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25. Minimise proximity of some waterway activities to areas of environmental significance (eg Careel Bay) through speed restrictions and ‘no anchoring’ zones

To further protect areas of significant environmental value (such as Careel Bay wetlands and migratory bird habitat and extensive seagrass beds), waterway activities would be minimised in the general proximity of such areas. This may include lower speed limits and ‘no anchoring’ zones, to discourage inappropriate usage and frequent visitation by vessels.

Responsibility: Controlling the movement of vessels around Pittwater through speed and anchoring restrictions is the responsibility of NSW Maritime Authority.

26. Review the need for speed limits in areas of high vessel traffic, e.g. on western side of Scotland Island

The area west of Scotland Island between Church Point and the western foreshores communities is used as a ‘commuter highway’. Given the high vessel traffic utilising this section of the estuary, and in the interests of public safety (particularly when travelling at night), NSW Maritime Authority should review current speed restrictions in all areas that are known commuter routes.

Responsibility: NSW Maritime

27. Enforce compliance with speed restrictions and discourage inappropriate boating behaviour

For the small element of the boating community that continues to disobey restrictions and behave inappropriately, NSW Maritime Authority, with assistance of the Water Police and other regulatory agencies, should consider ways that they can increase patrols of the estuary to enforce compliance with the boating rules and regulations.

Responsibility: NSW Maritime with the assistance of regulatory authorities.

28. Relocate existing moorings away from areas that contain considerable vessel traffic, such as near the Church Point commuter wharf and other public wharfs and determine a maximum number of vessels to be moored/berthed on the waterway

Relocation of a small number of moorings within areas heavily trafficked by boats should be considered, such as those in front of public wharfs, or adjacent to popular traffic routes. Given the current cap on moorings, consideration should be given to surrendering the mooring, possibly with compensation to the lessee, where suitable relocation is not feasible.

A total number of vessels able to be moored and berthed in the Pittwater estuary should be determined and regulated. In particular, where new wet berths are created, a corresponding number of swing moorings should be relinquished and cancelled to ensure there is no net increase in the number of vessels ‘stored’ in the waterway. The long term aim should be to restore, as much as possible, navigable waterway for the use and enjoyment of the boating public.

Responsibility: NSW Maritime is responsible for reviewing existing mooring locations and potential caps on boat storage.

29. Carry out on-going maintenance dredging at select locations within the estuary to maintain safe navigation for existing vessels

Some areas have been dredged in the past to permit navigation of large or deep draught vessels. Natural deposition of sediment in these areas has meant safe navigation for larger vessels has been or will be compromised at some time in the future. A program of on-going dredging will be required if deep water access in these areas is proposed to be maintained.

Responsibility: The responsibility for maintaining access essentially resides with the individual boat owners who stand to benefit from the dredging. Anyone proposing to dredge will need to gain the necessary approvals, provide detailed hydrographic surveys of the area, assessment of boating requirements, and consult with DPI, Department of Lands, foreshore landowners and boat owners. As the dredging works are likely to be expensive, joint funding between the beneficiaries of dredging works and the State Government (through NSW Maritime) may be required.

30. Improve facilities at existing waterway access locations, and provide for additional access locations on a needs basis

This option involves reviewing the existing waterway infrastructure, such as public wharves and jetties, boat ramps, tie-up pontoons, fuelling and pump-out facilities etc, and identifying what additional public facilities are required within the estuary and where. A program of works can then be developed aimed at addressing identified shortfalls and rationalising under-utilised infrastructure, which can be implemented on a prioritised basis when funding becomes available. This should involve input from the boating community of Pittwater, Department of Lands and NSW Maritime.

Responsibility: Council, with assistance from NSW Maritime, would be best placed to carry out the initial audit and prepare a prioritised list of necessary waterway facilities.