NSW: Water police in force on New Year s Eve

AAP General News (Australia)
12-29-2000
NSW: Water police in force on New Year s Eve

SYDNEY, Dec 29 AAP - New speed limits and size restrictions will be enforced for the
5,000 vessels expected on Sydney harbour to watch the fireworks on New Year's Eve.

Sydney Water Police's Acting Senior Sergeant Brett Hood said today that a six-knot
speed limit will be enforced around the harbour's exclusion zone between Clark Island
and Cockatoo Island.

The area will be off limits from 8pm on New Year's Eve until 12:30am (AEDT) on January 1.

Boat numbers will also be restricted at Farm Cove, he said.

"Vessels over five metres will not be allowed into that area," Sgt Brett Hood said today.

"Last year a late southerly came through and we had a lot of people getting damage
to their vessels in Farm Cove," he said.

About 30 water police will patrol the harbour, Sgt Hood said.

He warned boat operators they faced fines up to $120 for speeding and urged them not
to drink and drive.

The legal blood alcohol limit for commercial skippers is 0.02 - as opposed to 0.05
for recreational boat operators.

The Bureau of Meteorology has predicted late showers for Sunday night.

AAP tdw/sb/mjm

KEYWORD: EVE HARBOUR

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