The sign banning kite surfing.
Camera IconThe sign banning kite surfing. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Crackdown on kite surfing

Jon BassettWestern Suburbs Weekly

“If you look at the Beaches Local Law, surfing is defined separately,” Mr Humfrey said.

He said they would assess the recent installation of a sign banning kiting at the spot before councillors consider the proposed change.

In 2013, experienced East Victoria Park kite surfer Marc Sprod was killed at Telephone Box, near the Deane Street-Marine Parade intersection, where other reported near-misses have included kites allegedly landing on the footpath, the road and a home.

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Last year, councillors proposed a new local law stopping the launching or landing of kites, and windsurfing, at Telephone Box all year, and creating a 500m-long official area between nearby Rosendo Street and Princes Street.

New showers and taps could be installed for kiters, and a playground near Princes Street moved to keep windsurfers from the public.

Mr Humfrey said only wind-powered watercraft would be affected by the new law that reached the council’s jurisdiction 200m offshore.

Kiters and windsurfers blown downwind from the official area would still be able to perform emergency landings at Telephone Box.

“If someone was clearly in trouble, then I would expect council staff to show their discretion, but if they had clearly set up and were launching and landing there, then they’ll be in trouble,” Mr Humfrey said.

A report based on public comment is expected at the council’s March meeting, and any Telephone Box restriction and creation of an official area could be gazetted in April, after which rangers would warn those breaching the rules for about a month, before any fines.

WA Kite Surfing Association president Drew Norton said he had seen two kites across the Telephone Box beach path this summer.

Mr Norton said any proposal that improved beach safety would be supported by the Association.

n Information about the proposal is at www.cottesloe.wa.gov.au.