Port Stephens to reintroduce jet-ski bans at three beaches

Jet-skis and other powered vessels will be banned from three popular Port Stephens beaches during the upcoming Christmas and New Year period. The restrictions will apply to Dutchman's Beach, Nelson Bay beach (Fly Point), and Shoal Bay.

The decision follows a successful trial period where surveys indicated strong community support. More than 85 per cent of residents and visitors backed the zones. Notably, support among powered vessel users also rose from 66 per cent before the trial to 85 per cent during the trial, largely driven by motorized boat users.

During the trial, no instances of powered vessels speeding near the shoreline were observed at the designated sites. Additionally, there was a substantial increase in non-powered watercraft activities, such as stand-up paddleboarding, within the powered-vessel free zones during the summer peak.