Boat Permits
Overview
Lake Burley Griffin is a popular venue for watersports, in particular, sailing, rowing, sailboarding and canoeing. General power boat use is not permitted, though powerboats will be seen on the lake being used as rescue, coaching and judging boats and for lake management work.
The Lake Burley Griffin Management Plan which came into operation in 1995, sets out the arrangements for power boat use on the Lake under the provisions of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. A revised boating policy, under the Management Plan, was put in place in 1998.
The Management Plan defines principal use areas, which provide users the maximum opportunity for use without conflicting with other users. There is a sailing course in West Lake and a rowing course in Yarramundi Reach marked by buoy lines. Canoe training is held in the sheltered waters of Molonglo Reach. However, other users are not restricted from using these principal use areas unless there is a formal ‘lake closure' for a particular event.
Requirements for permits
Non-powered craft such as sailing boats and canoes do not require a permit to go on Lake Burley Griffin. Powered boats require a permit. These are issued annually by the National Capital Authority.
Permits are provided in four categories covering powerboats used by sporting clubs and institutions, electrically powered and solar powered boats, trailerable yachts with auxiliary power, boats used for lake management, special interest boats (such as ‘traditional boats'), and commercial ferry operations.
Currently, there is no fee for a permit. Before an annual power boat permit is first issued for any class of boat, a Water Police inspection is required. However, subsequent renewals do not require inspection, provided there have been no changes in the details of the boat. For regattas and other events, temporary permits are available for a maximum period of four weeks. No Water Police inspection is required but owners are required to certify that they have the requisite safety equipment.
The National Capital Authority requires drivers of conventional powerboats to be holders of either a current powerboat driver's licence issued in any Australian state or territory, or a ‘TL3' certificate issued under the Australian Yachting Federation National Powerboat Training Scheme.
Obtaining a Boat Permit
Permit forms and the Lake Burley Griffin powered boat policy are available from the National Capital Authority. Applicants for annual permits complete the form, arrange a Water Police inspection, return the signed form and finally affix the permit sticker to the boat. Temporary permit applicants follow the same procedure except for the Police inspection. For events, the organiser normally supplies the permit forms.