Port Stephens Council votes to slow jet skis Port POPUP - DAupdate Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - February 21, 2025 Port Stephens residents have been vocal in their concern over jet ski usage. PORT Stephens Council will request that Transport for NSW conduct a review into the use of jet skis and their potential impact on public safety. The motion, initiated by Mayoral Leah Anderson, was put to Council in response to an apparent rise in concern from Port Stephens residents about the impact of jet skis at popular beaches throughout the LGA. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Imagine Cruises owner Frank Future shared his thoughts during public access at the Council meeting on 11 February. “Having spent 30 years out on the waters of Port Stephens, speed has become a problem,” said Mr Future, who claimed jet ski usage in Port Stephens has increased by around 50 percent over the past five to six years. The potential of causing distress to marine life is a major concern, Mr Future said, noting that uncontrolled jet ski usage could drive away tourist attractions like dolphins. Mr Future also referred to an incident in which two Black Swans were killed by a jet ski user over the 2024 summer holidays. Another issue is the possibility of harm to individuals, particularly children, in the event of accidents or collisions. “I’m asking Council to support a speed limit as a good first stage,” Mr Future said. “I am suggesting 20 knots in the Marine Park, and 10 knots in the Sanctuary Zones, and definitely an exclusion zone along some of our beaches.” In discussion of the issues raised, Mayor Anderson insisted that this was an initiative to manage the use of such craft, not to prevent their use. “I want to make it very, very clear that I am not proposing a ban on jet skis.” All Council members expressed support for the motion, with Cr Paul Le Mottee stating the expectation that any review should conclude that present rules for NSW waterways are already sufficient providing they can be adequately enforced. The motion acknowledges that Port Stephens Council does not have any jurisdiction to manage or police such issues on waterways. Port Stephens Council’s General Manager will draft a letter to the State Member for Port Stephens and the Minister for Transport to request a review be conducted, which will be vetted by Council before being sent. By Lindsay HALL
