Many more long-term anchored vessels have been moved under new restrictions along a popular waterway.
The state government has ramped up compliance operations on the Noosa River to improve safety, protect the environment and ensure fair access for waterway users.
Maritime Safety Queensland marine officers have been conducting targeted patrols, including at night, as well as vessel inspections and enforcement of the 28-day anchorage restrictions.
Since the last wave of restrictions took effect at the start of the year, officers have conducted hundreds of vessel intercepts to check compliance with Queensland’s maritime safety laws.
Operations have also targeted lifejacket and speeding offences, vessel seaworthiness, marine pollution, navigation lights and other unsafe on-water behaviour.
About 90 vessels were moved during stages of the Noosa River Management Plan last year. Since the final stage was introduced on January 1, another 80-plus vessels have relocated or been removed and more than 50 infringement notices have been issued to non-compliant vessel owners, with patrols and further compliance action ongoing.
In recent weeks, MSQ has also removed four derelict or abandoned vessels, including the 11m sailing vessel Adelaide, from Tewantin, under the government’s Keeping Our Waterways Safe program.
MSQ general manager Kell Dillon said the operations supported safer, more sustainable use of one of Queensland’s most iconic waterways.
“Maritime Safety Queensland has worked extensively with vessel owners to support voluntary compliance with the new anchorage restrictions,” he said.
“With the transition period for the new restrictions now over, it is important the rules are enforced.
“These operations will improve safety and fair access, while tackling speeding, lifejacket offences, vessels operating without navigation lights and derelict vessels.
“We remain focused on voluntary compliance, but those who do not follow the rules, including the 28-day anchorage restrictions, may face enforcement action.”
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The restrictions apply to vessels longer than 5m and are designed to improve navigational safety, protect the Noosa River environment and ensure fair access for all users.
For more information about the Noosa River Waterway Management Plan, the 28-day anchorage restrictions, vessel safety requirements or marine pollution obligations, visit the MSQ website.
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