Coastwatchers' President Mark Fleming, when commenting on the NSW Maritime call for public comment on PWC Restriction Zones, said, "The response to the PWC restriction trial zones conducted in selected Eurobodalla locations over the past 12 months was very positive and people in those locations hoped they would become permanent".

"Unfortunately, the downside to this was an increase in PWC use in other locations, as predicted. As a result those waterway users and residents were exposed to a greater safety risk and to a higher level of noise pollution".

Mark Fleming said, "Although the motion proposed by Councillor Chris Kowal, seeking the addition of further locations to the trial exclusion zones, was narrowly defeated there are still other options to be considered".

He said, "Coastwatchers would support measures to provide safe havens for passive recreational activities by recommending that the 200m-restriction from the shoreline be increased to 300m".

"This would mean that PWC could only be operated in a straight line within that 300m restriction zone and would also exclude irregular driving within that limit and where one or two dwellings are visible within 300m of that shore".

Mr Fleming said, "Coastwatchers would also recommend that these restrictions be introduced at popular family beaches and within estuaries and ICOLLS. This could be done on a trial basis over the next twelve months and reviewed when the PWC trial period ends next year".

"An alternative option would be to designate specific locations where PWC could be operated safely. This was previously recommended at the Works and Facilities PWC Workshop last year, but no locations were nominated and the idea should be revisited".

Mr Fleming advised that Coastwatchers will be making a submission to the Eurobodalla PWC Restriction Zone Review, which closes on October 24 and they would also encourage others concerned about PWC use to do likewise.

Submissions should be mailed to: The NSW Maritime PWC Review, P O Box J23, Coffs Harbour Jetty 2450, or Emailed to: eurobodallapwc@maritime.nsw.gov.au