A two-month trial to restrict use of the Little Street boat ramp by motorised watercraft will begin from Sunday 1 December 2024.
During December and January, only non-motorised watercraft may be launched at the boat ramp during daylight hours.
This is to provide a safer launching facility for non-motorised craft. It will also improve safety near the swimming baths, amenities and boat shed cafe nearby.
"The Little Street baths and boat ramp is a popular lakeside recreation spot, with a swimming area, amenities and café either side of the boat ramp," said Council's Manager Strategy and Projects, Amanda Hatton.
During summer, the area is very busy with foot traffic crossing the boat ramp.
The boat ramp is congested with vehicles launching boats and people using the ramp with kayaks and paddle boards. There is also limited parking in the nearby area for boats with trailers.
The trial is a recommendation in the MidCoast Recreational Boating Infrastructure Plan. The Plan identifies that this area should operate with restricted access for motorised watercraft during peak times to allow safe pedestrian access around the amenities, café and baths.
Motorised craft users can access Wallis Lake boat ramps with larger parking facilities at:
- Forster Marina
- Tuncurry (Point Road)
- Elizabeth Reserve (Forster Keys)
- Pacific Palms (Recreation Club) and
- Coomba Park foreshore.
From February through to November, the boat ramp can be used by motorised craft again at any time. They can also use the boat ramp after sunset and before sunrise during December and January.
An initial review of the trial will take place in March 2025. Users of the facility will be able to provide feedback after the first part of the trial finishes on 31 January 2025.
