Investigators have questioned three jet-ski owners over the destruction of a nest of rare and endangered Ospreys on the Georges River.
At the same time, the state government ruled out banning the troublesome water craft from the Georges River.
Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) instigated a joint agency investigation on Monday.
”The investigation is being carried out in conjunction with NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and NSW Police Marine Area Command,” an RMS spokesman said.
“Witnesses of the incident were interviewed by investigators on Wednesday.
“Three jet-ski owners have been identified and are assisting the investigation team with its inquiries.”
The spokesman said a combination of increased penalty notices, increased patrols and recent legislative changes had contributed to more rigorous enforcement of compliance by jet-skis on the Georges River.
“Since December last year, increased patrols and enforcement activities on the Georges River have resulted in 189 penalty notices being issued for jet ski offences,” he said.
“Last weekend Boating Safety Officers issued nine penalty notices and five cautions after 75 jet-ski checks.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Duncan Gay, rejected a call by federal MP for Banks, David Coleman, for the craft to be banned from the river.
“Banning jet-skis from the Georges River would only move the problem, instead of solving the issue and putting a stop to this behaviour, which is what we’re trying to do alternatively,” Mr Gay said.
“The NSW Government has introduced a range of measures trying to get these hoons to play nicely on the Georges River.
“We have increased high visibility and covert patrols, introduced additional speed restrictions and extended jet-ski exclusion zones.
“Stronger laws aimed at curbing anti-social behaviour were introduced this month.
“These laws will enable for the first time the immediate suspension of boat licences for reckless, dangerous and negligent behaviour and the ability to impound a hoon’s jet-ski for a period of three months.
“With the warm weather upon us and more jet-skis out on the water, I remind all jet-ski users flouting the law – you’re on notice.
“Everyone needs to share our waterways – there is no place for intimidating behaviour.”