Multiple illegally moored boats lead to multiple dates in court

[mrsswordfisherman]

1 OCTOBER 2019

 

Multiple illegally moored boats lead to multiple dates in court 

 

A man who has repeatedly ignored official notices to remove boats which he has left illegally moored on Sydney Harbour, Lake Macquarie, Tuggerah Lakes, the Hunter River, and at Laurieton will have the matters referred to court this week.

 “Since May this year, the Lake Munmorah man has ignored eight different official ‘notices to remove’ a vessel which he has illegally left on a mooring or is blocking a waterway,” NSW Maritime A/ Executive Director Mark Hutchings said.

 “When you receive a notice to remove a vessel from the State boating regulator, it is not okay to ignore it in the hope it will go away.

 “Choosing to ignore a legal notice to remove a boat blocking a waterway is akin to choosing to ignore a parking fine.

 “NSW Maritime will argue that this person just leaves these boats which he acquires wherever he likes, including on emergency moorings or opportunistically on moorings belonging to other people.

 “What was originally a $250 fine for a vessel obstructing a mooring can reach up to $5500 once a matter is being considered by a court.”

 Mr Hutchings said two of the eight illegally moored vessels had sunk and led to navigation and potential pollution hazards, requiring intervention and salvaging by NSW Maritime at taxpayers’ expense.

 “We will be putting to the court how much he has cost the agency in terms of salvages,” he said.

 One matter is listed to be heard at Manly Local Court this afternoon (1 October), three matters at Port Macquarie on 17 October, two matters at Belmont on 23 October and one at Newcastle on 25 October.

 

 

 

[zmk1962]

Leaves me speechless ... clearly doesn't feel the law applies to him.  Let the court have its day I say ! 

Cheers Z

[nutsaboutfishing]

Can't they pass on at least part if not all the salvage costs??