Management of unattended watercraft in Sutherland Shire

Consultation period: 5 October to 2 November 2022

Our amazing waterways are highly valued by Sutherland Shire residents and visitors. Many people enjoy using watercraft to access these waterways. Almost everyone stores their watercraft at home, however there are a small number of watercraft that are left in public reserves without approval. This results in impacts to the environment and everyone’s enjoyment of our open spaces.

Council is looking to update our Policy relating to unattended watercraft. The updated Policy will make requirements clear, enhance the environment, improve public safety, meet our legislative requirements and ensure the scenic amenity of our foreshores can be enjoyed by everyone.

Our proposed approach for unattended watercraft on public land includes:

• Raising awareness that storing watercraft on public reserves is not acceptable
• Clarifying Councils ongoing role to regularly monitor, regulate and impound unattended watercraft
• Removing derelict watercraft left on public land
• Confirming that commercial watercraft cannot be stored on public land.

Have your say

We are seeking your feedback on the management of unattended watercraft on public land and foreshores across the Sutherland Shire. You can provide feedback until 2 November 2022:

• Online by taking the survey below
• Email openspace@ssc.nsw.gov.au
• In Writing to Open Space Assets, Sutherland Shire Council, Locked Bag 17, Sutherland 1499.

Next steps

Following community consultation, Council will review and consider all feedback. We may make some changes to the draft Policy before finalising it for adoption by Council.