Help us keep our foreshores safe and healthy

Published on 16 December 2022

While everyone knows dumping a personal watercraft, like a kayak, dinghy or yacht, at a nearby foreshore is not the right thing to do, we unfortunately see it happen all the time.
 
Due to this, we now have a large number of unauthorised watercraft along the length of the foreshore throughout Sorrento and Blairgowrie.
 
Some of the watercraft have been stored there for many years, resulting in trampled dune systems, as well as littered, buried and abandoned boats and equipment.
 
As part of the Community Amenity Local Law 2022, you aren’t allowed to place, store or leave anything on Council land unless you are permitted or authorised to.
 
Unauthorised watercraft dumped or left on our foreshores is illegal, it’s unsightly, potentially dangerous, restricts public access to the foreshore and is degrading to the environment.

If you have unauthorised watercraft on the foreshore – now's the time to safely remove it and take it home.
 
Mornington Peninsula Shire and Whitecliffs Committee of Management will begin removing and disposing of any remaining unauthorised watercraft on our foreshores from March 2023.
 
To learn more visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/watercraftremoval

Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Steve Holland:
“Our foreshores are public spaces where everyone is welcome. Removal of unauthorised watercraft will enable healthy foreshore environments and ensure everyone can continue to enjoy these public spaces into the future.”
 
Quotes attributable to Nepean Ward Councillor Susan Bissinger:
“This issue of watercraft on the foreshore in Nepean Ward is something that is raised every year by our community and visitors and was identified as a key concern during community consultation for the Sorrento Coastal and Marine Management Plan.

"We’re looking forward to working with the community to ensure our foreshores are beautiful, accessible, safe and with no loss of amenity.”
 
Quotes attributable to Nepean Ward Councillor Sarah Race:
“The Watercraft Removal Program is an important program for our foreshores and will result in stronger, healthier and more resilient foreshore and dune systems.”