Calls for speeds in the river to be lowered and the identification of inconsistencies in limits has led the Noosa River Stakeholder Advisory Committee (NRSAC) to review vessel speeds and prepare recommendations for Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ).
The committee will also review plans by Council and MSQ to crack down on unapproved structures and unlawful vessels in the Frying Pan area of the river.
Both topics were discussed at the committee’s latest meeting that was chaired by MSQ assistant regional harbour master Jonathan Beatty and Noosa Council chief executive officer Brett de Chastel.
Spokesman Nick Hluszko said there were a few inconsistencies between sign-posted speed limits and actual gazetted speed limits.
“It’s important this is resolved to provide clarity for river users and to ensure the speed limits can be confidently enforced,” he said.
“There are also growing calls from residents and river users for the lower speed limits in place during the Christmas holidays to apply all year round in some parts of the river to make it safer for all users in the wake of increasing traffic on the water.”
With Council and MSQ about to embark on a project to rid the Frying Pan area of unapproved structures as well as unregistered and unseaworthy vessels, the committee will review project plans and provide technical expertise on site rehabilitation.
“With more than eight recognised stakeholder groups represented, the committee has a wealth of knowledge to offer the agencies involved in the clean-up and rehabilitation,” Mr Hluszko said.
The agencies involved have notified residents and boat owners that unlawful structures and vessels will be removed, and rehabilitation of damaged mangroves will begin.
Council is working collaboratively with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Boating and Fisheries Patrol and MSQ to plan and co-ordinate the clean-up effort.
Mr Hluszko said the committee looked forward to working with MSQ over the next 18 months as it reviews anchoring rules for the river, which the community will be consulted on.
