Petition calls for NSW to dump ‘unfair’ boating fees

The Boating Industry Association, which represents the interests of the recreational boating community across a large part of Australia, has called for public support to help send a message to the government that the planned fee increases that will roll out across licences, registration and public moorings should not be higher than the consumer price index – the benchmark for previous fee increases.

An announcement from Transport for NSW earlier this month rolled out plans for a range of fee hikes from next financial year, with some almost doubling, which the BIA claims will set a benchmark as the “highest taxes in Australia on boating”.

The BIA’s petition, which you can add your voice to here, calls upon NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen to intervene and force Transport for NSW to reset the full schedule of fees impacting licences, registrations and moorings to be no more than Consumer Price Index-adjusted, and to consult with those likely to be affected by changes before rolling them out.

Under the proposed changes, a one-year boat licence will rise from $69 to $77, an 11.6 percent rise, while a 10-year licence will increase from $521 to $679, a 30.0 percent rise.

The most pain, though, will be felt by jet ski riders, who see the price of a one-year licence rise from $210 to $245, a 16.6 percent increase, but a 10-year licence rises from $1043 to $1961 – a staggering 88.0 percent rise.

If the fees were to rise by the benchmark CPI figure the price hikes would be capped at 5.89 percent.

Transport for NSW has justified these higher costs on the grounds that jet ski riders need more taxpayer-funded resources out on the water to ensure they stick to the rules.

The NSW Government announced in 2022 that it would ask boaters for feedback on how boating laws in the state should change – the biggest overhaul of the marine safety regulations in the state for a decade.

It has since launched a number of blitzes targeting jet ski riders. The latest, in February this year, focussed on what NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said was “a dangerous minority who have been clashing with residents, boaters and swimmers at popular waterways”.

“Hooning, aggression and intimidation will absolutely not be tolerated. If you want to keep your licence, follow the rules and respect other peoples’ right to a safe day on the water,” Hutchings said at the launch of the targeted campaign. 

"Waterways are for everyone to enjoy, not a playground for hoons on high-powered vessels. Those who act dangerously or flout the rules face hefty fines, loss of licence and in some cases even having your vessel impounded.”

NSW Maritime has singled out the Greater Sydney area as the part of the state with the top three worst locations for jet ski offences including the Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking. 

Jet ski owners argue that a big hike in fees will only force more unlicensed riders out on the water. 

Instead, they suggest increasing penalties, impounding the skis of repeat offenders or those committing serious offences, and even providing more rider education before riders are handed a personal watercraft licence as a better strategy.

The BIA met with Transport for NSW officials earlier this month in an attempt to overturn the fee hikes.

According to the Boat Owners Association NSW, as many as one in every five households in the state either own a boat, jet ski or some other form of watercraft.