Port Stephens powered vessel free zone trial records high compliance, report due in March

newy.com.au – Transport for NSW says a trial of powered vessel free zones at three Port Stephens beaches over the 2025–26 peak holiday period recorded high compliance and minimal complaints, with an independent evaluation due by the end of March.

The four-week trial ran from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Monday 26 January 2026 after community feedback about safety and amenity on busy waterways, as personal watercraft use continues to grow.

Transport for NSW Maritime executive director Mark Hutchings said “the trial operational data shows a high compliance rate with minimal complaints”, and described it as “a practical way to test solutions in response to community concerns”.

Hutchings said an “independent report is expected to be finalised by the end of March” and would be released publicly once reviewed, adding that “no future decisions will be made until that report is assessed”.

Transport said the evaluation would consider both quantitative information and on-water experiences, including feedback gathered through on-site conversations during peak use periods, with focus groups and interviews scheduled after the trial.

More than 400 residents and visitors and 160 powered vessel users have been consulted so far, with further targeted surveys and focus groups planned for February.

High-level, early sentiment recorded through online Have Your Say feedback included strong support from many stakeholders, while others called for a complete ban on jet skis or said the approach was fair for different users, Transport said.

The same feedback also showed mixed views about possible impacts on local businesses and some confusion about what activities were restricted and what access remained permitted, with Transport noting the online inputs were only one part of the broader evidence base.

During the trial, powered vessels were required to stay at least 30 metres from the shoreline at the three trial locations — Dutchmans Beach, Shoal Bay and Nelson Bay Beach near Fly Point — with signage installed at the sites and nearby launch points.

Transport said the Port Stephens trial was prompted in part by rising personal watercraft activity in NSW, with jet ski ownership up nearly 23% over the past five years and licences up 38%, and described the area as one of the state’s high-use waterways.

Maritime Boating Safety Officers worked with NSW Police Marine Area Command on the water during the trial to explain the rules and encourage compliance, while engagement continues as the independent evaluation is finalised.