Roads and Maritime Services Executive Director Maritime Angus Mitchell said the summer season would see an influx of visitors to Bundalong Lagoon, with the trial seeking to improve the enjoyment of the waterway for boaters, swimmers and paddlecraft.
“This speed limit is being trialled to cater for the expected influx of visitors and will allow for safe and shared enjoyment of the waterway with motorised boats and watercraft such as kayaks,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Bundalong Lagoon is a sheltered section of water off the main Murray River channel where the shoreline fronts Phalaris Lane, Graham Avenue and Lakeside Drive and by Jackson Island and Thompson Island to the north.”
Mr Mitchell said following the completion of the trial at the end of Easter next year, Roads and Maritime will carry out community consultation to further inform an evaluation of the trial.
“Roads and Maritime will install new speed limit signs along the shoreline ahead of the Christmas holiday period to ensure all users of the waterway are aware of the trial speed limit,” Mr Mitchell said.
“Boaters should operate to the conditions and according to the signs, and be aware that once the signs are in place, fines can be issued for breaches of the speed limit.
“Safety on NSW waterways remains a priority for the NSW Government and all vessel operators are encouraged to continue complying with all waterway signs and directions.”
The Maritime Safety Plan aims to reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries on NSW waterways by 30 per cent by the end of 2021.
For more information on boating safety, visit Roads and Maritime.
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