New rules restrict jet ski riders Brodie Cowburn brodie@baysidenews.com.au NEW penalties designed to “restrict irregular riding of personal watercraft” in Port Phillip Bay will be implemented next month. Transport Safety Victoria confirmed that beginning on 16 December, jet ski riders could face a fine if they do not “navigate the PWC in the safest most direct course from the shore heading seaward, or from the sea towards the shore” and “avoid any irregular riding of the PWC or freestyling within the five knot speed restriction zones including donuts, circles, weaving”. “Irregular” rising is defined as “weaving or diverting course that another person would be unable to predict, surfing down or jumping over or across any waves, wake or wash, or freestyling which includes manoeuvres such as sharp turns, circular or semicircular operation of the PWC.” Jet ski riders in breach of the new rule face a fine of $330. Maritime Safety Victoria acting director Cameron Toy said “following an extensive public consultation process and having considered the significant feedback and comments received, I have taken the decision to implement this new rule. There was overwhelming support for the new rule with 67 per cent of respondents supporting it.” “The new rule will require PWC operators to operate their craft in a predictable manner, which will provide greater certainty to other water-
Wave rider: A jet ski rider making their way in to shore at Frankston earlier this year. Picture: Gary Sissons
Groups get grants MORDIALLOC Life Saving Club, Chelsea Kindergarten, and the volunteer Coast Guard have all received grants to help with their work in 2020. South East Water gave $3000 to the life saving club to go towards its beach water safety program. Chelsea Kindergarten were handed $1500 to support their bay marine life and Aboriginal culture education program, and the Coast Guard received $1500 to go towards setting up their 2020 Carrum fun run. South East Water’s managing director Terri Benson said “we want to improve the health and liveability of both our bays for future generations. Through our grants program, I’m glad we’re able to make important contributions to Mordialloc Life Saving Club, Chelsea Kindergarten and the Australian Volunteer Coast Guard, which helps make Melbourne’s southeast a great place to live, work and play.”
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way users on the path they intend to take. The rule prohibits the irregular riding of PWCs in five-knot speed restricted zones around Port Phillip, to address the risk of incidents involving PWCs and other beach users,” Mr Toy said.
“This rule brings waters around Port Phillip Bay in line with other jurisdictions, such as New South Wales, and will simplify compliance activities undertaken by MSV, Victoria Police, Parks Victoria and appointed Local Government Authori-
ties. “MSV is committed to ensuring that everyone, including boaters, jet skiers, fishers and swimmers, can enjoy a safe day on the water.” More information at transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv/pwc
MENTONE library has locked in two authors for their running An Author For All Seasons series. At 11am 30 November, Denise Tobin Shrine will speak at the library. She is the author of Jeremiah’s Trunk. Author George Ivanoff will be at Mentone Library from 11am on 14 December. The library’s monthly writing workshop circle will start at 10.30am on 30 November. Entry is a gold coin donation. Bookings at 9583 8494 or email mentonepubliclibrary@gmail.com
OPEN CONSULTATION
URBAN COOLING STRATEGY • • • • •
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Consultation open until 16 December. Provide your feedback on our strategy for ‘Creating a cool Kingston’.
You can have your say by completing the survey on yourkingstonyoursay.com.au, emailing info@kingston.vic.gov.au, mailing PO Box 1000 Mentone or calling 1300 653 356
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 27 November 2019
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