All quiet on jetski demerit system
LOCAL councils have refused to be drawn on a plan to lobby the State Government to create a demerit-point style system for jetski riders.
The crackdown flagged by the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council would feature a jetski-only pathway zone about 200m off the beach monitored by CCTV cameras.
City of Greater Geelong, Surf Coast Shire and the Borough of Queenscliffe councils would not say if they would also lobby the Government.
The Mornington Peninsula council’s proposal comes after councillors last week agreed to lobby both the Government and Maritime Safety Victoria for the “comprehensive overhaul of the laws regulating zones, licensing and enforcement” of jetskis before the summer.
The rules would also exclude jetskis operating within 25 metres of any swimmer.
Concerns raised by Mornington Peninsula residents included numerous near misses to children in the water, abusive behaviour from powered water craft operators to beach goers and serious risk of injury or death.
Borough of Queenscliffe spokesman Connor Parker said the council was committed to ensuring its beaches were safe for everyone.
“We’ll continue to work with the Victorian Government and Maritime Safety Victoria to keep our safety practices up to date,” he said.
Maritime Safety Victoria senior official Cameron Toy said the authority was looking at options to reduce the risks posed by jetskis.
“This includes a new waterway rule prohibiting irregular or ‘freestyle’ riding within the 5 knot shared zones around Port Phillip Bay,” he said.
“This rule will be put to public consultation in the coming months.” PULL on your pyjamas and settle in for an old-fashioned pyjama party at the Desperate Housewives Girls Night Out.
The “all girls” themed night features drinks, nibbles and live music at Drysdale’s Potato Shed.
The event — which began more than a decade ago — has featured themes ranging from bogan to Rocky Horror Show, with everyone encouraged to get in character.
Games, skits and comedy are set to have participants in stitches while they let their hair down.
Clad yourself in flannelette pyjamas and slippers for the event tomorrow at 7.30pm at the Potato Shed. Tickets are $30 from the City of Greater Geelong website.