ROCK fishers are now required by law to wear a life jacket when fishing in the Ballina Shire.
According to a Ballina Shire Council media release, anyone not wearing a certified lifejacket at high risk locations will receive an on the spot fine of $100 from 1 July 2020.
Ballina is one of five coastal NSW councils to be declared under the new Rock Fishing Safety Act to enforce the new legislation. This means all rock fishers must wear a lifejacket in high-risk locations including Lennox Headland, Iron peg, Skennars Headland, Flat Rock, Black Head and Ballina Head.
Anyone fishing from the rocks exposed to an ocean swell, including children and adults that may be assisting, must all wear an appropriate lifejacket.
“People enjoy fishing along the beautiful Ballina coastline but they need to be safe. Rock fishing is a dangerous sport and wearing a lifejacket provides added protection. These new laws mean that wearing a lifejacket is compulsory,” said Cheyne Willebrands, Open Spaces Manager, Ballina Shire Council.
Ballina Shire Council says break walls are excluded from this requirement.
Signage is being erected at high-risk locations in the Ballina Shire to educate the public on the new requirements.
For further information: ballina.nsw.gov.au
