OZPWC reports that jet skis are banned again at Henley Beach in Southern Australia. This has been an ongoing saga for the Sturt Council who voted 8-to-7 to ban PWC’s and motorboats from coming within 200 meters of the shore between Torren Outlet and Grange.
The Charles Sturt Council is accepting full legal responsibility for for the zone slated for exclusion. Transport Minister Stephen Mullighan said he was pleased the council “had put its ratepayers and beachgoers first by taking this decision.”
Henley Ward Councillor Jassmine Wood, who called for the vote, was pressured by angry and worried residents for not implementing the ban this month.
“This is about safety,” Cr. Wood told this week’s council meeting. I do not have anything against jet skis — I’m happy for them to ride at West Beach — but Henley is a family beach.”
The new application will not allow ratepayers to hold the government responsible for accidents in the area. Henley Ward Councillor Bob Randall was against this specific decision and was distressed that Charles Sturt ratepayers would be prone to the legal risk the license carries with it.
The councilors did vote to ask Mullighan to put a permanent ban in place for future summers in Henley and Grange since concerned residents are really pushing for one because Henley is a family beach and safety must be a priority. Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans and Mullighan are seeking a permanent solution to banning personal watercraft and motor boats between Henley and Grange by using government regulation.
