A four-week trial banning jet skis and other powered boats from three popular Port Stephens areas is drawing to a close, with state authorities declaring it a success but facing criticism over how the community's opinions are being gathered.
Trial Aims for Safer Waterways
The temporary exclusion zones, in effect from December 24 to January 26, prohibited all powered vessels from entering areas at Fly Point, Dutchmans Beach, and Shoal Bay. The NSW government initiative aimed to enhance safety for all water users by creating a buffer along approximately 800 metres of shoreline, requiring boats to stay at least 30 metres from the shore.
A Transport for NSW Maritime spokesperson stated the trial was "working well", with high compliance and minimal complaints. They emphasised an educational approach, with patrols focusing on instruction rather than enforcement. A full independent report on the trial's outcomes is expected by the end of March 2026.
Boating Groups Flag 'Imbalanced' Consultation
Despite official praise, local boating representatives have raised significant concerns about the fairness and accessibility of the community feedback process. Troy Radford, president of the Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club, argued the consultation was not equally available to all waterway users.
"That imbalance is hard to ignore," Mr Radford said. He pointed out that only two of the 16 boat ramps in Port Stephens featured signs with QR codes for feedback, while many more were placed along beaches and swimming areas. This, he fears, could skew results toward the views of swimmers and beachgoers over those who use powered vessels.
"The concern is that boat users and jet ski users know nothing about what's going on, the majority of visitors coming here know nothing about it," he added, calling for more widespread signage at ramps and a clearer on-water education campaign.
Industry Calls for Better Process Before Any Expansion
The Boating Industry Association (BIA) has echoed these concerns, labelling the consultation process during the trial's rollout as "unusual and troubling." BIA spokesperson Neil Patchett warned it risked setting a poor precedent for future marine management decisions.
The association has called on the state government to halt any plans to reintroduce or expand the exclusion zones until it improves several key areas:
- Community consultation and education
- Compliance and enforcement protocols
- Collection of long-term data on powered vessel incidents
- Exploration of alternatives to full exclusion zones
NSW Police reported that Marine Area Command patrols had issued 11 warnings during the trial—six at Shoal Bay and five at Fly Point—with all users complying after police intervention.
Port Stephens Council confirmed it is monitoring the trial closely and will review the findings to inform future waterway management. Community feedback can be provided online or via QR codes on signage until January 27, 2026.
