Unattended watercraft in parks and reserves

It is important that our public open spaces are safe, accessible and can be enjoyed by everyone.

Dinghies and other watercraft are often used to access our waterways from the Shire’s foreshore reserves. Such watercraft are often stored in our parks and reserves for future use. Storage of watercraft in reserves is unsightly, and can impede access to the foreshore, damage vegetation and cause a public safety risk.

Storage of private watercraft is not permitted anywhere in our parks and reserves.  This includes dinghies, kayaks, stand up paddleboards and surfboards.

We will remove any private watercraft left unattended in our parks and reserves.

Our Dinghies and Other Watercraft Management Policy outlines our approach for managing dinghies and other watercraft left unattended on public land.

Unattended boats next to foreshore

Frequently asked questions

Our parks, reserves and foreshores are for everyone to enjoy.

Unattended watercraft in reserves are unsightly, and can impede access to the foreshore, damage vegetation and cause a public safety risk.

Under the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (NSW), Council Officers may remove unattended private property from public footpaths, roads and parks and reserves where it:

  • causes an obstruction or safety risk
  • interferes with public amenity because of its location
  • has been in one place for a length of time.

We will sticker unattended watercraft with an Unattended Item Notice.

The notice will state the date and time that the item needs to be removed by.

If the item is not removed by the expiration of the date and time on the notice, we will take possession of it.

The item will then be held for 28 days and if not collected by the owner, we will sell or dispose of it.

If an item presents a risk to the public, we will remove it immediately.

We will remove:

  • Unattended watercraft after the expiration of the date and time on the sticker placed on it by Council;
  • Unattended watercraft that presents a risk to the public, i.e. is a trip hazard.  Such items will be removed immediately.

Please contact us and ask to speak to a member of the Public Safety & Lifeguards Unit.

We will remove any impounded watercraft to a secure location where they may be collected, however we cannot take responsibility for any damage during transportation or storage.

The governing legislation is the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 (NSW). For more information visit the Public Spaces Unattended Property Law information page.