Melbourne boaters face expanded Warmies speed limit

From tomorrow, Williamstown's five-knot speed zone will expand to include all Hobsons Bay waters between The Warmies – the nickname given to the south-west section of the Williamstown Channel that houses cooling pipe outlets for the nearby Newport power station – to Gellibrand Pier on the eastern end of Gellibrand Point.

The extended five-knot zone, approved by Safe Transport Victoria, comes after a four-month study that used radar, water, boat motion and pressure sensors, as well as cameras, to monitor wakes kicked up by passing boat traffic.

“Situated adjacent to one of the nation's busiest ports, Hobsons Bay is a beloved destination for water enthusiasts, but bustling maritime traffic has prompted safety concerns,” a statement from Ports and Freight Minister Melissa Horne, announcing the changes, said.

“In response to safety concerns raised by the community, a wave, wash and surge study reviewed the effects of increased and often unexpected wake surges that are impacting local marinas and those on the water.”

The government now hopes that reducing the speed of boats in the area will reduce the size and intensity of waves, making it “safer for everyone out on the water and at the marinas”.

Port of Williamstown Action Group president Michael Neumann said wake surges had been hitting marinas hard and hurting local businesses that relied on Williamstown’s waters.

“We welcome the expansion of the five-knot rule and will continue to advocate for safer waters for all users,” Neumann said.

Williamstown is home to yacht clubs including the Royal Yacht Club of Victoria, the Royal Victorian Motor Yacht Club and Williamstown Sailing Club. It also houses the Seaworks Maritime Precinct where historically significant vessels are berthed.

The Williamstown boat ramp is one of Melbourne's busiest launching sites for recreational boaters.