Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) has again today reminded owners of vessels over five metres in length that, as of 1 January 2026, anchoring in the Noosa River and adjoining waters is permitted for no more than 28 days per financial year.
The anchoring changes apply to the Noosa River and all waterways and tributaries within the river system. These include Noosa Sound, Lake Weyba, Lake Doonella, Lake Cooroibah, Lake Cootharaba, the Noosa River Everglades and connected creeks.
Introduction of the 28-day restriction is the final stage in a rollout program for the Noosa River Management Plan that commenced in September 2023.
Once vessels have reached the 28-day limit they must not return to anchor until the following financial year. Long-term on-water storage of vessels at anchor is no longer
permitted.
Those wishing to stay within the river system longer than 28 days should explore options to use commercial and private pontoons and jetties.
Vessels on Maritime Safety Queensland registered moorings will not be affected. The number of moorings will not be increased above the current limit of 119.
MSQ compliance officers are working with the boating community to inform and educate them of the anchoring changes and will soon move to an enforcement phase.
The Management Plan was developed after extensive community consultation and aims to ensure safe, fair and environmentally responsible use of the Noosa River and adjoining
waterways.
Since implementation of the Management Plan commenced in September 2023, around 110 vessels have moved out of the new “no anchoring” zones along the southern foreshore, Woods Bay, Little Woods Bay, Noosa Sound and the northern shoreline of the Noosa River.
According to MSQ, the completed Noosa River Management Plan delivers on MSQ’s long-term goals to improve navigational safety and fair access for all waterway users and protect the environment and preserve the river’s natural ecosystems.
