Booking a permit
Due to high demand, all water ski vessels require a permit to operate on Black Weir. General boating and fishing vessels do not require a permit. The system allows you to book up to seven days in advance.
Each permit is valid for one hour and users are able to book up to three hours (permits) in one day.
For more information, please phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 878 001.
Water craft use on Black Weir
- Freestyle jetskiing is not permitted on Black Weir, in accordance with Queensland Maritime Regulations.
- Jet skis may be used for water skiing under general water skiing conditions.
- During rowing club regattas all vessels must give way to rowers and must comply with a six knot/no wake limit while traversing the rowing course. Permits will not be issued for watersking in the Loam Island Circuit during rowing regattas.
- A six knot speed restriction is in place in Zones A and D
- Council regulatory officers will issue infringement notices to watercraft operators who breach local laws, particularly in relation to excessive vessel noise, negligant use of vessels and operators who do not hold a valid permit.
Operating hours for motorised water sports
- Motorised Water Sports on Black Weir are allowed at specified times only.
- Hourly permits are available daily between 9am to 6pm. Users are allowed a maximum of 3 permits per day.
- Council will soon be undertaking a review of recreational use on Black Weir.
Vessel numbers are limited for the safety of all river users.
Any person not intending to use a booking must complete an online cancellation. Failure to cancel an unused booking online may result in a one month ban on the person/vessel involved.
For more information, please phone the Customer Service Centre on 1300 878 001.
Revised River Recreation Management Plan
A revised recreation management plan for the Black Weir Pool of the Ross River, which will provide users with more structured zones.
The new plan increases the recreational zones from three to six, including two zones for water skiing, a zone for rowing and three zones for general use one of which can be used for water ski slalom training, to make it safer and more equitable for all users.
The plan will allow council to undertake a more coordinated approach to manage activities and will strike a balance between the various recreational groups who access the pool.
Ross River Management Plan is currently under review.