Speed boating and wakeboarding would be banned from the Williams River as part of a plan to improve the quality of the Hunter’s main drinking water supply.
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The proposal is among several recommendations contained in a yet to be released government report on riverbank erosion along the Seaham Weir Pool.
If it proceeds, the ban would have a major impact on several wakeboard events on the Williams River. It would also affect dozens of boating and accommodation businesses associated with the events.
A similar strategy is also being adopted to address erosion concerns on the Hawkesbury River, which is also popular with speed boaters.
The Williams River speed boat ban, which would involve the imposition of minimal wash zones, would remain in place until the condition of the river bank improved.
The management plan would also include the introduction of stock exclusion zones as well as a revegetation strategy.
Hunter Water chief operating officer Darren Cleary said 25 year’s worth of research highlighted the gradual decline in the weir pool’s water quality.
“Riverbank erosion increases the turbidity and nutrients in river water. Nutrients can cause algal blooms and turbidity makes the water difficult treat,” Mr Cleary said.
“While Hunter Water will await the outcome of report’s exhibition, our number one priority is to provide safe, reliable drinking water to half-a-million Hunter residents and protecting source water quality is the first and most important step in that process.”
Raymond Terrace Aquatic Club race secretary Greg Lewis said he was unaware of the proposed ban on speed boating.
“I’d like to see how they have worked out that speed boats are the problem. How have they isolated the impact of speed boating from tides and floods,” ,” Mr Lewis said.
“Also as the population in the area increases, there is a lot more general boating in the area. It’s not just speed boats.”
A Roads and Maritime Services spokesman said the report on riverbank erosion on a 38 kilometre section of the Williams River was due to be released later this month.
“The community will be invited to comment on the recommendations and provide feedback,” the spokesman said.
