Locations confirmed for powered vessel trial

THE locations for a powered vessel exclusion zone trial in Port Stephens have been announced.

The trial will run from 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, creating designated areas where all powered vessels – including power boats and personal watercraft such as jet skis – will be temporarily prohibited.

The trial will operate across three high-use swimming and paddling locations in Port Stephens:

• Dutchmans Beach: a 185-metre-long area on the eastern side of the beach

• Fly Point: a 230-metre-long area extending southwest from Fly Point to a pumping station midway along Nelson Bay beach

• Shoal Bay: a 430-metre-long area westward from the jetty to the pedestrian crossing.

In all locations, powered vessels will be restricted to a distance of more than 30 metres from the shoreline.

According to the state government, these areas were selected using complaints and compliance data, local knowledge, and community feedback.

“We’ve listened to concerns about jet skis and powered craft operating too close to swimmers, and we’re acting,” said Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

“This four-week trial will test whether temporary prohibition zones can help reduce conflict and improve safety.

“This is not about banning boats or jet skis. It’s about finding practical ways for everyone to safely share our waterways.

“There are still extensive areas across Port Stephens where powered vessels can operate safely and responsibly.

“This trial focuses only on a few high-use swimming and recreation areas.”

Maritime NSW Executive Director Mark Hutchings said boating safety officers and the NSW Police Marine Area Command will be on the water to help explain the trial and encourage compliance.

“This is a proactive step to reduce risk during our busiest season while ensuring everyone can continue to enjoy Port Stephens safely,” Mr Hutchings said.

“The trial will be independently evaluated, and feedback gathered both online and face-to-face will inform future approaches to managing high-use waterways.

“The trial zones have been selected based on clear safety criteria and feedback from local communities and enforcement partners.”

The trial has attracted some criticism since it was announced last month, namely as it includes all powered vessels and not just jet skis, the unsafe use of which has been seen as a key safety issue impacting Port Stephens waterways in recent summers.

Port Stephens Councillor Mark Watson has called for stronger enforcement of existing maritime safety rules, rather than powered vessel exclusion zones.

“There are already rules in place when operating a vessel in a safe manner,” Cr Watson said.

“What’s needed is consistent enforcement and education to ensure all users understand and follow those rules.

“Council has long advocated for fair and balanced approaches that target unsafe or illegal activity, not sweeping measures that impact the broader boating community.”

Cr Watson also stressed the importance of meaningful consultation with those who use and understand local waterways. “It’s vital that policymakers engage directly with the people who know these waters best – the local boating, fishing and tourism communities,” Cr Watson said.

“It’s clear that some of the decisions being made are coming from those without firsthand experience on our waterways or a solid understanding of the existing rules.

“Genuine input from users leads to smarter, safer, and more practical outcomes.”

The Newcastle Port Stephens Game Fish Club (NPSGFC) are in agreement, describing the trial as a “poorly thought-out policy made without local consultation, understanding, or practical consideration”.

“Under this trial, the entire west side of Shoal Bay Wharf will now be out of bounds for powered vessels, cutting off one of the most popular and practical access points for families, fishers and visitors,” said NPSGFC President Troy Radford.

“It’s clear the people making these decisions don’t understand how these waters are actually used.

“Do the people behind this decision even own a boat?

“Have they ever launched at Shoal Bay or tried to navigate Nelson Bay on a busy summer’s day?” Mr Radford asked.

The club is also concerned about the short timeframe between the announcement and implementation of the plan, raising issues of enforcement and resourcing.

“Seven weeks isn’t nearly enough time to educate the tens of thousands of boaters and visitors who use Port Stephens over summer,” Mr Radford said.

“Many families plan their holidays and boating trips months in advance – they’re not checking government websites in December for last-minute rule changes.

“We want to know if Transport for NSW is providing extra marine officers for the trial, or if the small team already stretched thin here will be expected to manage these new zones on top of their existing workload,” Mr Radford said.

The NPSGFC is calling for the immediate suspension of the trial and for Ministers Jenny Aitchison and Kate Washington to meet directly with local boating and tourism representatives to develop a “fair and workable solution”.

Community members, local businesses and visitors are encouraged to provide feedback through Have Your Say or via QR codes on signage displayed at each trial location.