1043 before the increase, will now set users back $1961.

Mrs Williams, in a statement released on Wednesday, expressed concerns local families and businesses would be affected.

“A ten-year PWC licence fee will increase to almost $2,000, possibly placing the exhilarating recreation out of reach for many families and adversely impacting on businesses who sell and service watercraft.

“Our area has hundreds of boaties and jet ski licence holders who are now worse off under these fee hikes.

“These outrageous increases have been implemented without consultation with licence holders or industry stakeholders,” Mrs Williams said.

“The boating fraternity of the Port Macquarie electorate and beyond are seeking an appropriate and timely response,” Mrs Williams said.

From 1 July, the new minimum fee for a general boat licence is $77 and $245 for a general personal watercraft (PWC) licence.

Registration or registration renewal of a vessel now costs a minimum of $89, or $483 for a personal watercraft (PWC).

When the fee hike was announced in May, Transport for NSW Maritime Executive Director Mark Hutchings said the maritime community would directly benefit from the increased revenue.

“The money from these fees will be re-invested into vital activities carried out by the NSW Maritime team,” said Mr Hutchings.

“We understand that no-one likes a fee increase, but this is a necessary change to ensure NSW Maritime can continue conducting safety-critical activities on our waterways.”

“We want to make our waterways safer and more enjoyable for all users, whether you’re a boater, yachtie, jet-ski rider or kayaker.”