Released 22/02/2018
Legislation passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly today will make water based activities safer and encourage people to use Canberra’s beautiful lakes, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said.
“These significant amendments to the Lakes Act 1976 will encourage greater safety for Canberrans using our beautiful lakes for recreation use at Lake Ginninderra, Lake Tuggeranong, Molonglo Reach and Kingston Harbour,” Minister Gentleman said.
The changes to the Act have focused on public safety and ensuring that boats are operated in a safe and responsible manner so that all user groups can enjoy our lakes.
The new rules include:
- allowing electric powered boats to operate without a permit if they travel at less than 10 knots
- introducing new drug and alcohol laws consistent with road transport legislation and enforceable by the ACT Water Police
- mandating the use of lifejackets for small boat users
- modernising rules relating to navigation, signals, lighting, towing and loading for boats
- introducing cross-jurisdictional arrangements for users of Lake Burley Griffin, Kingston Harbour and Molonglo Reach which currently crossover between the ACT Government and the National Capital Authority, who regulate Lake Burley Griffin.
The changes to the Act will not change the activities currently permitted on ACT waterways, other than allowing for electric powered boats that travel at less than 10 knots to operate without a permit. The existing rules banning power boats and jet skis are not affected by these changes.
“The new legislation will introduce fines of up to $7500 and/or up to one year in prison for individuals committing offences that pose a risk to public safety, such as the inappropriate use of drug and alcohol,” Minister Gentleman said.
“By introducing mutual recognition of approvals required for users of Lake Burley Griffin, Kingston Harbour and the Molonglo Reach, there will no longer be a requirement to obtain approval from both the ACT and Commonwealth Governments, instead users will only need one permit.
“The new rules update and bring our legislation into line with neighbouring jurisdictions and ensure Canberra’s waterways will remain a safe place for all Canberrans to enjoy,” Minister Gentleman concluded.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases