Noosa 360

Throughout the three-year journey of MSQ’s Noosa River Management Plan, MSQ have worked to assist vulnerable liveaboard residents, with our office calling on the Minister for Transport and Main Roads for temporary/transitional storage sites, financial assistance for vessel relocation and priority mooring allocation for long-term residents impacted.  

 With no positive ministerial response so far, the effect on these residents remains foremost to myself and my office as are all who are at risk of homelessness or currently sleeping in cars, and we are presently waiting on a response to our latest Question on Notice.  

 With MSQ not an agency that provides housing solutions themselves, they continue to connect anyone needing assistance with the appropriate support agencies whilst allowing some flexibility for vessel owners as they work towards voluntary compliance. Housing supports are not immediate and have eligibility criterion, waitlists and priority triaging of applications with the availability of immediate housing solutions problematic as we have raised for over seven years to governments. Our housing advocacy for Noosa has been extensive and ongoing, with updates available at https://sandybolton.com/?s=housing   

 As we have requested previously, it is important for vessel owners experiencing hardship with concerns or difficulties not already discussed with MSQ to call them as soon as possible on 5373 2310 as well inform our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au  

 Further to our last update in April, Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) have responded to questions from residents as to why non-compliant boats are not being removed from the river faster, with their response below in italics: 

MSQ acknowledges community concerns regarding the continued presence of vessels on the river and the perception that progress has been limited. 

 MSQ is actively progressing the Noosa River Management Plan through a dedicated compliance and vessel management campaign focused on improving navigational safety, environmental outcomes and community amenity. This campaign includes ongoing education, engagement, compliance monitoring and enforcement activities. 

Since the introduction of the anchoring restrictions, vessel numbers within the Noosa River have reduced to almost half of those recorded when the restrictions commenced. While vessels may remain visible in some locations, the overall trend demonstrates significant progress and I can assure you that MSQ continues to undertake inspections, engage with vessel owners and take enforcement action where appropriate. MSQ continues to work with vessel owners, including considering hardship circumstances on a case-by-case basis, while progressing compliance and enforcement activities where necessary. These processes can be complex and time-consuming and are not always immediately visible to river users. 

 MSQ remains committed to delivering the outcomes of the Noosa River Management Plan in a consistent, impartial and evidence-based manner.  

 Resident comments have been noted and will be considered alongside ongoing operational activities within the Noosa River area. Anyone wishing to discuss concerns further, are welcome to contact the MSQ team directly by phone on (07) 5373 2310 or visit the office at Noosa Marina. MSQ values community feedback and remains available to discuss matters relating to the management of the Noosa River. 

Further information 

For all updates regarding the Noosa River visit https://www.sandybolton.com/?s=noosa+river  

To read the full Noosa River Management Plan: www.msq.qld.gov.au/about-us/news-and-stories/changes-for-boating-on-noosa-river 

For all updates regarding housing visit https://sandybolton.com/?s=housing 

 For direct advocacy regarding the Noosa River Management Plan, contact the Minister for Transport and Main Roads via: transportandmainroads@ministerial.qld.gov.au.  

For direct advocacy regarding housing, contact the Minister for Housing via: housing@ministerial.qld.gov.au 

Please cc our office via noosa@parliament.qld.gov.au and forward any response you receive.