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Sinking houseboat prompts safety concerns amid new anchoring restrictions

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Another houseboat has fallen victim to a well-known waterway, with salvage attempts to remedy the situation so far “unsuccessful”.

The partially sunken vessel has been taking on water for two months off the banks of Goat Island, along the Noosa River.

It comes after an ‘iconic’ houseboat of more than 20 years was removed from the Noosa River in January, following concerns it would sink.

In March last year a 12.4m boat also began sinking in the Maroochy River after a bout of wild weather.

A Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News it was aware of the sinking vessel.

“Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is aware of a houseboat that sank in the vicinity of Goat Island in April 2025,” the spokesperson said.

The Noosa River to home to many houseboats and vessels.

“Salvage attempts by the owner have been unsuccessful to date.

“MSQ will continue to monitor for pollution and is in regular contact with the owner and salvor regarding further salvage attempts.

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“MSQ has marked the hazard with a buoy to alert waterway users until the vessel is salvaged or removed.

“We will continue to work closely with the owner to ensure the matter is resolved.”

The boat is located within a section of the Noosa River that falls under new anchoring restriction rules, which came into effect on May 31.

A map of the new anchoring restriction areas along the Noosa River. Picture: MSQ

The rules mark the next phase of MSQ’s Noosa River Management Plan, which limits anchoring for vessels over five metres within 30 metres of the northern shoreline from the Noosa Bar to Lake Cooroibah, including all of Goat Island.

Sunshine Coast News has previously reported there was upwards of 100 vessels moored where the anchoring restrictions have now been implemented.

MSQ has advised that the location of the boat within the new anchoring restricted area does not change its approach or prioritising of the vessel for removal.

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