MAKING WAVES
The O'Farrell government is looking to amalgamate the resources of state rescue and patrol services to provide a leaner on-water service. A two-year strategy will co-ordinate the on-water activities of Roads and Maritime Services, Fisheries NSW, the NSW Police Force, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Marine Estate Management Authority. One of the main aspects would be joint-patrol trials, with agencies sharing vessels to carry out duties. Between the agencies, there are 227 vessels, 249 on-water compliance staff and 119 motor vehicles. "This is not about reducing front-line services," NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mike Gallacher says.
Warranty warranted
The Boating Industry Association of NSW has endorsed an existing proven Dealer Certified Used Boat Warranty program. This means NSW boat buyers will be covered by a 50-point safety check, plus a used-boat warranty from specialist boat insurer Nautilus Marine, when they buy a used boat or PWC from participating BIA marine dealers. In the event of a failure with the boat, motor or trailer, the customer is protected. The warranty covers a broad range of parts and components from an outboard engine's gear case to the trailer and instruments on board. The program is endorsed by the associations in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia. Victoria remains in the Dark Ages.
Credit dueSensible marina development doesn't just benefit boaters. Fish numbers increase around the semi-submerged structures and, to this end, NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson has launched a Fish Friendly Marinas information campaign and accreditation system that recognises operators working to improve fish habitat. D'Albora Marina at Rushcutters Bay was the first to be an accredited Fish Friendly Marina.
Funding fallout
The Boat Owners Association has concerns about the $4.6 million state government-run Better Boating Program. The dollar-for-dollar initiative distributes boat registration and licence fees to fund boating infrastructure. Yet the kitty is being used by councils for kayaking and canoeing amenities. Of course, paddle craft don't require registration, and the BOA isn't saying such craft should be registered, but it points out that the funds raised by registered vessels were meant to be for user-paid (motorboating) infrastructure. National Parks and Wildlife Service is also dipping into the rec-boating honey pot.
Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…
The O'Farrell government is implementing a two-year strategy to amalgamate resources and coordinate on-water activities across agencies, including Roads and Maritime Services, Fisheries NSW, the NSW Police Force, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and the Marine Estate Management Authority. The plan includes joint-patrol trials where agencies share vessels to carry out duties and aims to create a leaner on-water service while maintaining front-line capability, according to NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services Mike Gallacher.
According to the article, the agencies together have 227 vessels, 249 on-water compliance staff and 119 motor vehicles available for coordinated on-water activities and potential joint-patrol trials.
The Boating Industry Association of NSW has endorsed a Dealer Certified Used Boat Warranty program that pairs a 50-point safety check with a used-boat warranty from specialist insurer Nautilus Marine. The program applies when buyers purchase a used boat or PWC from participating BIA marine dealers and is also endorsed by associations in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
The Nautilus Marine used-boat warranty covers a broad range of parts and components, protecting customers in the event of a failure with the boat, motor or trailer. Coverage extends to items such as an outboard engine's gear case, trailer components and onboard instruments, in addition to the benefit of the dealer’s 50-point safety check.
NSW Minister for Primary Industries Katrina Hodgkinson launched the Fish Friendly Marinas information campaign and accreditation system to recognise marina operators that work to improve fish habitat. The accreditation highlights marina practices that support marine life, and D'Albora Marina at Rushcutters Bay was the first to be accredited.
Sensible marina development, including semi-submerged structures, can increase local fish numbers by creating habitat. The Fish Friendly Marinas accreditation specifically recognises operators who adopt measures to improve fish habitat around marinas.
The Boat Owners Association (BOA) is concerned that the $4.6 million Better Boating Program — funded by boat registration and licence fees — is being used by councils for kayaking and canoeing amenities. The BOA notes paddle craft generally don't require registration, and the funds raised by registered vessels were intended for user-paid motorboating infrastructure.
The article notes that councils and the National Parks and Wildlife Service have been accessing money from the Better Boating Program. This matters to motorboat owners because the program redistributes registration and licence fees paid by registered vessels, and the Boat Owners Association argues those funds should be prioritised for motorboating infrastructure rather than unregistered paddle-craft amenities.
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