Easter boating will be limited
• Danny on a charter with Stuart Blackwell late last year. Blackwell’s charting business has temporarily closed due to COVID-19.
By Taylor Clyne
April 08, 2020
Those who wish to get out on the water over the Easter break will only be able to launch their boats within the municipality they reside in, under new state government measures to protect coastal communities.
The new limitations that come into place today, Wednesday April 8, will mean the usually bustling townships of Bridport, Tomahawk, Musselroe Bay will be restricted to Dorset residents only for the purposes of fishing and launching a boat.
Premier Peter Gutwein and Mayor Greg Howard said the move was designed to prevent unnecessary travel during the Easter period and protect coastal communities, which he said were particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus.
“Only launch a boat in the municipality where you live and only if it’s absolutely essential, use your common sense and be reminded that you cannot have more than two people inside the boat adhering to social distancing,” Mayor Howard said.
“Dorset resident are reminded that it is not the intention that they will be holidaying at their shacks over the Easter period.
“Those locals wishing to launch a boat or go fishing on the shore will absolutely have to justify that their recreation pursuit is essential”
Musselroe Charter owner and Bridport resident Stuart Blackwell encouraged the community to look at the bigger picture.
“I understand there are a lot of people who can’t afford to go out and buy fish for Good Friday, but I can understand the Premier’s stance – for one time this year let's adhere to the rules and do the right thing,” he said.
“As long as we’ve got our friends and family safe at the end of this it’s a small sacrifice not to go fishing or to your shack for the longer gain.”
Marine and Safety Tasmania manager Justin Foster said as far as pontoons and jetties are concerned, those owned by MAST remain open.
“Some are required for those people boating with regulations deemed essential and of course they may be needed for use by emergency services.
“The Tasmanian Government has a clear position that Tasmanians should stay home to save lives.
“There are essential circumstances that people may leave the home, and any recreational activity needs to adhere to strict rules.
“A two-person rule applies except if you are going boating with members of your family or persons that you reside with.
“If boating with one person that you do not reside with, ensure you maintain social distancing (at least 1.5 metres apart).
“If you are boating alone, please ensure you tell someone where you are going, wear the kill switch cord and a life jacket,” he said.
“There is a really good summary of boat usage on the MAST website that was put together in consultation with the Pandemic Media Unit of Government that outlines boat usage clearly for all users.”
The restrictions come into place on Wednesday April 8 and will be effective until Monday April 27.