Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818:front:0:p92
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2015L01818
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 264138–267062

tracks and open areas within the Booderee designated camping areas, public beaches and associated rock platforms are considered to be tracks for walking subject to Policy 6.6.4.

    7.6.7        Access to rock platforms which are considered a public safety risk will be prohibited in accordance with Policy 6.6.4

    7.6.8        The Director may issue a permit for walking or riding in areas other than those described in r.12.55(1) of the Regulations. A permit is not required if the person is accompanied by a park staff member.

Actions

    7.6.9        Subject to available resources, upgrade appropriate walking tracks to enable access for physically impaired park visitors.

    7.6.10    In consultation with the Council and the Board, develop and implement a Walking Track Strategy for the park.

    7.7           Water-based activities

Aim
    * Provide for a variety of appropriate water-based recreational activities, including boat access, that are consistent with public safety and reserve management principles applicable to the park.

Background
Swimming is a major seasonal recreational activity enjoyed by visitors to the park due to the white sandy beaches and clear waters of Jervis Bay. To a lesser extent, St Georges Basin and the Sussex Inlet area are also used for swimming. Sites within the park are not patrolled by lifesavers. Waves, currents and rips occur at open ocean beaches on the park's southern perimeter and present a higher level of risk for swimmers than bayside beaches.

Green Patch, being the most popular swimming area in Booderee, has a boat exclusion area (swimmers only) which is well defined by marker buoys. Cave Beach is a popular swimming and surfing beach. Swimming in the park's freshwater areas is unsafe and also poses a potential risk to the areas' conservation values and to their role in providing potable water to residents and visitors.

The underwater features, diversity of habitats and water quality of Jervis Bay provide the opportunity for high quality scuba diving and snorkelling experiences. Jervis Bay is a very popular area for both snorkelling and scuba diving. Easy access and safe water conditions make Murrays Beach and Green Patch highly suited to these activities.

Recreational boating is a popular activity in Jervis Bay. Anchoring boats has the potential to seriously damage seagrass communities. Rehabilitation of seagrass communities is slow and disturbed areas can take decades to recover. During the first plan prohibitions on anchoring were introduced in accord with the zoning system established for the park. Moorings were installed at several locations in park waters to manage the impact of boating on these areas (see Section 9.2, Access and Roads).

Discharge of litter, effluent and bilge water from boats into park waters has potential to damage the park's marine environment and affect the recreational experience of other