More than eleven months after the closing date for comment on the draft recommendations, Parks Victoria has still not received endorsement of the final zones from the Government.

 

Last month in Parliament I sought an assurance from the Minister for the Environment that the review of boating zones for both Port Phillip and Westernport would be completed, and boat owners and beach users made aware of the outcomes, prior to Christmas.

 

The Minister has now revealed, only weeks before the summer holiday season gets under way, that it may take three to four years for the roll out of zones to occur.

 

Local beaches effected include Mills Beach and Fisherman’s Beach at Mornington and Mount Martha North and South Beaches. The plans include No boating zones opposite both Mount Martha and Mornington Life-saving Clubs which will now not be implemented for summer.

 

With a rapidly growing population both locally and in Melbourne’s southern suburbs Peninsula beaches host more and more users each year. There is a very real risk of conflict between swimmers and boat users, and a risk of serious injury for swimmers.

 

The review has been exhaustive and the recommendations worthwhile. It’s now up to the State Government to stop finding excuses and to get on with implementing the recommendations before a serious incident occurs.