About 90 vessels have been moved since new “no anchoring” zones were implemented in a popular waterway, and now the final stages of reforms are set to be brought in.
From January 1 vessels over five metres in length will be limited to a maximum of 28 days anchoring per financial year across the Noosa River and adjoining waters.
Once the 28-day limit is reached, they must not return until the following financial year.
This includes all waterways and tributaries within the system including Noosa Sound, Lake Weyba, Lake Doonella, Lake Cooroibah, Lake Cootharaba, the Noosa River Everglades and connected creeks.
A Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) press release said long-term on-water storage of vessels at anchor would no longer be permitted. Vessels on MSQ-registered moorings will not be affected.
Related story: New anchoring rules about to sink in
The current number of moorings in the river will be maintained at 119 – which has been the limit for many years – with no new moorings planned.
Following the implementation of Stages 1 to 5 of the Noosa River Management Plan from September 2023, the previously planned Stage 6 and 7 reforms are being rolled out as a single river-wide anchoring restriction on January 1.
MSQ said the changes ensured consistent rules across the Noosa River and adjoining waters while supporting its commitment to safe, fair and environmentally responsible use of the waterways.
Independent Noosa MP Sandy Bolton said the changes to the rollout followed community feedback.
“It is appreciated that following our advocacy, MSQ has reviewed the next stages to avoid any potential unintended consequences,” she said.
“Thank you to general manager Kell Dillon and the MSQ team for listening to resident concerns regarding Stage 6 and the northern section of the river system, and we encourage all to continue to provide feedback over the coming months.”
Since the commencement of the Noosa River Management Plan, about 90 vessels have moved out of the new restricted anchoring zones along the southern foreshore, Woods Bay, Little Woods Bay, Noosa Sound and the northern shoreline of the Noosa River.
In addition, 32 derelict vessels have been resolved during this time. Of these, 16 have left the river and another 16 were made seaworthy by the owners.
Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.
MSQ said it would increase compliance controls from January 1 to ensure the new anchoring restrictions are being adhered to by the boating community.
“We will continue to work with MSQ and our community during the remaining implementation stages of the Noosa River Management Plan and will update as further information becomes available,” Ms Bolton said.
“It has been reassuring that anyone identified as vulnerable and living aboard vessels over the preceding three years has been offered assistance, and this will continue as per the commitment of MSQ to reduce the risk of homelessness.”
