Following Sandy taking resident concerns to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) since July and many meetings regarding, MSQ have announced a six-month trial to allow vessels between five- and seven-point five meter to anchor on or near the shoreline for up to two hours a day, as long as they anchor safely and responsibly, and consider the impact to other river users in the area.
As mentioned in our July 2024 Noosa 360 update, vessels five meters or under will still be able to anchor in the area without restrictions, provided they are also anchored safely, are not being used to live-aboard and do not obstruct other river users.
Even though previously assured by MSQ that the new rules are targeting those who have been doing the ‘wrong thing’ and ‘parking up’ permanently in these zones, not genuine river users engaging in recreational activities or to access shops and services, Sandy understands the concerns regarding the difference between MSQ’s intention and what the rules actually state, hence why this change was needed.
This is a step in the right direction and a key improvement identified by our community. Sandy’s work has also included advocating for the full MSQ consultation results to be released, which is now available at www.bit.ly/NRconsultaitonResults, with MSQ advising it will soon be available on their website as well.
As we are moving through the various stages, it is really good to see that MSQ is responding to feedback, and Sandy asks that over the coming months as further changes occur for residents to continue with this as it is appreciated.
Further information
More detailed information regarding each stage of the changes proposed will become available prior to the commencement. To contact the MSQ team, please email sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au. Sandy will continue to post information to www.sandybolton.com/noosa360 or for anyone wanting an individual response, please email her via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au.
For our previous Noosa 360 updates on the Noosa River, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=Noosa+River.
For a summarised history of the advocacy journey and the roles of the different levels of government in relation to the Noosa River, please read Sandy’s article at www.sandybolton.com/mp-media-the-whole-noosa-river-story-noosa-today-april-2024.