MAST to consider Derwent River restriction zone and speed limit changes

The restriction zones and speed limits along the Derwent River from Sorell Creek to the Esplanade in New Norfolk will remain in place for now.

Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) advised that they've been reassessing the designated ski zone on the Derwent River from Sorell Creek to the Esplanade in New Norfolk, which was once nearly scrapped.

Discussions focused on zone two of the restricted area, which starts at Sorell Creek and runs to the marker buoy outside the Caravan Park; this is a 5-knot speed zone for all vessels unless towing a skier.

Zone 1, from the marker buoy outside the Caravan Park to the New Norfolk Bridge, is strictly a 5-knot zone for all vessels and is also a preferred paddling area. Discussions raised whether these zones should remain the same, be changed, or be extended further downstream, with the 5-knot speed limit also a talking point.

MAST said it will keep the restriction zones and speed limit as is for the immediate future, and will provide simpler signage highlighting the two zones and the 5-knot speed limit over the next few weeks.

MAST will also add two new highlighted yellow marker buoys at Sorell Creek and on the river outside the Caravan Park to highlight the restricted zones.

MAST's Justin Roberts said, "We need to provide less detailed, readable signage and more of it, as well as marker buoys to highlight the restricted zones on the river.

"Efforts to enforce the restrictions in these zones will also be increased, and we must act with commercial vessels coming upriver, which are governed separately by laws that don't require them to run at 5 knots".

"There are no excuses, though".

"Everyone needs to abide by the rules, and we understand it's difficult to please everyone and also police, but we are in communication with Tasmania Police and especially the Tasmanian Water Police regularly to increase patrols to enforce those rules.”

MAST representatives and committee members from various New Norfolk and Derwent River user groups and clubs met at the New Norfolk Rowing Club on Tuesday afternoon for a discussion and feedback session on all things river-related.

Representatives from the New Norfolk Rowing Club, Nomad Water Ski and Jet Ski Club, New Norfolk Licensed Anglers Association, Derwent Storms Dragon Boat Club, as well as members connected to the New Norfolk Regatta/Autumn Festival, other representative organisations and groups, and the Derwent Valley Council attended.

Topics of discussion included safety, speed limits, ski zones, signage, policing, and pontoons, with representatives free to raise any concerns and ideas about the increase in boat use and recreational activity on the river.

Justin Roberts, Asset Manager from MAST, said, “These meetings are beneficial because they bring local council, clubs, groups and residents together to communicate.

"With the removal of the old Bridgewater Bridge and events like the New Norfolk Regatta returning, which will see a further increase in traffic on the river, it's important to gauge feedback and also provide information to user groups, clubs and the public".

Those in attendance especially highlighted the need to increase police patrols on and around the river during summer, with recreational river swimming access and swimmer safety also a priority moving forward. MAST has advised the public to continue contacting police about breaches of boating rules in the area and to contact MAST if and when police aren't available due to other commitments.

MAST also discussed river amenity, having assessed specific areas on the river over the past few weeks and developed planning and concept designs to add a new pontoon outside the New Norfolk swimming pool.

MAST said, "The approval process will happen over the next few weeks, but as it stands the pontoon won't be in place this summer, but we're hoping to have it completed by the Summer of 2027".

With the Derwent Catchment Project also continuing their great work to remove pest Willow Trees and Blackberry along the river/s, discussions will continue with MAST and the Derwent Valley Council and all river user groups about improving boat ramps, jetties, pontoons, and also introducing safer recreational boating, swimming, skiing, fishing, and viewing areas for locals and tourists alike to enjoy.