The speed limit could soon be halved in a busy Sunshine Coast waterway amid a rising tide of complaints about jet ski “hoons”.
Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has confirmed a proposal to slash travel speeds in Pumicestone Passage from 40 knots (74km/h) to 20 knots (37km/h) could be enforced within months.
While many jet ski enthusiasts do the right thing, the actions of some have led to a series of complaints.
The issue also has been raised at meetings involving local groups, including the Golden Beach and Pelican Waters Association, Diamond Head Neighbours and Take Action for Pumicestone Passage.
Caloundra MP Jason Hunt has been informed of “out-of-control” jet ski riders “hooning” near swimmers at Bulcock Beach and “taking over” the area.
“By the looks of it, the resounding feedback is in agreeance with the proposal,” said a spokesperson for Mr Hunt.
“If this is the case, MSQ will take the next steps to implement the proposal.”
MSQ acting general manager Andrew Mahon said new speed limits could be enforced within two months, if approved.
“Feedback from this review is now being collated and will be included in a report prepared for the Regional Harbour Master.
“If endorsed, we would expect a new speed limit could be gazetted within the next two months.”
Much of the passage currently has a 40-knot speed limit and there is a 6-knot limit near the shoreline.
MSQ undertook a speed review late last year in response to the community concerns.
The agency’s proposed changes included:
• Some 40-knot areas in Pumicestone Passage to be halved to 20 knots.
• A new 20-knot zone from Military Jetty to Minchinton Street, Caloundra.
• A six-knot zone in the lower reach of Bells Creek.
Community consultation was undertaken for a period of a month to December 23.
Mr Mahon said MSQ reviewed vessel registration numbers, marine incident data and information reports to verify concerns and support calls for the speed review.
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Long-time Pelican Waters resident Dennis Starr-Nolan said something needed to be done after years of people putting up with jet skis.
“Each day we’re seeing the same thing happen; hoons come through and start hooning around,” he said.
“They come through and do figure 8s and make it uncomfortable for everybody.
“It’s been going on for several years.”
Mr Starr-Nolan was enjoying breakfast on the bank during the week when he said a group of jet ski riders “took over the area”.
“There was so much wash on the beach that people had to move their towels and get out,” he said.
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“They come flying past doing 60 (knots) and they should be doing 6 (knots),” Mr Starr-Nolan said.
“The noise of the motors is horrific and there is a (big) wash after a lot of jet skis go past. They’re out of control at times.”
He said the jet skis impacted other users of the waterway, including kayakers, anglers, small boat operators and swimmers.
Mr Starr-Nolan, 73, has lived in the region for the past 12 years.
“We (community members) approached the local member, to try and move the jet ski users out of the bathing areas. It’s much safer for them as well,” he said.
Coast Guard Caloundra commander Roger Pearce said his office had been inundated with complaints in recent months.
The issue has been exacerbated by the recent ocean breakthrough of Bribie Island’s northern tip which has attracted watercraft users wanting to take a closer look.
Mr Pearce said jet skis and boats needed to adhere to the speed limits.
“There’s a 6-knot limit within 60m of swimmers and anchored boats.”
He said motor craft operators also needed to be on guard within 40-knot limit zones.
“There is a family area where people go with skis and inflatables like biscuits and if a kid comes off a ski, it’s hard when a jet ski is travelling through there at 40 knots.”
“Even at 20 knots you are travelling quickly.”
