Petition calls on NSW to scrap ‘unfair’ shipping charges

The Boating Industry Association, which represents the interests of the boating community across much of Australia, has called for public support to help send the message to the government that the planned fee increases that will apply for licenses, registrations and public moorings should not be higher than the consumer price index – the benchmark for previous tax increases.

A Transport for NSW announcement earlier this month revealed plans for a series of fee increases from the next financial year, some almost doubling, which the BIA says will set a benchmark as “Australia’s highest boating taxes”.

The BIA petition, which you can add your voice to here, calls on NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen to intervene and force Transport for NSW to reset the full scale of fees impacting licenses, registrations and moorings so that they are not higher than the consumer price index. , and consult those who may be affected by the changes before deploying them.

Under the proposed changes, a one-year boat license will increase from $69 to $77, an increase of 11.6 percent, while a 10-year license will increase from $521 to $679, an increase by 30.0 percent.

However, it is jet ski pilots who will suffer the most, who will see the price of a one-year license increase from $210 to $245, an increase of 16.6%, while a 10-year license will increase from $1,043 to $1,961, a staggering 88.0%. percentage increase.

If fees were to increase by the CPI benchmark, price increases would be capped at 5.89 percent.

Transport for NSW has justified the higher costs on the grounds that jet ski riders need more taxpayer-funded resources on the water to ensure they follow the rules.

The NSW government has announced in 2022 it will ask boaters for their feedback on how boating laws in the state should change – the biggest overhaul of marine safety regulations in the state state for a decade.

Since then, he has launched a number of blitzes targeting jet ski riders. The latest, in February this year, focused on what NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings called a “dangerous minority who clashed with residents, boaters and swimmers on waterways popular”.

“Harassment, assault and intimidation will absolutely not be tolerated. If you want to keep your license, follow the rules and respect the rights of others to a safe day on the water,” Hutchings said at the launch of the targeted campaign.

“The waterways are open to all, not a playground for thugs aboard high-powered vessels. Those who act dangerously or flout the rules face heavy fines, loss of license, and in some cases, even having your vessel impounded.”

NSW Maritime has named the Greater Sydney region as the part of the state with the three worst locations for jet ski offenses, including Georges River, Botany Bay and Port Hacking.

Jet ski owners say a big increase in prices will only force more unlicensed riders onto the water.

Instead, they suggest increasing penalties, confiscating the skis of repeat offenders or those who commit serious infractions, and even providing more pilot training before pilots receive a watercraft license, which is a better strategy.

The BIA met with Transport for NSW officials earlier this month to try to reverse the fee hikes.

According to the Boat Owners Association NSW, up to one in five households in the state own a boat, jet ski or other form of watercraft.