NQ Water has moved to accommodate competing demands for time and space on Black Weir by introducing a permitting system.

The local law addresses both outstanding and emerging issues to do with motorised craft, said Chairman of NQ Water Ian Hamilton.

"We are conscious of our obligations to cater to the diverse demands on the weir," Mr Hamilton said.

"The system introduces zones for activities and governs when motorised craft can operate. There are no new restrictions on fishing.

"The permits will be self-regulatory and the onus is on boaties to respect the fact that we are trying to accommodate a number of user groups on the weir. If that fails, then we will bring in a booking system which will include fines."

The move to regulate use of Black Weir was in line with community expectations said Mr Hamilton who pointed to the growing residential development at Douglas on the southern bank of the weir.

With that in mind, the permit allows operations of motorised craft from eight in the morning until six at night and also limits the number of craft that can operate in the zones at any one time.

NQ Water had recently expanded options for water skiers by opening up Ross Dam to the Townsville Water Ski club for a trial period, said Mr Hamilton.

Black Weir is split into four sections for the purposes of the permit. Zone A, closest to the residential development, is for disabled water skiers and allows for one boat operating at a time.

Zones B is set aside for general water skiing and allows for seven motorised craft to operate at once. Free-style jet skiing is allowed in Zone C.

Zone D has been set aside for passive recreational use, like rowing or canoeing and boating under six knots.

Fishing is permitted in all zones provided that it does not interfere with other permitted activities in the zone.

The local law accommodates recreation in line with the Board’s priority to maintain water quality, said Mr Hamilton.

"NQ Water’s primary function is to operate the provision of bulk water to the twin cities," he said.

"We do so in an environmentally responsible manner to ensure the delivery of a high quality product."

"At the same time, we recognize that facilities like Black Weir are a major recreational asset and we take that into account in our management plans as a community service obligation."

"The permitting system provides balance in our efforts to maintain national standards of water quality and to provide a safe and accessible recreational facility."

The details of the local laws are available for inspection at the Townsville and Thuringowa city libraries.