A group of recreational boaties and fishermen say no to the proposed Maritime Safety Queensland’s (MSQ) proposal to create a permanent six knot zone from the Noosaville boat ramp to the river mouth.
Noosa Boating Fishing Alliance is gaining momentum and, in just three weeks, has grown to over 500 members with 1425 signatures on the Oppose Noosa 6 kt Limit e-petition.
Their objective is to stop or amend the proposed permanent speed limit reduction in the river.
Noosa Boating Fishing Alliance representative Andrew McCarthy says the group is committed to a safe Noosa river with balanced rules for all.
“MSQ has stated this proposal focuses on safety and is concerned with increased river traffic,” he said.
“Their safety concerns are how different types of watercraft, swimmers, and powerboats interact in three tight areas in the lower river.
“This move will stop large numbers of regular river users enjoying the river safely the way they chose to.
“Slowing boats heading to the river mouth at 6am is not a safety issue when the river is quiet. The same can be said for late afternoons, evenings and many-core daylight hours in the offseason.”
The Noosa Boating and Fishing Alliance state that outside core daylight hours during peak holiday periods (8am – 4pm), the river is quiet.
Mr McCarthy said, “It should be said that 20 knots is equivalent to 37kph, which is slower than the reduced speed limit at school zones.”
The NBFA supports a compromise to the existing proposal – timed six knot zones in two of the lower river narrow sections.
Cr Amelia Lorentson has presented the ‘Oppose 6 Knots petition’ to the Noosa Council General meeting on 17 March, and in a small win for the NBFA, MSQ has extended the public feedback period to 31 March, 2022.
If you would like to support the opposition or amendment to this proposal, attend the ‘No to 6 Knots’ rally on Sunday 27 March from 2pm at Tackle World Noosa.
