SECURITY cameras have been proposed for the beachfront along Brighton-Le-Sands to curb conflict between jet ski riders, swimmers, windsurfers and kiteboarders.
CCTV (closed circuit television) cameras could also be extended to boat ramps in adjoining waterways, where clashes occur.
The proposal was included in a new draft boating plan for Botany Bay and the Georges, Woronora and Cooks rivers released this month for comment by Ports Minister Duncan Gay.
The plan was drawn up by the maritime division of Transport for NSW following consultation with government agencies and user groups after a study of incidents, complaints and penalties imposed.
One of the major problems identified was the antisocial behaviour of some personal watercraft (commonly referred to as jet ski) users, particularly at Lady Robinsons beach and Revesby beach, in the Georges River.
The document said conflicts arose from the diversity of activities, including swimming, personal watercraft riding, sailing and kiteboarding.
Another major concern was the behaviour of some people at boat ramps, where conflict also occurred.
Behaviour on Woronora River, including the operation of ‘‘supa skuas’’, was also identified for action.
Supa skuas are small aluminium craft, with 30-50 horsepower engines that lift the hull perpendicular to the water surface.
Other matters requiring attention include the number of NSW Maritime patrols, enforcement and compliance, mooring management, speed zones, signage and the need for more boat ramps.
The draft plan said one way to relieve conflict at Lady Robinsons beach and the Revesby beach area was to set up an aquatic park for personal watercraft at Floyd Bay, adjoining Chipping Norton Lakes.
In the medium term, CCTV cameras could be placed on beach areas at Brighton-Le-Sands and at designated boat ramps.
The document said that because of problems at Brighton-Le-Sands, the swimming-only area was recently extended 100 metres to the north.
Sea of sand
The draft plan said the only public wharf between Cooks River to Captain Cook Bridge was surrounded by a sea of sand.
The plan said options for restoring or relocating the Dolls Point wharf should be discussed by Roads and Maritime Services and Rockdale Council.
Funding could be possible under the government’s Better Boating program.
Details: go to maritime.nsw.gov.au and check out the draft boating plan.
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