Maritime Safety Queensland’s War on Wrecks campaign reached halfway point with the recent removal of the derelict houseboat Vincent from the Noosa River and the scheduling of a forum.
This was one of more than 609 removals state-wide since the four-year $20 million program began.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said the 9.6 metre, rusting steel and timber vessel was slowly deteriorating on the seabed off Goat Island, creating a significant navigational and environmental hazard.
“The removal and clean-up was undertaken by a local contractor at a cost of over $22,000 supporting four jobs at a time when work is most needed,“Mr Mitchell said.
“A second vessel of concern was removed from the Noosa River by the owner as part of the War on Wrecks program.“
Maritime Safety Queensland has identified five more derelicts in the Sunshine Coast region and is carefully monitoring another five vessels in danger of becoming derelict.
“It is always the owner’s responsibility to remove or repair unseaworthy vessels,“ he said.
“Where they fail to meet their requirements Maritime Safety Queensland can take action to remove vessels and seek to recover costs through the court.“
The War on Wrecks Taskforce is investigating the reasons for vessel abandonment and will conduct a community forum in Noosa on Saturday 22 August from 10:30am to 12pm at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas.
The free forum will be held to discuss the progress of the program and next steps forward including what can be done in licencing and registration to encourage responsible boat ownership.
To find out more, or register for the forum, go to www.msq.qld.gov.au/waronwrecks or search ‘War on Wrecks’.
If you know the location of an unseaworthy vessel that is a danger to navigation, a threat to the marine environment or public safety email WaronWrecks@msq.qld.gov.au
