By Margaret Maccoll
A group of houseboats moored on the beach near Hilton Esplanade at Tewantin has copped a battering after questions were asked about their extended stay on the prime site.
Former Mayor Bob Abbot said he just wanted to know why it was happening when he asked the question on social media but hadn’t expected the site to be inundated with comments.
Mr Abbot said it was disappointing to see the area so close to the Noosa Marina looking like a boat repair yard.
“You drive over the bridge and it’s there,” he said.
“It’s such a mess. I understand there’s quite a bit of legislation and regulation but it’s getting worse and worse rather than better.”
Mr Abbot said the beach was being degraded and you could see work being done there.
“There’s quite a number of boats on the riverbank being repaired. Some are being repaired and others are in disrepair.
“I don’t think it’s ever been like this before.”
A resident who has lived near the boats for the past two years said some boats had been there ever since he arrived and the number of them had increased over that time.
The resident said he didn’t mind the boats being moored out of sight beside the mangroves but ones located in front of beach areas prevented families from enjoying the area and swimming.
“What annoys me is they don’t leave,” he said.
He said many sat empty, some were used occasionally and only a few seemed to have regular occupants. The man said he knew there was a dump site at the marina but did not know if the moored boats made use of it for the removal of effluent and that concerned him.
One boat owner who didn’t want to discuss the situation, said his boat was being renovated.
He said the moorings had been visited by council officers and MSQ officers since comments appeared on social media.
Maritime Safety Queensland general manager Angus Mitchell said MSQ was aware of the vessels and houseboats moored in Noosa River including those near Hilton Esplanade.
“Our Noosa River marine officers conduct inspections, audits and enforcement activities to ensure compliance with ship-sourced pollution and marine safety laws,” he said.
“MSQ is also working closely with Noosa Shire Council to investigate options to address waterways management matters including requirements around living aboard a vessel, anchoring, mooring and vessels aground.”
Mr Mitchell said community consultation and engagement would be sought on potential options in the coming months.
