Brad Jelfs, who says he has the support of many in the isolated Port Stephens community, says the boat ramp is both dangerous and inappropriate.

"My fear is that before too long some poor child is going to get crushed by a four-wheel drive or trailer."

Mr Jelfs, who says he has contacted Port Stephens Council in writing expressing his concerns, believes boaters could travel the extra couple of kilometres to use the Boat Harbour ramp.

"Or alternatively the council could reinstate the Birubi beach launch at Anna Bay."

A council spokesperson told the Examiner that the parcel of land where the boat ramp is situated is owned by the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and that the site was managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife (NPWS)

A NPWS spokesperson said that the organisation was aware of the concerns of local community members about the Fishermans Bay boat launching area and its increased use by vehicles.

"We are monitoring the situation and will consider additional management actions, if required. NPWS asks all visitors to Fishermans Bay to please be mindful of the safety of other beach users. If the boat launching area is busy, please access an alternative boat ramp at another nearby location," the spokesperson said.

Mr Jelfs said there had been a growing number of families and young children who frequent the beach and rock pools at Fisherman Bay.

"We now have a situation where there are large four-wheel drive vehicles and trailers with boats - usually occupied by only two people - driving in and out not far from where families play," he said.

"This is a small hamlet of about 50 houses there the beach is tiny: about 60 meters wide with a very steep concrete driveway down onto the beach.

"Mostly during holiday times, the 4WDs with their trailer boats drive down the ramp because the ramp it too steep to reverse. They virtually have to traverse the entire beach in order to reverse their boats into the water, and many leave their boats parked on the beach."

Mr Jelfs described Fishermans Bay beach as a quiet, safe, family beach which is well utilised by locals and tourists.

"However, when a boat arrives it requires everyone to get out of the water and off the sand in order for their 4WDs to reverse their trailers. This is a disaster waiting to happen."

Mr Jelfs said that the problems would multiple once the proposed $6.7 million Tomaree coastal walk, which runs parallel to the beach and will attract hundreds of more people, is open.

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