Chaotic 4WD scene at Aussie boat ramp highlights booming trend: 'At capacity'

As the weather warms, Aussies are heading straight to the water to enjoy their weekends, and for many it means jumping on a boat or jet ski. However, a common summer gripe has also reared its head, putting one council in the firing line amid fears the ongoing issue is only worsening.

A long queue of motorists waiting to use a boat ramp in Sydney's south was spotted on Sunday along the Cooks River, and one man stuck in the congestion wasted no time airing his grievances.

"And so it begins... if you have a boat or a family, don't bother going to [the] ramp," he wrote online. "We are not even at peak season yet, and the facilities are at capacity!"

He captured a picture of at least four vehicles waiting their turn to use the boat ramp and suggested it wasn't the first time the area has been heavily congested, calling out the council for doing little to expand access to the water and minimise the issue even though it happens every year.

"You have no chance of launching the boat with the amount of jet skis there at the moment," he said. It comes as council told Yahoo News Australia it is looking for options to improve congestion.

Council promises to find solution to common summer gripe

Bayside Council acknowledged the Kyeemagh boat ramp in question is "heavily used" during the summer "like most boat ramps" in the city. It confirmed a proposed solution plan has been submitted for approval, and it is in the process of seeking grant funding for additional capacity.

"Council has initiated a feasibility and concept design for additional parking at the Foreshore Drive Boat Ramp, owned by Transport for NSW and operated by the NSW Ports Authority, to provide additional capacity," a spokesperson told Yahoo News.

The council also pointed to its water safety educational campaigns which aim to increase safety while the area is busy.

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Boom in jet ski sales could compound congestion issue

In 2022, jet ski sales hit a record high in the country after almost 10,000 were bought in the country, according to Watercraft Zone. Although there was a slump in sales last year, massive discounts from retailers and the already high number of jet skis owned and used by Aussies have contributed to congestion on boat ramps, and locals are concerned it will only make things worse this summer.

"The police and maritime have indicated an increase in the number of personal watercraft since the COVID lockdown," Bayside Council told Yahoo News.

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