Licence terminated due to safety concerns

Imported from Michigan for $10,000 each, the swan pedal boats glided gracefully across the water at Parramatta Lake for eight years. The local council believes they have become a safety risk.

Parramatta City Council has terminated the license of a pedalo company operating on Parramatta Lake after “ongoing safety concerns” were identified, including inconsistent use of safety vests.

Parramatta Rowboats offers a range of boats for hire to visitors to Parramatta Lake, including rowboats, canoes and canoes. Greg Gordon, the man behind the company, also runs a similar boat rental business in Lane Cove National Park, which has been operating for more than 30 years.

The decision to terminate the Parramatta Rowboats license was taken in secret session of the council’s December meeting; only independent councilor Kellie Darley and the Greens’ Dr. Judy Greenwood voted against it.

“The safety of the community is our number one priority, which is why the council has taken the decision to terminate the contract with the existing Parramatta Lake watercraft operator,” a City of Parramatta spokesperson said.

“The council has actively worked with the operator over a long period to improve safety standards, however there are growing concerns, including the inconsistent use of safety vests, the staff required to assist people on chartered watercraft away from the swimming area, and adequate training of lifeguards.”

But Gordon disputes safety concerns, saying his company was inspected by Safe Work Australia and found to comply with all standards.

“Safety is our number one priority, and this is reflected in our safety records,” he said.