Menacing jet-skis regularly speed through radio-controlled, miniature yachts racing on Kogarah Bay, an enthusiast says.
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The revelation comes after another complaint about jet-ski riders disrupting activities at Kogarah Bay Sailing Club for a whole day despite being issued with fines and having two visits from police.
Meanwhile, an investigation into the destruction of an osprey’s nest on a navigation pole in Georges River in October identified four riders, but no penalties have yet been imposed for cruelty.
A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesman said one rider had been fined $750 for riding unlicensed and failing to stay a safe distance away from a navigational aid, while the owner of the craft had been fined $500 for allowing it to be used by an unlicensed rider.
The spokesman said another rider was due to be interviewed, but two others had not presented for meetings and court attendance notices could be issued.
A spokeswoman for the Office of Environment and Heritage, which is responsible for offences against protected animals, said it could not comment as the investigation was continuing.
Radio yachting enthusiast Owen Jarvis said jet-ski riders had not respect for the law and should be banned from the area.
Mr Jarvis is regatta officer for the NSW Radio Yachting Association and a Kogarah Bay club member, but spoke out “as a concerned citizen, who uses these waters regularly”.
He said the club launched yachts from Dover Park East on the western shore of the bay, and it was the site for the national championships to be held in February.
”The ‘waters’ we sail on are registered with Roads and Maritime Services for our use,” Mr Jarvis said.
”We often have trouble with ‘hoons’ on jet skis speeding through our fleet when we are racing, in complete disregard of the rules for their use.
“Our boats cost several thousand dollars each and even the spray from a jet ski is enough to destroy the sails and rigging, just like the spray can dislodge an Osprey nest.
“They are a menace on Kogarah Bay, especially when we are sailing radio controlled boats, and should be banned.”
Commodore of Kogarah Bay Sailing Club Cliff Lewis said in a letter to the Leader in October, a large group of jet skiers “took up residence on the pontoon in front of our sailing club” on the same day the Ospreys nest was destroyed.
Mr Lewis said they had created disruption by “riding fast, doing trick riding and ‘buzzing' one another and our sailing boats”.
RMS had issued fines and police had called twice, but the anti-social behaviour had continued.