Droves of people are calling on the state government to reduce the speed limit in an increasingly busy waterway.
A petition to parliament with about 1100 signatures has appealed for the speed to be reduced from 40 knots to 20 knots south of Military Jetty at Golden Beach in the Pumicestone Passage.
Meanwhile, there are also reports that many water users are shunning the 20-knot limit north of the jetty.
Petitioner Carol Wood said it should be 20 knots along the length of the 35km waterway, “to improve safety for human and marine life”.
“The present maximum speed limit (south of Military Jetty) is excessive and dangerous for humans and for marine wildlife, like breeding and feeding dolphins, dugongs and turtles,” she said.
“The (northern) end of the passage has had a reduction in speed limit to 20 knots … this speed limit should apply to the entirety of the passage from the Caloundra entrance to South Point at Bongaree.”
“The passage is designated an area of International Environmental Significance under the terms of the Ramsar Treaty and is also part of the Moreton Bay Marine Park Habitat Protection Zone, (and) the Queensland Environment Department designates the passage as a Conservation Park.
“Due to the competing uses on the waterway from the ever-increasing boating population, a reduction in speed is vital for the safety of passive watercraft such as kayaks and paddle boards.
“Marine species such as critically endangered dugongs, turtles and dolphins will benefit by being allowed more time to avoid speeding watercraft. This speed reduction will also reduce noise pollution.”
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A Maritime Safety Queensland spokesperson said officers had “observed increased boating activity” in the passage but usage varied depending on the season and weather conditions.
MSQ data showed that there were 10 reported incidents last year, including six collisions between vessels, two unintentional groundings and two floodings, but no vessels collided with marine life.
MSQ records also showed that seven cautions and one infringement notice were issued for speeding or ‘distance off’ offences.
The spokesperson said MSQ was determined to ensure safety within the waterway.
“MSQ employs various measures, including regular patrols to enforce safety regulations, installing navigation aids and clear signage, and running educational campaigns with the boating public,” they said.
“These strategies are continually reviewed for effectiveness, and MSQ remains committed to improving waterway safety.”
The spokesperson said the Bribie Island tidal breakthrough, in early 2022, had altered the waterway and resulted in changes to how it is used by the boating public.
“It has restricted the ability of some craft to traverse the northern part of the passage under low tide conditions and has shifted the location of vessel access from the passage to offshore waters to the south. MSQ has updated navigational aids accordingly,” they said.
Representatives from long-running business Bill’s Boat Hire and also Caloundra Coast Guard say many water users are flouting the 20-knot restriction that was introduced in the northern end of the passage three years ago.
Bill’s co-owner Kerrie Chandler said the speed limit had changed habits for skippers but “only those who are aware and willing to read signage and comply with the speed limits”.
“There are still a lot of powered watercraft operators that do not care about speed or signage, hence we see boaties and jet skis going way above the speed limit and also towing devices in our area,” she said.
She said the presence of authorities in the area was “ad-hoc at best”.
“I feel that the word is out that you can do what you want at the northern end of Bribie Island,” she said.
Ms Chandler also supported the petition for reduced speeds south of Military Jetty.
“It must be implemented with education, signage and then policed with warnings and fines,” she said.
“Given there is a larger variety of at-risk marine species at the southern end, watercraft need to slow down.”
Bill’s Boat Hire was set to expand its area of operations to south of Military Jetty but that move is “on hold” after co-owner Craig Chandler suffered an injury.
Meanwhile, Caloundra Coast Guard commander Roger Pearce said the 20-knot speed in the northern end of the passage had made a difference but there were still some problems.
“Since the speed limits were reduced north of Military Jetty it has been much better,” he said.
“I’m happy with a reduction but unfortunately not many people, especially jet ski riders, adhere to the existing limits.”
The speed limit close to anchored craft, off beaches and in canals is 6 knots or no wash.
A Queensland Police Service spokesperson said they were committed to monitoring the waterway and enforcing rules.
“Sunshine Coast Water Police regularly proactively patrol the Pumicestone Passage and surrounding waterways, alongside lead agency Maritime Safety Queensland; Boating and Fisheries Patrol and Marine Parks,” they said.
“These proactive patrols are in addition to increased police presence during target operations and peak periods, and responding to active calls for service.”
“General patrols target dangerous behaviour and compliance issues including speeding, drink or drug driving, lifejacket and safety equipment compliance and trip planning.”
