[Greens-Media] Tripodi must stand firm against harbour jet skis

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
28 August 2009


Tripodi must stand firm against harbour jet skis

Greens MP and waterways spokesperson Lee Rhiannon says Ports Minister Joe Tripodi would further erode the green gains of the Carr government if he gives into pressure from the jet ski lobby to reverse the ban on their use on Sydney Harbour (p. 5, Daily Telegraph today). 

"If Mr Tripodi does a turnaround on the jet ski ban he will serve another body blow to Bob Carr's green legacy, on top of allowing V8 car racing at Olympic Park and moves to commercialise national parks and lift the moratorium on mega harbour marinas," Ms Rhiannon said. 

"The jet ski lobby are using McDonalds and Coke-style spin to try to kid the public that their product is safe for consumption. 

"If jet skis were allowed on the harbour all the government's work on toughening harbour safety laws in recent times would be undermined.

"Jet Ski Sydney Harbour has provided no hard evidence that jet skis are quieter, safer or less harmful than before.  

"US research shows jet ski accidents cause far greater injury than other boating mishaps. Only in January a 13-year-old girl died after a jet ski accident on the Murray River.

"Minister Tripodi should learn the lesson from his failed attempt to have powerboat races on Sydney Harbour. He should close the door on a free for all for jet skis. 

"If Mr Tripodi backs the jet ski demand to use Sydney Harbour it will further highlight how powerless Premier Nathan Rees is and who really runs this state. 

"If the Minister backs the jet ski lobby the Premier must stand up to Minister and the handful of jet skiers set to ruin everyone else's quiet day out on our beautiful harbour," Ms Rhiannon said. 

For more information: 9230 3551, 0427 861 568