The swan-shaped boats ruffling a Sydney council’s feathers
A boat-hire company has operated at this Sydney lake for almost a decade. The local council said it’s no longer safe to do so.
Imported from Michigan for $10,000 each, the swan pedal boats have glided gracefully over the water at Lake Parramatta for eight years. The local council believes they have become a safety risk.
The City of Parramatta Council has terminated the licence of a pedal boat company operating at Lake Parramatta after “ongoing safety concerns” were identified, including the inconsistent use of safety vests.
Families enjoying the swan pedal boats on Lake Parramatta, which have been popular for a number of years. Credit: Louie Douvis
Parramatta Rowboats provides a range of for-hire boats for visitors to Lake Parramatta, including rowboats, kayaks and canoes. The man behind the company, Greg Gordon, also runs a similar boat-hire business in Lane Cove National Park, which has operated there for more than 30 years.
The decision to terminate the Parramatta Rowboats licence was made in the confidential session of the council’s December meeting, with only independent councillor Kellie Darley and Dr Judy Greenwood of the Greens voting against it.
“The safety of the community is our number-one priority, which is why council has made the decision to transition out of the contract with the existing Lake Parramatta watercraft operator,” a City of Parramatta spokesperson said.
“Council has actively worked with the operator over an extended period to improve safety standards; however, there have been increasing concerns including the inconsistent use of safety vests, adequate training of staff and lifeguards needing to assist people on hired watercraft away from the swimming area.”
Parramatta Council has terminated the Parramatta Rowboat licence over safety concerns.Credit: Louie Douvis
But Gordon disputes the safety concerns, saying his company was audited by Safe Work Australia and found to comply with all standards.
“Safety is our number-one priority and this is reflected in our safety record,” he said.
“Some of the allegations of inconsistent life-jacket use are reported by lifeguards, who are mistaking private owners for our customers, and we do not have control over private people.”