Boaties are expected to fall in line with new anchoring rules in one of the region’s most well-used waterways.
The restrictions have started in the Noosa River, along the busy southern shore from Lake Doonella to the Garth Prowd Bridge.
The immediate changes primarily affect vessels over 5 metres length, as they are no longer allowed to anchor within a distance of 60 metres from the shore or be grounded on the shoreline.
On a trial basis, vessels 5m or under are allowed to anchor in the zone as long as they are sea-worthy and comply with all other safety and marine pollution laws.
The new anchoring restrictions include:
- Vessels 5 metres or less, including tenders, will be able to anchor within the restricted area, in order to access shops, services or engage in recreational activities. These vessels are required to comply with all other safety and marine pollution requirements.
- Vessels over 5 metres may access the shoreline to set down and pick up passengers, but are not permitted to anchor or ground.
This zone largely reflects the same area where a speed restriction of 6 knots was introduced last year, in an effort to improve safety.
Owners of vessels are expected to comply with the speed limits for the area and not cause obstructions or navigation hazards to other waterway users.
MSQ officers have been contacting the owners of vessels within the area so they could relocate prior to the start of the anchorage restriction.
Further anchoring restrictions are planned for Woods Bay and Little Woods Bay as part of the progressive Noosa River waterway reforms.
Boaties may also notice some additional navigation aids being installed to better mark the navigation corridor for safer boating.
As part of the reforms, MSQ will work to remove vessels that assessed as derelict or abandoned.
Members of the public were reminded that if they have a vessel or structure currently stored on the river and MSQ cannot identify an owner, it may be considered abandoned and ultimately removed.
If MSQ officers place a notice on your vessel it is important that you contact MSQ as required or your vessel can be seized, removed and disposed of.
MSQ has also established a dedicated four-person team to implement the Noosa River waterway management plan.
Maritime Safety Queensland General Manager Kell Dillon said the group would work with boaties to ensure the restrictions are implemented as efficiently as possible.
“MSQ is focused on ensuring that vessels do not pose safety or pollution risks in the waterway, and that anchorage restrictions are part of a suite of actions to responsibly manage those that do,” he said.
“We are aware that there are vulnerable people who may be affected by these reforms, and MSQ will be working closely with them as the new regulations come into effect.
“Education and communication with the community is a priority as the process of implementing the reforms is progressed.”
Member for Noosa Sandy Bolton said she had responded to online concerns from river users regarding confusion on signage and around the trial exemption.
“Thank you to those who contacted us in efforts to ‘iron out’ some confusion,” she said.
“We have provided the feedback to MSQ and have been assured that those genuinely engaging in recreational activities and accessing shops and services, regardless of size, are not being targeted as the changes are to see an end to those who have been doing the ‘wrong thing’ and ‘parking up’ permanently in these zones.
“After two or more decades of our community being frustrated by the poor management of the river, it was an enormous commitment of State Government to acknowledge they needed to do better and commit to a course of action and deliver.”
See more via Changes for boating on the Noosa River.
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