Power Boating Policy

Use of Power Boats on Lake Burley Griffin

General powerboat use is not permitted on Lake Burley Griffin. Conventional powerboats and other types of powered craft may be permitted on the Lake, as set out in this policy. Non-powered craft do not require a permit to go on the Lake. Permit details are contained in this policy.

The powered boat policy is set out in Section 9.9 in the Lake Burley Griffin Management Plan (1995) (Plan). The policy was revised in 1988 and is contained in this policy. It replaces the original Section 9.9 of the Plan.

Provisions governing the use of boats on the Lake are set out in the Lakes Ordinance 1976. These provisions cover the use of powerboats; anchoring and mooring of boats; restrictions on the use of powerboats and hovercraft; lighting rules; rules of the water; and navigation of a boat in a dangerous or careless manner or while intoxicated.

Under the provisions of the Lakes Ordinance, four categories of permits, as given below, are issued to allow power boats in Lake Burley Griffin.

C1 Conventional power boats may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (b) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. Permit holders are required to:

C2 (A) Electrically powered and solar powered boats may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (c) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. Permit holders are required to:

C2 (B) Trailerable yachts with auxiliary power may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (c) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. Permit holders are required to:

C3 (A) Boats used for Lake management, scientific research or other specified non-recreational uses may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (c) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. Permit holders are required to:

C3 (B) ‘Special interest’ boats may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (c) of the Lakes Ordinance 1976. Permit holders are required to:

C4 Power boats (e.g. ferries) for commercial tourist use may be granted a permit under section 26 (1) (c) and section 33 of the Lakes Ordinance.

Power boats for tourist or other commercial purposes must comply with the safety provisionos of the Lakes Ordinance 1976 and the respective licence agreements issued under section 33 of the Ordinance. This includes survey inspections by the certifying authority (eg the Australian Maritime Safety Authority) generally undertaken annually. The boats are also subject to random audits by the certifying authority.

Boat registration and powerboat drivers' licences

There is currently no means to register a powerboat in the ACT. Many ACT boat owners with a class of boat that would require registration in New South Wales, register their boats in New South Wales so that they can legally use those boats on New South Wales' waters. There is also no means to obtain a powerboat driver's licence in the ACT. In New South Wales any person who drives a mechanically propelled vessel on enclosed waters at a speed of 10 knots or greater must have a boat driver's licence and must carry it at all times when driving the vessel. For Lake Burley Griffin, 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.

'No wash' Zone

In order to control the impacts of all types of powered boats in areas which are sensitive because of their ecological characteristics, level of human use (e.g. swimming beaches) or other factors, ' No wash' zones may be declared in certain parts of the Lake. In these zones boat speed would have to be decreased to avoid creating wash. Such zones would also have the effect of reducing noise levels from some types of boats.

Permits

When an annual power boat permit is first issued for any class of boat, it will be accompanied by a ACT Water Police inspection. However, subsequent renewals will not require inspection, provided there have been no changes in the details of the boat. The ACT Water Police may carry out random inspections on the water of safety equipment held on boats. Other states and territories recognise inter-state boat registration for a specified time. However, given the specific conditions applying to Lake Burley Griffin, the National Capital Authority will maintain the current system of issuing permits for short-term visitor use even though boats may be registered elsewhere. For major events, such as regattas, permit distribution may be channelled through event organisers. Applications for temporary permits are not required to have their boats inspected by the ACT Water Police, but are required to confirm that they have the prescribed safety equipment on board.

Temporary permits are available for a maximum period of 4 weeks.

Permit forms are available from the National Capital Authority.

For Annual Permit

  1. Obtain permit form and fill out details
  2. Arrange an ACT Water Police inspection (Tel:6245 7393)
  3. Return form to National Capital Authority for authorisation (allow five working days for return)
  4. Affix sticker to boat

For temporary permit (Maximum 4 weeks)

  1. Obtain permit form and fill out details (including presence of prescribed safety equipment)
  2. Return form to National Capital Authority for authorisation (allow five working days for return)
  3. Affix sticker to boat

National Capital Authority
Treasury Building
King Edward Terrace
PARKES ACT 2600

or

GPO Box 373
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Tel: 02 6271 2888
Fax 02 6273 4427