Maritime’s Draft Safe Boating Plan for the Clyde River

Maritime’s Draft Safe Boating Plan for the Clyde River

NSW Maritime today released the Draft Clyde Estuary Safe Boating Plan 2008-2012 for public comment.

NSW Maritime’s General Manager of Recreational Boating Brett Moore said the plan was the product of extensive community input and aimed to encourage a culture of safe boating on the waterway.

“The Clyde estuary is a major community resource for the people of the South Coast of NSW,” Mr Moore said.

“As well as being an important focus of commercial and recreational activities within the Eurobodalla Shire, the river plays host to a number of major aquatic events including the Batemans Bay Marine Show, fishing competitions and sailing regattas.”

The Clyde hosts a variety of commercial activities including fishing, aqua farming, charters, and hire and drive operations.  

Inshore commercial vessels are predominantly of the hire and drive type such as houseboats and small tinnies, and make use of the Clyde.

“It is a magnificent public asset, and should be accessible to all users, from commercial fishermen to recreational boaters, swimmers and kayakers,” Mr Moore said.

“The draft Safe Boating Plan aims to promote marine safety, minimise user conflicts and plan for future boating needs. Public comment on the draft Plan is requested until 19 December 2008. All comments will be considered before the final plan is adopted.

“I urge all local residents to have their say on this draft plan and contribute to the future of safe boating on the Clyde River.”

The draft Plan covers issues including sewage pollution from vessels, moorings, seagrass protection, navigation markers, and maritime infrastructure such as wharves, jetties and boat ramps.

Public comment on the draft Safe Boating Plan can be made until 19 December 2008, either in writing to the Policy & Strategy Division, NSW Maritime, Locked Bag 5100 Camperdown NSW 1450, or by email to policy@maritime.nsw.gov.au