New Federal Government restrictions for coronavirus implemented on Sunday night mean recreational boating and fishing for leisure is no longer permitted.

Only those boating and fishing for “essential purposes” is allowed, including travelling to work, to get provisions from the shops, or those providing for their families.

Authorities say the restrictions will help protect the community, particularly those in rescue services, who have still been responding to jobs amid the pandemic.

Fishing and boating for leisure not allowed

Transport Minister Mark Bailey said the unfolding coronavirus outbreak had forced restrictions on a range of outdoor activities, and boating and fishing for leisure was part of that.

“We want people to continue living their lives as normally as possible under the current circumstances, but the advice of the Chief Health Officer needs to be followed,” he said.

“This isn’t a special rule to let people out on the water for non-essential reasons this weekend.

“There’s no reason for anyone to be taking the boat out — unless it’s for essential travel to get to work, to and from your home, to local shops for provisions, or catching fish for your family.

“Even then, there should be no more than two people, or immediate family members, on board and the social-distancing rules everyone is being asked to follow still apply.

“No-one should be leaving their home unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

According to Bailey, the situation will change in the coming weeks.

“As the nation works together to stop the spread of the virus, there is new advice daily,” he said.

“Boaties should be aware of the current restrictions on boat use, and be prepared for that advice to change again should tougher rules to limit public movements and interaction come in.”

Recreational boating and fishing for leisure is no longer permitted under new COVID-19 Federal Government guidelines. (ABC South West Victoria: Emily Bissland)

Authorities will enforce boating regulations

Maritime Safety Queensland [MSQ] issued a statement to the Queensland boating community on Monday telling boat owners that authorities would be at boat ramps and out on the water to ensure people were complying with the regulations.

“As from Sunday, Federal Government direction is that public gatherings are restricted to no more than two persons, excluding household members, and that people should stay home,” MSQ general manager Angus Mitchell said.

“This applies to all activities that are not specifically exempted — boating is not.

“Boating compliance officers from Maritime Safety Queensland, Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol, and the Queensland Police Service will continue to conduct operations and enforce boating regulations, but will ensure their operations are conducted in accordance with social-distancing and hygiene requirements.”

Mitchell said the use of non-powered craft for essential exercise is still allowed, including kayaking, canoeing and surfing.

Restrictions to protect rescue services

While the restrictions have caused a stir in the Queensland boating community, with thousands sharing their outrage online, authorities have maintained the move is necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to keep the community safe.

Sunshine Coast Water Police Acting Sergeant Mark Muddiman said officers had been briefed on the directive and would be heading to boat ramps to “educate people” and ask those not carrying out essential activities to head home.

“The main reason is we don’t want people breaking down and volunteers having to go out and rescue them,” he said.

“A lot, if not most, of these volunteer rescue groups are made up of elderly members of the community and we don’t want to be putting them in harm’s way.”

Acting Sergeant Muddiman said high numbers of people have been heading out on boats across Queensland waters in recent days, and rescue services have had to continue responding to calls.

“Some people might classify boating and fishing as a sport, but the point is it’s not essential,” he said.

“Even with exercise, people are only meant to be going out briefly to do an actual fitness activity, not spending the whole day out on the boat.

“If it’s not essential don’t go … if it doesn’t fall under the essential realm then you can be fined.

“We will be aiming to just give people advice rather than take the full force of the law. We hope to just educate people to stay home.”

People will be outraged, but must comply

TV fishing presenter Scott Hillier said he sympathised with passionate boaties and anglers, but said the messaging was clear and vital during “unprecedented and trying times”.”I am expecting some people will be outraged by the decision, but this is a situation we have never been in,” he said.

“If something goes wrong, particularly with offshore boating, some volunteers and rescue groups right now aren’t in a position to go out and help.

“Generally a lot of these groups are volunteers, they have elder members too, and other rescue services are down on numbers.

“So I totally appreciate people not being happy, but we really need to listen to the Government and authorities on this. Adhere to what they are saying.”

– ABC / Tara Cassidy