Powerboats have been banned from using Lake Jasper in the D’Entrecasteaux National Park in the south-west of Western Australia.
The Department of Environment and Conservation wants to protect native flora and fauna, as well as Aboriginal artefacts. It says powerboats can have a detrimental effect on water quality and can cause bank erosion and disturbance to the lake bed.
It’s a move that is sure to raise wider questions about the use of watercraft, such as powerboats and jet skis, in other bodies of water across the country. While speed lovers argue that they need places to pursue their passion on water, there are others – many grey nomads among them – who complain that the noise and wash form the craft spoil the peace and serenity of many a beauty spot.
Lake Jasper remains open to canoeing and other non-motorised boating activities.
