The state government is investing more than $1 million to install several moorings around a renowned Sunshine Coast island this year.
Officials announced that 23 berths will be placed around Mudjimba Island, likely during winter, to protect marine life and back local tourism.
The funding will also include a Mudjimba Island conservation and education package, delivered in partnership with Meridan State College.
The permanent moorings have been designed by engineers to suit local environmental conditions and protect coral from anchor damage.
There will be two different types of moorings installed, including 13 T-class moorings for vessels up to 6m and 10 A-class moorings for vessels up to 10m.
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Made of large concrete blocks and polypropylene rope suspended off the seabed, the moorings will be installed in high-use areas outside the rocky reef to ensure maximum holding power.
The moorings will be free for skippers to use and are scheduled to be installed when the weather is most favourable during winter.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the was project was part of the state government’s Destination 2045 tourism plan.
“This $1 million in funding for environmentally friendly moorings is a key part of our flagship tourism plan to supercharge the Sunshine Coast,” he said.
“We want to make it easier for eco‑friendly skippers to moor near the island while limiting any impacts on the environment.”
Member for Maroochydore Fiona Simpson said the funding would support tourism, protect the reef and provide valuable research opportunities to study one of nature’s wonders just off our coastline.
“The protection of Mudjimba Island Reef is paramount and a priority for the Sunshine Coast,” she said.
“It is loved by our community, particularly divers and snorkelers, for being a premier place where they often encounter marine wildlife against an underwater backdrop of beautiful corals.”
The contract to deliver the project was awarded to a small Queensland company, which will work with other local companies on everything from steel fabrication to the deployment of the moorings.
