18 December 2008

Mr Patrick Low

General Manager
Policy & Strategy Division
NSW Maritime
Email: policy@maritime.nsw.gov.au

DRAFT CLYDE ESTUARY SAFE BOATING PLAN 2008-12 (Ref: P08/063)

Dear Mr Low,

Coastwatchers has considered the Draft Clyde Estuary Safe Boating Plan 2008-2012 and in response we make the following comments for consideration prior to the adoption of the final Plan.

1A: BATEMANS BAY

Cullendulla Creek - As Coastwatchers pointed out in our submission of 20th February 2007, the water in some parts of Cullendulla creek is very shallow, especially at low tide, and even at a speed of 4 knots, there is still a danger of damage to sea grass beds from propellers and anchor chains.

Furthermore, this creek is an important habitat for some threatened bird species and a nursery and fish breeding ground, adjoins the Cullendulla Nature Reserve, is a designated sanctuary zone within the Batemans Marine Parka Marine Park, and is a SEPP 14 wetland.  For these reasons it needs to be afforded maximum environmental protection.  As it is unable to be fished, there is no logical reason for any motorised craft, other than emergency craft, to use the creek. 

Coastwatchers strongly advocates PWC use and other motorised craft be prohibited in Cullendulla Creek.

1B:  EAST OF PRINCES HIGHWAY TRAFFIC BRIDGE

• Coastwatchers welcomes the installation of the “Slow Down Under Bridge” signage and the action to monitor and enforce existing PWC driving regulations. 

A concerted effort must be made to monitor and enforce these regulations, particularly during peak holiday periods when the problem is at its worst.

2A: PRINCES HIGHWAY TRAFFIC BRIDGE TO CHINAMANS POINT

Vessel wash: - Coastwatchers welcomes the action to conduct education campaigns targeting vessel wash and other actions to reduce wash affecting oyster operations, in particular the reduction of the speed limit to 4 knots.

Second pump-out facility: - The issue of the installation of a second pump-out facility, west of the bridge is an on-going issue and is a vital measure to protect the environmental health and high water quality of the estuary for the viability of the oyster industry.

This issue needs to be resolved as a priority action.

1. Sewage pollution: - Action regarding sewage pollution from vessels deals with passenger-carrying commercial vessels and houseboats but does not cover the retrofitting of holding tanks and/or toilets to older craft, of which there are quite a number in the Bay.

Coastwatchers believe this issue needs to be addressed as a priority to protect the environmental health and to maintain the high water quality of the estuary.

2C: SHEEP STATION CREEK TO NELLIGEN TRAFFIC BRIDGE

1. Erosion issues relation to wakeboarding activities: - With this issue, education campaigns alone are not sufficient to prevent on-going riverbank erosion   Coastwatchers believes wakeboarding activities should not be permitted where there is evidence of erosion.  Rehabilitation works on private and public land, such as bank stabilisation and riparian regeneration work co-ordinated by SRCMA and ESC are both effective, but unless controls are implemented to prevent further damage this nuisance and environmental problem will continue.

Coastwatchers advocates the introduction of boating controls to limit activities of wake creating boating activities in areas vulnerable to bank erosion.

3A: NELLIGEN BRIDGE TO OLD WHARF RUINS

1. Environmental issues affecting the protection of habitat areas  - Once again, the introduction of a 4-knot speed limit to protect important habitat is unlikely to be effective. Vulnerable habitat areas, such as Cyne Mallows Creek, Currowan Creek and Cockwhy Creek should be afforded maximum protection and be off limits to all, but essential motorised craft.

CONCLUSION 

We trust you will give consideration to the concerns we have raised in response to the Draft Safe Boating Plan 2008-12. 

Coastwatchers, through our involvement in the Batemans Bay Clyde River Estuary Management Committee, have an abiding interest in and concern about the impacts of increasing boating use and residential development on the safety and amenity of users and particularly the environmental health and well being of the Clyde Estuary.

Yours sincerely

Reina Hill.
For the Secretary