As per previous updates, the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) has had discussions with Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) about doing consultation on a proposal to permanently reduce speed limits on Noosa River to 6 knots.

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) is now seeking public feedback on this proposal to reduce speed limits on the Noosa River’s busy downstream reaches. The permanent, six-knot zone limit is proposed from Thomas Street to the mouth of the river.

In past years, a temporary, six-knot speed limit has been set during peak holiday times from Weyba Creek to the river mouth which improved safety. The new proposal will make this permanent and extend the six-knot zone upstream to the Thomas Street boat ramp. This is a distance of approximately 1.8 nautical miles (3.3 km) and will apply to all vessels. The proposed 6-knot speed limit area can be found on the map below. The lower reach of the Noosa River is currently subject to a gazetted 20 knot speed limit. During the Christmas and Easter holiday periods a seasonal 6 knot speed limit applies. The Noosa River seasonal 6 knot speed limit applies to an area between the port lateral mark adjacent to the intersection of Weyba Road and Gympie Terrace, and the river mouth. The proposal would permanently apply the current seasonal 6 knot speed limit and extend the area approximately 600m upstream.

Consultation will run until 31 March 2022. Maritime Safety Queensland has also written to key stakeholders seeking feedback on the proposal and temporary signage advising of the consultation will be placed at boat ramps and other key locations to alert members of the public of the proposal. To have your say answer the following questions from you or your organisation’s point of view:

  1. Do you agree with the proposed 6 knot zone being gazetted on the Noosa River (see the map at the bottom of the page);
  2. If not, please advise your reason(s) why
  3. If not, please advise an alternate option that may be considered;
  4. If yes, please advise your reason(s) why;
  5. In the interests of safety of persons and vessels on the Noosa River, do you think that this proposal is the most appropriate;
  6. If not, please state your reason(s);
  7. Please advise any other considerations you think may be appropriate.

At the end of the consultation period, the responses will be evaluated to determine if the speed limits changes will be implemented at this time.

Please send your replies to the following e/mail address: Department of Transport and Main Roads MSQNoosa@tmr.qld.gov.au

Should you wish to mail in your response, please mail to the following address: Maritime Safety Queensland PO Box 1094 Mooloolaba QLD 4557