The Federal Member for Mackellar, Jason Falinski MP has called on the New South Wales Health Minister, the Hon Brad Hazzard MP to ease public health restrictions surrounding recreational vessels.

Mr Falinski has written to Minister Hazzard proposing to make the following changes to current restrictions:

  1. Increase the number of people allowed on board each vessel from two to four.
  2. Grant permission for vessels to anchor overnight.

“For many on the Northern Beaches and around the Pittwater, boating is more than just a hobby, but a big part of their lifestyle and their primary way of social interaction.” Mr Falinski stated.

On the 1st of May, the NSW Government eased restrictions to permit people to visit each other in order to provide care, reduce social isolation and improve mental health. Mr Falinski has expressed his belief that changes to the public heath directive in relation to recreational vessels would fit into the category of reducing social isolation and improving mental health.

“Allowing four people on a boat with permission to anchor overnight would work within the May 1 changes.”

“These proposed changes would boost the mental health of a lot of people in the community, at a time where social isolation is causing a lot of pain.”