Residents and visitors to the Fleurieu Peninsula are being invited to have their say on proposed motorised vessel exclusion zones at Aldinga Beach and Sellicks Beach. The City of Onkaparinga is running a community consultation aimed at enhancing swimmer safety by potentially restricting areas where motorised vessels, such as jet skis and boats, can operate close to shore.

Motorised vessels are defined as any watercraft propelled by an engine, including personal watercraft (PWC) like Jet Skis®, Sea-Doos®, and WaveRunners®. The proposed exclusion zones would not affect non-motorised vessels like kayaks, surfboards, or paddleboards.

The council is evaluating several options for the exclusion zones. Option A would extend 200 metres seaward from the low water mark between Morgan Street and Norman Road, Aldinga Beach. Option B covers the area between Dingo Road and Norman Road, Aldinga Beach. Option C spans from Norman Road, Aldinga Beach, to Sellicks Beach Road, Sellicks Beach, while Option D combines all these areas. Option E proposes no new exclusion zones, maintaining current permissions.

If implemented, motorised vessels could still be launched from designated areas but would need to travel at least 200 metres offshore before navigating along the coast within the exclusion zones.

The council emphasises the importance of community feedback in shaping this decision. Residents, beachgoers, vessel owners, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the online survey available on the Your Say Onkaparinga website. The consultation period is open until Friday 28 February.

This consultation follows concerns raised by the community about safety risks posed by motorised watercraft operating near swimming areas. The council aims to strike a balance between recreational use and public safety, ensuring any decisions align with the needs and interests of the local community.

After the consultation closes, the council will review all feedback to determine whether to proceed with an application to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport for the establishment of exclusion zones.