NSW Maritime Safety Plan 2017-21 launched

The NSW Government’s Maritime Safety Plan, designed to minimise trauma and promote safety on State's waterways, has officially been launched.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the plan aimed to reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW waterways by 30 per cent by the end of 2021. This would result in four lives saved and 16 serious injuries prevented each year.

“In NSW, we have some of the best waterways in Australia and each year more than two million people head out on the water on boats and the like to enjoy the sun, catch a few fish or to spend time with family and friends,” Mrs Pavey said

“Boating is not without its risks and one life lost, is one too many. That’s why the NSW Government is reducing trauma on our waterways through initiatives like this.,” Mrs Pavey said.

Over the past five years, the NSW Government has invested more than $500 million in delivering services and infrastructure to the NSW maritime community.

This includes raising the lifejacket wear rate from nine per cent 10 years ago, to 45 per cent.

Last financial year, NSW recorded the lowest number of boating-related fatalities in at least 40 years, with only four casualties.

“While we have made significant progress in reducing drowning fatalities on boats, increased effort is needed to respond to non-drowning fatalities caused by factors such as speed, alcohol, keeping a proper lookout, and judgement" Mrs Pavey adds.

The NSW Government has worked closely with NSW Police and Marine Rescue NSW as well as industry to develop the Maritime Safety Plan 2017-21, which is endorsed by the Maritime Advisory Council."

This is the first strategic plan developed since the 2012 Maritime Policy Agenda and sets a strategic direction for Transport for NSW for the next five years.

View the Maritime Safety Plan 2017-21.