100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

'Changing conditions' prompt appointment of marine officer to Pumicestone Passage

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

Property boom continues but affordability slows growth

Sunshine Coast real estate prices are continuing to climb, placing more pressure on first-home buyers and renters. Data from real estate experts PropTrack shows the More

Airport powers ahead with solar scheme

A key regional aviation hub has unveiled its first large-scale solar project, with 320 panels installed on the terminal roof. Sunshine Coast Airport's 190.24kW system More

B2B: Why trust minutes are so important for good governance

Preparing trust minutes is a critical part of good governance and compliance for trustees. Here’s why they are so important. Also known as a trust More

Photo of the day: dog at dawn

Win Fowles took this photo at Coondibah Creek, Currimundi. If you have a photo of the day offering, email photo@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. Photos must be horizontal/landscape and More

Tough calls and tighter belts in council budget shake-up

Sunshine Coast Council has launched a major financial overhaul in its annual budget, cutting costs while lifting rates to manage rising pressures. The $1 billion More

Pub out, wellness in: revised plan up for feedback

Residents are being invited to have their say on proposed changes to a development in a bustling Sunshine Coast suburb. Locals have until July 21 More

A new marine officer has commenced their role to assist with safety around the Pumicestone Passage.

Maritime Safety Queensland appointed the new locally based officer to boost education and compliance around the Caloundra area.

The marine officer, who commenced duty in mid-October, will primarily conduct activities relating to boating’s ‘fatal five’: failure to carry proper safety equipment such as lifejackets, speeding, failure to keep a proper lookout, alcohol and drug use, and poor trip planning.

Their duties will also include marine pollution inspections, investigating marine incidents, maintaining navigational aids and signage, managing buoy moorings, anchoring and vessel liveaboard management, supporting hydrographic surveys and responding to complaints.

Related story: ‘Dynamic’ conditions prompt arrival of marine officer

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey welcomed the appointment of the new officer.

“I am very pleased that Maritime Safety Queensland now has a dedicated marine officer in Pumicestone Passage to look after safety on this very popular area of the Sunshine Coast,” he said.

“The Pumicestone Passage attracts a great many people who enjoy its waters for boating, swimming or fishing, or simply to live beside and appreciate its natural beauty.

The marine safety officer is be based around the Pumicestone Passage.

“In recent times, due to both its popularity and the dynamic and changing conditions at its northern end after the storm-induced breakthrough in 2022, ensuring safety on its waters has become more challenging.

“MSQ has responded to the challenge by appointing an additional dedicated marine officer, who will boost MSQ’s presence on the waters of Pumicestone Passage.

“The MSQ marine officer will be supported in combating boating’s ‘fatal five’, when necessary, by MSQ’s specialist Maritime Enforcement Team.

“MSQ also wants to remind mariners that conditions in the passage remain dynamic after last year’s breakthrough.

“They should take care in this area and check MSQ’s Notice to Mariners for the latest information on hazards, waterway depths and shoaling.”

Member for Caloundra Jason Hunt said the new officer would boost safety on the water.

“We love the Pumicestone Passage here in Caloundra and I’m very excited to see MSQ establish a dedicated marine officer to ensure we can all enjoy the passage safely and responsibly,” he said.

The officer can be contacted through MSQ’s Sunshine Coast Office based at Mooloolaba on 5373 2310 during office hours or 3623 3900.

Scroll down to SUBSCRIBE for our FREE news feed, direct to your inbox daily.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share