The City of Onkaparinga is seeking your views on possible exclusion zones for motorised vessels at Aldinga and Sellicks Beaches.
Motorised vessels are craft powered by engines, whether or not the engine is the main means of propulsion, and include personal watercraft such as jet skis.
The proposal does not include non-motorised vessels such as kayaks, surfboards, sailboards and paddleboards.
The council is considering the restrictions in response to community feedback. In September 2023, the council received a petition from community members to ban jet skis at a number of beaches due to noise levels, threats to marine sanctuary zones, and safety risks from craft travelling at high speeds and operating close to swimmers.
Your views are sought on five options:
Option A: exclusion from Morgan Street to Norman Road, Aldinga Beach
Option B: exclusion from Dingo Road to Norman Road, Aldinga Beach
Option C: exclusion from Norman Road, Aldinga Beach to Sellicks Beach Road, Sellick Beach
Option D: options A, B and C combined
Option E: none of the above options, with the current arrangements retained.
The proposed restrictions would allow motorised vessels to continue to launch from designated launch areas but require them to travel at least 200 metres offshore before moving along the coast.
The state government’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport is responsible for creating motorised vessel exclusion zones. Should the council decide to support an exclusion zone it will make an application to the department.
The engagement is open until 28 February 2025 on the City of Onkaparinga’s Your Say website.
Image: SUWalls