FAQs

At select locations, Council has previously permitted some limited storage of small watercraft in foreshore parks and reserves. In some locations unauthorised storage of watercraft has become increasingly prevalent resulting in issues for community access, safety and environmental degradation. 

Council is required to manage Community land in accordance with legislative and strategic policy requirements including, but not limited to:

• Local Government Act 1993; 
• Crown Lands Management Act 2016; 
• Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016; 
• Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021; 
• State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation) 2021;
• Willoughby City Local Strategic Planning Statement 2020; 
• North District Plan 2018; and 
• relevant Plans of Management. 

At the Council meeting of 27 November 2023, Council resolved to:

1. Develop a strategy for the management of storage of watercraft on public land on the foreshore of middle harbour, in an effective and equitable manner, for the benefit of watercraft owners and for the convenience and enjoyment of the wider community who wish to access and use Willoughby's harbour foreshore parks and other public open spaces for general recreation.
   
   
2. Consider the funding of this strategy through a 2024/25 Projects and Capital Works bid.
   
   
3. Note that any costs associated with the implementation of the strategy, if adopted (such as site-specific storage facilities, and community for same), would need to be considered in future Council budget considerations.

For purposes of this Strategy, small watercraft are considered to be small boats or vessels stored on land. This may include dinghies (rowing, sailing or outboard motor), kayaks, canoes, surf skis, stand up paddle boards, sailboards, windsurfers, skiffs, rowing skulls, dragon boats, outriggers or similar.

A public space providing community access to the waters of Middle Harbour and Lane Cove River. Lands may be owned or under Council's care, control and management.

If you are storing your small watercraft in one of Willoughby City Council's foreshore parks or reserves, you must register your watercraft with Council. Registration is contained within the online survey. Council wants to better understand community needs and how you use your watercraft. 

Council will also advise when the draft Strategy has been prepared and be able to contact you should there be any operational issues concerning your watercraft. 

Under the provision of the Public Spaces (Unattended Property) Act 2021 a person must not leave an item unattended in a public place that causes obstruction to access; risk to person, animal or the environment; interferes with public amenity or has been in the same place for 7 days or more. An authorised officer of Council has the authority to move or take possession of an unattended item in a public space in accordance with the regulation.

A number of community organisations provide recreational water access, activities and programs including:

• 1st Northbridge Sea Scouts
• 1st Sailors Bay Sea Scouts
• Lane Cove River Kayakers
• North Arm Sailing Club
• Northbridge Sailing Club
• Northbridge Baths (operated by Council)

This Small Watercraft Strategy will only include foreshore parks and reserves in the Willoughby City Council local government area. 

Other parks such as Tunks Park in Cammeray (North Sydney Council), Echo Point Park in Roseville (Ku-ring-gai Council) and Lane Cove National Park (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service) will not be included in the Strategy. 

No. The Small Watercraft Strategy will only include public and/or Community lands. It will not include water access from privately owned lands.