newy.com.au – Motorboats and jet skis will again be excluded from designated areas at three Port Stephens beaches this summer, after the NSW government confirmed the return of shoreline restrictions trialled over the Christmas holiday period.
The zones will return at Dutchman’s Beach, Nelson Bay Beach at Fly Point and Shoal Bay, where concerns about jet skis operating close to swimmers prompted the trial.
The decision, announced on Monday, follows an evaluation the government says found support from more than 85 per cent of residents and visitors surveyed. Among powered vessel users surveyed, support rose from 66 per cent before the trial to 85 per cent during it.
The trial ran from 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026 and required powered vessels to stay at least 30 metres from the shoreline within the designated areas. Signs were installed at the trial sites and launch points to explain the restrictions.
The measures covered all powered vessels, not just jet skis, while allowing kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered craft to continue using the near-shore areas.
The government’s summary of the evaluation said no powered vessels were observed speeding near the shoreline at the trial sites. It also reported a substantial increase in stand-up paddleboarding and other non-powered watercraft activity within the zones during the summer peak.
Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley said the restrictions balanced the needs of people sharing the waterway.
“Bringing them back this summer strikes the right balance, giving swimmers and paddlers more space while still leaving plenty of room for boaties and jet ski riders to enjoy Port Stephens.”
Port Stephens mayor Leah Anderson welcomed the return of the zones, saying they had given families, swimmers and paddlers more space during the area’s busiest season.
NSW Maritime executive director Nicole Watts said extensive areas of Port Stephens would remain available for powered vessels to operate safely and responsibly.
Further information about this summer’s restrictions will be shared with the community and local businesses soon.
