Noosa Council welcomes state’s promised Noosa River reforms

Noosa Council has welcomed the suite of Noosa River reforms the state government announced on Friday, including a commitment to remove derelict and abandoned vessels from the river, and the establishment of new ‘no-anchoring’ zones. 

Council has welcomed Noosa River reforms announced by the state government.

“Reforms to improve the river are long awaited, with safety, congestion and pollution of the river major concerns for our community,” Mayor Frank Wilkie said.

Cr Wilkie congratulated the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) for its work developing the recommendations that underpin the announced reforms.

“Co-chaired by Council and MSQ, the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee brought together a wide range of river stakeholders,” he said.

“With varied interests in the river they found common ground and put forward well-considered recommendations that now form the basis for the reforms, which we’re pleased to welcome today.”

Mayor Wilkie said reforms stood to help improve the health and condition of Noosa River.

“The introduction of the six-knot speed limit in key areas late last year was a positive first step by the state to address safety.

“Council is keen to see all of the NRSAC recommendations implemented, which makes Friday’s announcement by Minister Mellish welcome news.

“We trust that the minister will ensure MSQ is sufficiently resourced to deliver and police the reforms, including removal of derelict and abandoned houseboats if owners either cannot be found or do not act on orders to remove them.”

The Mayor said Council supported the promised introduction of ‘no-anchoring’ areas in congested parts of the river, and no-anchoring for unoccupied vessels over five metres.

“The 28-day anchoring restriction the state has announced for Noosa waterways is also a welcome commitment, providing it is enforced,” he said.

“Our community has waited a long time to see the state take any significant action to address the list of congestion, safety and pollution issues facing Noosa River – one of the busiest in Queensland - so we look forward to seeing the government deliver on all of these commitments in the timeframe promised.”

Council and MSQ established the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee to provide strategic input, local knowledge, and expertise on river management activities.

With representatives from tourism, commercial fishing, boating, and environment sectors, the committee completed its work in March last year, having presented its recommendations to MSQ aimed at improving management of the river.