Jet Ski Behaviour

Jet skis are classified as personal watercraft (PWC) and must be registered, with the rego number displayed on the side of the vessel. To drive a jet ski, one needs a marine licence with a PWC endorsement and to attain that, one needs to be at least 16 years old. Jet skis typically weigh around 350kg and have top speeds of 60 to 100kph, so they can be lethal in the wrong hands. In 2016, a swimmer was killed by a jet ski in Port Melbourne waters.

The primary restriction governing jet ski use apply within 200 meters of shore in enclosed waters. This limit is marked by yellow poles at most beaches in the City of Port Phillip and typically no boats are allowed inside this zone or only at a maximum of 5 knots (roughly jogging pace). The location of these areas along the Port Melbourne shoreline is outlined below (download larger image here). Each yellow X signifies a pole.

Jet skis must also slow to 5 knots within 50 meters of a person, another vessel or a fixed or floating structure. If within the 5-knot zone, operators of jet skis are required to:

• navigate the jet ski in the safest most direct course to and from the shore. The shore includes the beach, boat ramp or berthing facility including a jetty, pier or mooring.
• avoid any irregular riding or freestyling within the five knot speed restriction zones, for example, donuts, circles, weaving.

If you see a jet ski contravening these restrictions, or being operated in a dangerous or life-threatening manner, record the registration number, and immediately call '000' to report the incident to the Police.

BCNA’s Budget Submission to Council

BCNA representatives recently met Gateway Ward Councillors Marcus Pearl, Heather Cunsolo, and Peter Martin and discussed the BCNA’s submission for Council’s upcoming budget. Topics discussed included redevelopment of the Waterfront Place precinct which BCNA has advocated for several years, support for the redevelopment of the Port Melbourne Life Saving Club’s proposal for a family reserve near the club and an upgrade of toilets and change rooms, and improved cleaning of the beach near the Princes Street drain. The BCNA submission can be accessed here.    

Progress on 103 Beach Street (Foodstore Site)

The City of Port Phillip approved the building plans in December 2020. The developer is discussing plans with several local and large residential property selling agents before marketing and pre-selling commences. The proposal is for a four-storey development of similar height to the existing building, comprising 15 apartments with retail premises on the ground floor. Construction is expected to take about 18 months.

Ports Victoria

The Victorian Government has announced the creation of a new entity, Ports Victoria. The new organisation will be the result of merging the Victorian Ports Corporation (Melbourne) (VPCM) with the Victorian Regional Channels Authority (VRCA). The merger is designed to rationalise back-office systems, cut ‘red tape’ and boost safety. The new organisation will commence business on 1 July 2021. Station Pier continues as a berth for cruise ships and other boats. Further details can be found here.

Treasurer for BCNA

Graham Kemp, a BCNA member, has joined the Committee and takes on the Treasurer role. Graham has qualifications in business and accounting and is a Certified Practising Accountant (CPA). We welcome Graham to the Committee.

Further Update on Hooning at Station Pier

Since our last update, the BCNA has written to the Mayor and Councillors about the hooning problem across the City of Port Phillip. Our letter acknowledged the work to date, and the improvement in behaviour, but asked Council to consider and invest in longer term measures. For example, portable CCTV cameras, improved lighting, an electronic sign, and the installation of a boom gate before the pedestrian crossing.

BCNA members spoke to Councillors about our request at Council’s most recent meeting. This led to Council agreeing to seek costings on the purchase and implementation of mobile CCTV trailers with police. Also, to seek a grant for the purchase of a mobile CCTV camera.

If you witness hoon driving and vehicle noise, please report it as we advised in December.

The BCNA thanks Councillors Pearl, Martin and Cunsolo for their work with the community on the hooning problem. This has led to increased police presence in the area, the installation of an electronic sign and CCTV cameras.

Local members and the BCNA will continue to meet Gateway Ward Councillors to discuss progress and further action. We also plan to meet the Hon. Martin Foley MP, and the Hon. Ben Carroll, Minister for Roads and Road Safety.

Update on 1-7 Waterfront Place

Since our last update the City of Port Phillip has confirmed that they will arrange a Webinar or a public meeting for the community to hear about the developer’s plans. This is likely to be held in about 4 weeks.

Council is still waiting on advice from the Government Architect.

BCNA Dinners

For many years the BCNA has arranged quarterly dinners for residents and friends. Dinners were not held in 2020 due to the covid pandemic. The committee has decided not to resume these dinners at this time.

Further Update on Hooning at Station Pier

It seems that local BCNA members living near Station Pier and the BCNA have helped to get attention to the hooning problem. The City of Port Phillip is working closely with Victoria Police and this has led to increased police presence in the area. The Police have also installed a portable CCTV facility (see photo). This seems to have led to some better behaviour.

The BCNA and local residents are meeting Councillors Cunsolo and Martin at Station Pier on Thursday to talk about progress and further action.

No Blessing of the Waters This Year

For those who enjoy the Greek Blessing of the Waters celebration at Princes Pier that usually takes place around this time of year, it seems it it won't take place this year.

Neos Kosmos reports that "This year the Holy Archdiocese of Australia has announced that the special event will not take place in Melbourne, Sydney and Perth due to pandemic"