BEACHGOERS in Port Stephens are set for safer summers, with vessel-free zones for powered craft here to stay at popular swim spots following a successful trial.
From 24 December 2025 to 26 January 2026, three locations at Port Stephens were designated as zones where powered vessels, including personal watercraft, such as jet skis, were banned.
“In response to serious community safety concerns in the lead-up to summer last year, we committed to trial powered vessel exclusion zones across Port Stephens,” NSW Minister for Roads, Jenny Aitchison said.
“We now know that trial was a roaring success, with 85 per cent of boaties supporting the exclusion zones.
“That’s why we’re bringing these exclusion zones back this summer.”
The locations that were included in the trials were Dutchman’s Beach, Nelson Bay Beach (Fly Point) and Shoal Bay. During the trial, all powered vessels were required to stay at least 30 metres from the shoreline, with clear signage installed at trial sites and launch points.
An evaluation report on the trial has been released outlining the results, as well as the response from the community to the safety measures which were introduced following concerns about the proximity of jet skis to swimmers.
Surveys conducted during the trial showed strong support from residents, visitors and powered vessel users, with more than 85 per cent of residents and visitors backing the zones.
Before the trial, 66 per cent of powered vessel users were supportive of the safety measures, a figure that increased significantly to 85 per cent during the trial.
“With more than 85 per cent of residents and visitors supporting the zones, it’s a no-brainer that we’d bring them back,” Member for Port Stephens, Kate Washington said.
“ It’s particularly pleasing to see the support from powered vessel users grow once they saw how the zones worked in practice.
“Our beautiful waterways were much calmer last summer, so I know locals and visitors will love being able to choose safer swimming areas again at Dutchman’s Beach, Fly Point and Shoal Bay this season .”
Throughout the trial, there were no cases of powered vessels observed speeding near the shoreline.
Stand-up paddleboards and other non-powered watercraft activity increased substantially in the zones during the summer peak.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the region is at its busiest over summer, with thousands of people sharing our beaches and waterways every day.
“These zones gave swimmers, families, paddleboarders and kayakers more space to enjoy some of our most popular beaches safely,” she said.
“The strong community response shows the trial worked, and Council welcomes the return of the zones this summer.”
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