Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have provided the below information in italics on the implementation of the next stages of the Noosa River Management Plan as previously reported, based on community consultation and recommendations from the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) will introduce restrictions on anchoring in downstream areas of the Noosa River for vessels over 5 metres in length, as the next stages of the Noosa River Management Plan.

The restrictions will extend those already implemented for the busy southern shore of the river to now include:

  • Woods Bay and Dog Beach areas (from 24 February)
  • Little Woods Bay (from 24 March).

Exemptions for vessels between 5 and 7.5 metres will apply on a trial basis.

These exemptions allow vessels between 5 metres and 7.5 metres to anchor for up to two hours per day to access shops, services or engage in recreational activities, provided they do so safely.

People are reminded that living on board vessels (temporarily, intermittently or permanently) downstream of Munna Point is prohibited.

The changes mark the next phase in MSQ’s roll-out of its Noosa River Management Plan to improve safety and environmental outcomes on the river.

Based on “lessons learnt” and community feedback to date, MSQ has extended the timeline for the roll out of the plan to be completed by September/ October 2025, to ensure appropriate engagement during the roll-out.

In accordance with MSQ’s implementation of a staged Noosa River Management Plan, further restrictions on anchoring on the Noosa River north shore and 28-day anchoring restrictions will be subject to announcements in April.

MSQ remains fully committed to implementing these improvements to the management of the Noosa River to facilitate safety, access and amenity of the river for the enjoyment of the community.

More information on the restrictions and how they will apply can be found on MSQ’s website and on Map S18-65, below.

Sandy’s advocacy in response to community feedback during the commencement of the no anchoring area for vessels over five metres within sixty metres of the southern shore of Noosa River from Noosa Sound to the entrance to Lake Doonella, led to MSQ announcing a trial for vessels between five and seven-point five meters to anchor on or near the shoreline for up to two hours a day, as long as they anchor safely and responsibly. With the extension of no anchoring zones to the Woods Bay, the Dog Beach, and the Little Woods Bay, it is good to see that MSQ will continue to respond to community feedback during this trial and is expanding to these areas.

Sandy is continuing to work with MSQ during the implementation of the next stages of the Noosa River Management Plan and will continue to update regarding. She encourages residents to provide any feedback to both MSQ and our office, with contact information below.

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.