QUEENSLAND and Western Australia have loosened COVID-19 restrictions on recreational boating following signs of containment.
The news was welcomed by the Australian Boating Industry Association (BIA).
Darren Vaux, BIA president, said yesterday’s announcements were good news for the boating public, businesses and jobs while maintaining a conservative approach to the protection of public health and safety.
“Recreational boating out in the fresh air and sunshine is good for mental and physical health and is a low-risk activity that a family can easily do whilst adhering to social distancing and hygiene rules.
“Governments recognise that getting out on the water is a way of life for many Australians and it is estimated more than 20 per cent of all Australians engage in some form of boating activity annually,” Vaux said.
Queensland will enable households to travel 50km from home for recreational boating from midnight Friday. This adds to the existing permitted uses of fishing, paddle and sail craft in that state for exercise.
Western Australians can now also leave home for non-contact recreational activities, such as private picnics in the park, fishing, boating, hiking or camping. The WA government has also relaxed the number for indoor and outdoor gatherings to a maximum of 10 people, while practising social distancing.
The BIA says it’s actively encouraging other states and territories to join in the measured lifting of restrictions on recreational boating.
