As mentioned in our May 2024 Noosa 360 update, with a ‘no anchoring zone’ 60m from the southern shoreline that commenced on 15 July,  there is currently a trial exemption for vessels under 5m to access shops, services or to engage in recreational activities.

Following concerns and confusion sent to our office from river users regarding signage and around the trial exemption, Sandy has provided the feedback to Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) and would like to thank those who contacted our office in efforts to ‘iron out’ both confusion and some anomalies.

Even though we have been assured by MSQ that the new rules are targeting those who have been doing the ‘wrong thing’ and ‘parking up’ permanently in these zones and not genuine river users who are engaging in recreational activities or to access shops and services, we understand the concerns within the boating community.

MSQ have also advised that education, empathy and communication with the community is a priority, as well as assisting vulnerable residents. As mentioned in our June 2024 Noosa 360 update, for our liveaboard residents, although it’s never been lawful to live onboard without approval, it was a priority for Sandy to ensure that no one would be put at risk of homelessness through rollout of enforcement and has been assured that for anyone that has been identified as vulnerable, supports are being provided.

Our requests on behalf of residents over the last month have included for an analysis of existing registered mooring areas and for the results from MSQ’s consultation, clarification around additional hitching options (currently temporary mooring rings are located on the Tewantin public jetty) and transit zones. In the meantime, the following has been provided recently by MSQ:

Vessels over 5 metres may still access the shoreline to set down and pick up passengers but are not permitted to anchor or ground.

Vessels utilising public or private jetties are unaffected by the restriction.

Vessels using a local business’s pontoon or jetty will be unaffected.

72% of vessels registered in Queensland are 5m or less. 

Many of the vessels over 5m are equipped with a tender which is under 5m, so will continue to have unrestricted access.

MSQ intends to take a common sense approach, and will take due consideration of the reasons for any vessel over 5m which is in the area, but temporarily left at anchor or grounded – for example:

  • Vessels temporarily left on the queuing beach adjacent to the boat ramp while the owner parks their vehicle.  
  • Vessels temporarily pulled up on the shoreline while the owner accesses a nearby shop, or park areas, and are immediately able to return and take control of their vessel.

The new arrangements have been introduced because the southern shore of the Noosa River is a congested, high mixed-use area. Vessels at anchor or grounded restrict water access for other users, are a safety hazard that impacts other water users (such as kayaks and SUP boards), and impacts sightlines and public access – ultimately adding to crowding and amenity impacts.

To be clear, the intentions of the new restrictions are to address vessels that are left for long periods of time and/ or abandoned.

In summary, the new no anchoring areas are aimed at balancing a reduction in the density of traffic and navigation risks to all waterway users, including passive craft, whilst not limiting vessel access, business operators and recognising the shared value of the waterway for all users.

Legislation

In response to questions relating to legislation permitting these recent management changes, please read our update at www.sandybolton.com/noosa-river-management-legislation-regulations-update-july-2024

Clarification to other misunderstandings being expressed

On the claim being made that Sandy did not advocate enough in the NRSAC meetings, as Sandy’s and Mayor Clare’s roles were as ‘observers’, they were unable to have direct input into these discussions or into recommendations which we believe were sent directly from NRSAC to MSQ and were not listed in Councils Meeting Minutes. Sandy’s advocacy has been well documented outside these meetings on behalf of the community with updates available at www.sandybolton.com/?s=noosa+river. For a summary, please head to www.sandybolton.com/mp-media-the-whole-noosa-river-story-noosa-today-april-2024.

In addition, there has been inferences that Sandy was the ‘architect’ of Noosa Council’s Conservation Park concept, or is involved, which are incorrect. The reference being used is an election commitment from a 2017 campaign webpage regarding the community’s request for Noosa Council to have management of aspects of the Noosa River due to what they saw as mismanagement by State. This does not relate to a conservation park as can be seen below –

“The State government needs a good shake-up over its lack of attention to the hulks, waste disposal and other issues affecting the Noosa River. Noosa needs an effective and independent representative – a proven negotiator – who can work to ensure the environmental integrity of the river by transferring it to community management, whether through a trust, Noosa Council or some other local entity.”

This obsolete commitment in 2017 was a result of the outcomes from Noosa Council’s ‘Community Jury’ following years of resident frustration. As mentioned in our January 2019 Noosa 360 update, the recommendation from the Community Jury (December 2015) was for some management of the river to be transferred from the State Government to the community, through Noosa Council. This management included anchoring, mooring and living on board vessels.

As has been reported multiple times, Sandy met to discuss this with the then Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey MP, who acknowledged the need for the State Government to do better, committing to working with Sandy and the Noosa community to address the issues to avoid a transfer to Noosa Council and associated costs to ratepayers. Sandy has never had a policy or commitment regarding a Conservation Park, nor been involved and the 2017 statement above is missing vital context provided here. As always, we are just a phone call away for any questions on any matter via 53193100 or noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au

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 or msqnoosa@tmr.qld.gov.au. Sandy will continue to post information to www.sandybolton.com/noosa360 or for anyone wanting an individual response, please email us 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.