Jet Ski Use

About this Item
Speakers - Sham-Ho The Hon Helen; Egan The Hon Michael
Business - Questions Without Notice

JET SKI USE

The Hon. HELEN SHAM-HO: My question is directed to the Treasurer, Minister for Energy, Minister for State and Regional Development, Minister Assisting the Premier, and Vice-President of the Executive Council, representing the Minister for Public Works and Services, Minister for Ports, Assistant Minister for Energy, and Assistant Minister for State and Regional Development. I refer the Minister to a report last Sunday in the Sun-Herald. Is the Minister aware of a jet ski protest rally at Port Hacking calling for stricter controls on jet skis? Is the Minister also aware that this sport already has claimed the lives of two Australians in the past three years and that there have been a number of accidents involving injuries to riders and other water users? Does the Minister agree that jet ski riders are endangering the lives of other water users and destroying the tranquillity of Sydney's waterways? What steps will the Minister take to protect the lives of other water users and to implement stricter noise controls, but without destroying this sport?

The Hon. M. R. EGAN: For many years I have heard jet skis on Port Hacking. I am pleased to say that Cronulla is the only beachside area with a railway station. Every weekend we welcome many thousands of young people, in particular from the western suburbs, who find that beach and the waterways of Sutherland shire the only beach and waterways to which they can get access by public transport. I remember the rivalry that existed years ago between those of us who were residents of the Sutherland shire and those who used to come to the area by train every day. I am aware of the problems caused by jet skis, and I will refer the honourable member's question to my colleague the Minister for Public Works and Services and Minister for Ports. When I get a reply, I will advise the House.

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