Perfectly abandoned for any unsuspecting barefoot toddlers, curious dogs and various seabirds that frequent and often perch overnight (pied oystercatchers, mainly) on this structure.

This popular jetty is used by locals and visitors alike, but it was so called fishermen, who were seemingly responsible for this irresponsible and inconsiderate dumping.

The Body Corporate of The Moorings might seriously consider permanently locking the steel gate near the beach to prevent such behaviour in the future.

Every year from December to February there are a number of letters written by people complaining about Jet skis.

What frustrates the majority of jet ski owners like myself is the misinformation these people believe.

The facts, in my opinion, are that the majority of riders are responsible and people seem to just focus on the negative.

Jet skis do not have any sort of exposed propeller that can harm marine life, especially dolphins. Boats have fast rotating blades.

You cannot even squeeze your hand anywhere near the jet pump on a jet ski, so marine life are much safer. In relation to jet skis cutting or injuring marine life, it is not possible.

Ninety-nine per cent of Jet skis are very quiet. In the water they are as quiet as most cars. It is the minority with modified exhausts that are noisy.

They have less emissions than boats - especially 2-stroke boat engines (which most older, small engines on tinnys are).

Jet skis have 4-stroke engines that have to comply to strict emission standards and are way cleaner than diesels.

Jet skis do not pump oil and fuel in to the water like 2-stroke boat engines. It is not physically possible as they are similar type engines to cars these days.

Boats cause more injuries to marine life - if people would actually do some research then they would know that a lot of the injuries are caused by propellers.

As a boat owner and a jet skier and indeed a local I offer the following response.

Jet skiing is a family oriented hobby, particularly with the increased production of the three seater PWC [personal water craft] targeted at families.

The rapid rise in jet ski fishing is another area which we will see a dramatic rise of in the next few years. Jet skis are here to stay given sales have outstripped boat sales.

Recent Boating Industry Association figures show a 47 per cent rise in sales over the last 10 years currently with around 76,000 registered PWC's Australia-wide.

The jet ski manufacturing industry is tightly regulated manufacturing to the highest possible environmental standards.

They are not loud, they are not dirty in fact most operate a closed cooling system unlike a two stroke boat motor they do not expel oil into the water, they are not dangerous operating a concealed impellor which cannot contact marine life or a person in the water.

This is the reason they are extensively used in beach safety operations.

The tourist industry is built on many facets. Water sports is a huge draw card jet skiing is just one part of that currently our economy does need that help.

What has happened to the Australian 'fair go' attitude?

Port Stephens is not a sleepy hollow it is a nationally and worldwide recognised tourist centre deal with it or move away from the water.

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