Following reports on a Facebook post dated 29 December regarding several houseboats being used for short term accommodation on the Noosa River, Sandy contacted Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) to urgently investigate and take appropriate action where required and below updates the actions that emanated :
AMSA and MSQ conducted an on-water joint agency patrol on Friday 3rd January 2025. During the patrol AMSA observed non-compliance with four houseboats and has taken regulatory actions against the owner/s.
If a vessel is used in connection with any commercial, government or research activity, the vessel needs to meet the safety standards and requirements as set out under the national law regulations framework. These requirements will depend on the length of the vessel, type and area of operation of the vessel. This includes houseboats used for commercial purpose.
Vessel operators can find more information on AMSA’s certification requirements on our website: Vessels & operators | Australian Maritime Safety Authority
Anyone who needs more information on AMSA related certifications and training can also call the general enquiry line 1800 627 484 (inside Australia) and +61 2 6279 5000(outside Australia) or email amsaconncect@amsa.gov.au
We have been assured that AMSA is committed to taking action on substantiated breaches of the National Law, specifically if recreational vessels are found to be operating commercially. MSQ have also advised our office that they are continuing to work to address liveaboard issues in response to resident concerns.
Further information
To report to AMSA a related concern to above and/or future violations you witness, please visit www.amsa.gov.au/forms/report-marine-safety-concern.
For matters that fall under the responsibility of MSQ, report via email to sunshinecoast.maritime@msq.qld.gov.au.
To inform our ongoing advocacy regarding this or any state related matters, please email Sandy 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.